When the weather is sweltering, and the heat won’t let up, many people fantasize about having a cool, crisp pool in their backyard. A pool can be a great source of fun, a new way to exercise and attract and impress house guests.
Best of all, it lets you fend off those sweat-inducing summer days better than a popsicle or lemonade ever could. Only one question remains: Does a pool add value to your house in the long run?
The answer here will be different for everyone. The following factors can help you decide whether installing a pool will benefit your property or inhibit its price and selling potential.
If you plan to move, it’s often better to search for homes with pools for sale rather than installing one from scratch. You are sure to find incredible opportunities here in our featured listings.
Do Pools Increase Home Value?
Whether pools add value when selling your home depends primarily on the buyer. Demand is dictated based on their personal tastes. If you’re selling in a prestigious neighbourhood, a swimming pool can add a luxurious touch.
This is doubly true when showing your home in the middle of a heat wave. Many buyers will immediately imagine themselves diving into the cool, refreshing water. In this case, the pool can represent incredible value.
On the other hand, Canadian summers tend to be short, and a buyer may not see the appeal in the dead of winter. Before placing an offer, they may start Googling, “how much is pool insurance per month” and “how much does it cost to maintain a pool in Ontario?”
In the end, many would-be buyers might worry that a pool will be expensive and time-consuming. Everyone has different priorities. Some will see it as an asset well worth paying a premium for. Others will see it as a nuisance and vow to never buy a house with a pool.
Presentation is everything when selling your house! The posts below will help you create a positive first impression:
- Worth It or Not? What Renovations Really Help When Selling Your Home
- How to Prepare Your Home for a First-Time Buyer
- Minor Upgrades, Maximum Results
Is Your Backyard Large Enough to Accommodate a Pool?
When deciding whether or not to get a pool, think of how buyers will perceive the outdoor space. They want to be able to sit on a patio, do some backyard gardening or have enough room for a shed. There are all kinds of possibilities that this extra space can provide. The right arrangement can make your property appear more versatile.
If your backyard still has space after a pool installation, this bodes well for your property. On the other hand, a pool that completely dominates the yard might be a minus.
Consider the Local Climate
Consider how long your pool will be a viable asset throughout the year. Remember that most people can only get four or five months of use out of your pool before the weather cools down.
A backyard in a bright, sheltered area with plenty of sun and little wind might extend the pool season, especially with an efficient heating system. The more use a potential buyer can get out of the pool, the more value it will have from a buyer’s perspective.
Do you want even more tips for a successful home sale? The posts below will keep you on the right track:
- Selling Your House in Hamilton? Here’s How to Make the Most of It
- 8 Important Things to Remember When Selling Your Home
- Why Home Sellers Need to Think More Like Buyers
Is It Harder to Sell a House With a Pool?
On paper, the right pool addition could add monetary value to your home, but it could just as easily drive buyers away. Depending on your location and what buyers are looking for, adding a pool might actually make your house harder to sell.
There are several other factors to consider. A pool that stands out like a sore thumb in your backyard, or even your neighbourhood as a whole, can be detrimental to your property’s value. However, if the pool blends well with your property and looks stunning, the opposite could be said.
Keep in mind that pool maintenance plays a large role in overall appeal. You don’t want buyers to start worrying about how long pool liners last. If they start to imagine swimming in an algae-ridden pool, it’s likely an automatic dealbreaker.
Lastly, installing a brand new pool is expensive. It can be a risky endeavour if you’re hoping to add enough value to your sale price to make the installation profitable.
The best time to add a pool may be when your home sale is a couple of years away. You can never go wrong when it’s for your own enjoyment. If your investment increases your home’s value later on when it’s time to sell, that’s an added bonus.
Are you wondering what other home improvements can increase the value of your home? Our top agents in Hamilton & Burlington are happy to talk strategy. Reach out today with any questions you have, or call 905-332-9223 to connect with our office.
