Homes with pools in their backyards are rather unique across many parts of the country. Of course, here in Florida they are particularly more common. In fact, in some South Florida metro areas approximately 70% or more of the homes offer pools. Ever since the start of the pandemic, homes with swimming pools have become even more popular. As more Americans are looking to stay home and enjoy local outdoor activities, many have turned to swimming pools to fulfill this need.
Recently, a study by Porch.com analyzed the value added to a home when there is a swimming pool. As expected, homes with pools have a higher value than homes that do not have a pool. According to this study, homes with pools were worth approximately 47% more than homes without a pool. Of course, pools tend to be more common in more expensive neighborhoods to begin with. Furthermore, the premium added to a property for having a pool differs depending on the location. For example, a home with a pool in New York tends to cost up to six times the price of an average home without a pool in the area. In a state such as Florida where pools are considerably more common, the difference in value is not so dramatic.
Top 10 cities with pool homes
- Boca Raton, FL: 74% of homes have a pool
- Miami, FL: 70%
- Fort Lauderdale, FL: 69%
- Hollywood, FL: 67%
- Pompano Beach, FL: 67%
- Sunrise, FL: 66%
- Irvine, CA.: 65%
- Davie, FL: 63%
- Mission Viejo, CA.: 62%
- Clearwater, FL: 62%
Highest pool premiums
According to this study, homes in the following cities had the highest premiums added to their value if they had a pool:
- New York, NY (548% pool premium)
- Youngstown, OH (458%)
- Columbus, GA (446%)
- Birmingham, AL (437%)
- Jackson, MS (413%)
- San Angelo, TX (358%)
- Atlanta, GA (328%)
- Dayton, OH (327%)
- Los Angeles, CA (305%)
- Monroe, LA (302%)
Lowest pool premiums
Conversely, the following cities had the lowest premiums added to their value if they had a pool:
- Sunnyvale, CA (–54%)
- Eau Claire, WI (–51%)
- Santa Clara, CA (–36%)
- Bellingham, WA (–36%)
- Ontario, CA (–32%)
- Westminster, CA (–29.%)
- Huntington Beach, CA (–25%)
- Garden Grove, CA (–23%)
- Santa Ana, CA (–22%)
- Eugene, OR (–17%)
Summary
Not surprisingly, 8 of the top 10 cities with pool homes were located in Florida. Furthermore, Boca Raton, Miami, & Ft. Lauderdale claimed the top 3 spots, respectively. Given the tropical climate of The Sunshine State, swimming pools have always been in high demand in Florida. Since the start of the pandemic however, this demand has only increased. As more Americans look to stay at home and social distance, a swimming pool has been a great addition to any home. Add in the fact that the Florida climate allows for year round usage and it is obvious why there is such a high demand.
Are you looking to buy or sell a property in South Florida? Now more than ever, it is critical to have a qualified real estate team and the proper search tools behind you. At Live South Florida Realty, Inc., we have been a leader in the South Florida market for many years. Let our team of professionals assist you with buying or selling your piece of paradise today! In addition, our recently launched “Florida Home Search” app is now available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. With real-time MLS feeds, this app lets you set your own alerts to notify you as soon as a property meeting your needs hits the market. Furthermore, it will also let you know of recent closed sales in your area so that you may be even more educated on the market. Be sure to download this app for your smartphone or tablet today!
