The recent surge in temperatures will have many buyers thinking anew about properties with swimming pools. Why endure a stressful car journey to the beach, when you can cool off and unwind at home?
But can swimming pools give listed homes an edge when it comes to landing a buyer? And what do buyers want when it comes to home with a pool?
Prestige Real Estate International agent Greg Burgess says when it comes to pools, the deal-breaker is location.
“It has to be facing north or west and be on the sunny side so you can sit down, have a beer and enjoy the pool,” he says.
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Outdoor pools can also be an issue for families with small children or older couples. “Young parents need a good indoor-outdoor flow where babies can run and a retired couple would rather have a garden and plants instead of the pool,” Burgess says.
Top end of the market agent Ross Hawkins, who has newly joined Ray White Epsom, says baby boomers looking to downsize often seek out apartment blocks that have swimming pools - with pool maintenance covered by the body corporate.
“We are finding that multi-unit developments or apartment developments that have a common area swimming pool suits the older generation,” he says.
The right style and location of the pool can add dollars to the value of your property.
Hawkins says the type of pool is important when trying to attract buyer groups, with infinity and spa pools in high demand.
“The cost of constructing a swimming pool has gone up - like any construction cost - and if the house already has a pool, even if it’s a bit outdated, redoing tiling, plastering and modernising it will be a lot cheaper than making it from scratch,” he says.
Harcourts agent Julie Shand says she has a lot of families with children interested in the property she’s marketing which has an outdoor pool.
11 Maritime Terrace, is a five-bed restored 19th century villa in Auckland's Birkenhead and has sale price of $3.75m.
“They are wanting it for entertainment for when their kids’ friends and their parent come around. It’s a good way to keep kids off the streets and have nothing to worry about,” she says
Pools are the future for avid swimmers, she says.
“Let’s be honest. The way Auckland beaches are going at the moment, there’s only a few left where you can actually swim.”
Dive in: Three of the best cooling properties
1. Old school with new pool: 11 Maritime Terrace, Birkenhead, Auckland
This Birkenhed villa has a large outdoor pool fenced off from the residence which makes it safe for toddlers to explore the outdoors.
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2. Double dip: 17 Clifton Road, Herne Bay, Auckland
The northeast-facing pool is perfect for outdoor parties as has easy access from the guest house and a slide-door away from the main family home.
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3. Infinity and beyond: 5a Darwin Lane, Remuera, Auckland
A heated infinity pool and a stand-alone shower next to it means you can enjoy the water at any time of the year.
