The Premium for a Backyard Swimming Pool — Before and After Coronavirus

Deal Maker or Deal Breaker?

What is the premium (or discount) for a backyard swimming pool?

I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a single, reliable number.

That’s likely because a pool’s appeal is very much Buyer-specific — not to mention variable by price point and geographic region.

Minneapolis vs. Miami

So, for example, for a Twin Cities family with several small children, I can imagine a backyard pool being a negative if not a deal breaker, especially if it takes up the whole yard.

That’s because the pool represents a potential safety issue, and is really only usable a couple months a year (it IS Minnesota).

The rest of the time, it simply takes up valuable backyard space that could be used for playing frisbee, exercising pets, gardening, etc.

Now, imagine an upper bracket home in Miami without a pool.

Although that’s hardly my market, I can easily conceive that such a property would be a very tough sell indeed.

Effect(s) of Coronavirus Pandemic

Which leaves the effect of the Coronavirus pandemic.

While it’s still impossible to calculate a one-size-fits-all premium or discount for a swimming pool, I do think it’s possible to make two predictions:

One. Short Run. At least this Summer, when many people are contemplating staying close to (or at) home, and local beaches may have limited access, a private, backyard pool is a more desirable amenity.

In turn, that may make “For Sale” homes worth more and/or sell faster now.

Two. Long Run. Assuming that the pandemic lifts in the next 12-18 months, however, I don’t see a major change in how backyard swimming pools affect home values.

For stock market investors, it’s sort of like a company that reports a one-time windfall doesn’t suddenly command a significantly higher price.

Of course, having a backyard pool may increase a home’s rental value the next year or two . . .

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