Realtor.com® Data Shows the "Pool Premium" Is More Than a Pandemic Trend
- Homes with pools show higher appreciation (+44.3%) compared to those without (+42.0%) since 2019
- Pool homes command higher price per square foot ($247 vs $204 for non-pool homes)
- Record-high share of listings with pools at 24.4% indicates strong market demand
- Pool homes are typically larger, averaging 600 square feet more than non-pool homes
- Pool premium has declined from 61% in January 2022 to 54% in April 2025
- Market shift to buyer-friendly conditions may further pressure pool premiums
- Sellers need to be cautious about overpricing based solely on pool presence
Insights
Realtor.com data shows pools still command 54% price premium; market evolving from pandemic peak but pool listings reach all-time high.
This latest Realtor.com analysis presents valuable insights into the persisting "pool premium" in the housing market. While the extreme premium observed during the pandemic has moderated, homes with pools still command a
The data reveals fascinating market dynamics: the typical pool home in April 2025 listed at
Particularly noteworthy is that pool listings have reached an all-time high of
The geographic distribution is telling - warm-climate markets dominate pool prevalence, with Miami leading at
This data has significant implications for property valuation models and market segmentation strategies. The sustained premium indicates pools remain a distinctive asset class within residential real estate, with pricing dynamics that extend beyond the initial pandemic-driven demand spike.
The typical home with a pool in April 2025 was priced at
As of April 2025, the price premium for a home with a pool stands at 54%, and the share of listings with pools reached an all-time high of
"During the pandemic, people were looking for ways to get more enjoyment out of their homes, and this surge in demand for features like pools, translated into a substantial 'pool premium,' where homes featuring a pool commanded significantly higher asking prices compared to their pool-less counterparts," said Hannah Jones, senior economic research analyst, Realtor.com®. "This trend peaked in January 2022, and although price premiums have normalized, the presence of a pool continues to drive a premium and be a popular item to include in listings as a home or community feature."
Do Pools Drive Higher Listing Prices?
Both homes with and without pools have seen substantial price increases since 2019. In 2019, the typical listing price for a home with a pool was
Some of this trend may be attributed to the fact that homes with pools are generally larger than those without. Currently, the typical for-sale home with a pool is about
While prices have climbed across the board, the price gap between homes with and without pools, in percentage terms, has narrowed from its pandemic highs. According to
The shift in market dynamics from a hyper-competitive seller's market in 2022 to a more buyer-friendly environment in 2025 is a crucial factor influencing the pool premium. In 2022, buyers were often willing to pay a premium for desirable amenities in a market characterized by limited inventory and intense competition. Today, with more options available, buyers are likely to be more discerning and less willing to pay as much of a premium for a home with a pool. Consequently, sellers are adjusting their pricing expectations for homes with this feature.
Where Are Pools Most Common?
Pools tend to be most popular in hot climates like the South and the West, where inventory levels have picked up more significantly than in their cooler counterparts, which could be driving the share of listings with a pool higher, as well.
This year,
Metros With Highest Share of Homes with Pool Listings in | Percent |
61.8 % | |
58.4 % | |
55.3 % | |
51.9 % | |
47.6 % | |
43.1 % | |
41.0 % | |
38.8 % | |
37.7 % | |
36.0 % |
Metros with Biggest Increase in Share of Pool | % in 2019 | % in 2025 | Vs 2019 |
16.2 % | 43.1 % | +26.9 % | |
20.5 % | 38.8 % | +18.3 % | |
7.2 % | 25.5 % | +18.3 % | |
1.7 % | 16.4 % | +14.7 % | |
49.5 % | 61.8 % | +12.3 % | |
26.3 % | 35.9 % | +9.6 % | |
15.9 % | 24.9 % | +9.0 % | |
8.5 % | 17.0 % | +8.5 % | |
50.0 % | 58.4 % | +8.4 % | |
5.0 % | 12.7 % | +7.7 % |
2025 and Beyond - Pools Remain an Asset, But Strategic Pricing is Key
While the extraordinary price premiums associated with swimming pools during the pandemic have softened, pools continue to be a valuable asset in the housing market. Homes with pools still command a significant price advantage over those without, both in absolute terms and on a price-per-square-foot basis.
"Sellers should be mindful of the evolving market dynamics and avoid overpricing their properties based solely on the presence of a pool," said
Methodology
This analysis is based on Realtor.com® listing data for homes that indicate a swimming pool versus homes that do not.
About Realtor.com®
Realtor.com® pioneered online real estate and has been at the forefront for over 25 years, connecting buyers, sellers, and renters with trusted insights, professional guidance and powerful tools to help them find their perfect home. Recognized as the No. 1 site trusted by real estate professionals, Realtor.com® is a valued partner, delivering consumer connections and a robust suite of marketing tools to support business growth. Realtor.com® is operated by News Corp [Nasdaq: NWS, NWSA] [ASX: NWS, NWSLV] subsidiary Move, Inc.
Media contact: Mallory Micetich, press@realtor.com
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/realtorcom-data-shows-the-pool-premium-is-more-than-a-pandemic-trend-302461038.html
SOURCE Realtor.com
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