The Great Sydney Pool Debate: Does a pool add more zeros to your property or drown you in maintenance?
A pool can be a fun way to enjoy Sydney’s heat. It’s also great for hosting family and friends during summer season. Houseowners now view pools as a key backyard feature with more open and greener space. This change comes as real estate trends shifts. Houseowners often wonder if removing a swimming pool will increase their property value.
Removing a large, old pool can increase or decrease your home’s value in Sydney. A high-maintenance, outdated pool can discourage buyers while removing it can create a more inviting backyard that attracts more buyers.
The decision of removing a pool in Sydney is often a debatable question for a buyer. Decision depends on certain factors: the size of the pool, its condition, nearby houses, and what the buyer prefers. Some buyers may prefer functional space instead of a swimming pool.
In this blog, you will learn the reasons why removing a pool might raise or lower property value in Sydney. Here is the breakdown of the factors that shows whether removing a pool adds value of your house in Sydney or not.
How Does Removing a Pool Increase My Property Value in Sydney?
Attracts More Buyers:
Potential buyers having young children and pets often avoid pools. They worry about maintenance, costs, and safety risks. Removing a pool and turning it into an open garden or play area can make your property more appealing to more buyers.
Smart Financial Tip:
A well-kept pool in a luxury area can boost value, sometimes by $200,000 in Sydney, but a neglected pool can lower it instead. Removing a pool may be a strategic financial move if it is not well maintained.
Poor Condition/ Removal of Outdated Feature:
A pool older than 30 years or in poor condition raises concerns for buyers. It signals potential expenses for renovation and removal. Removing it can be more cost-effective and offer buyers a blank canvas where they can create a beautiful backyard, vegetable garden, and play area.
Maximised Usable Yard Space:
This is the biggest win. Removing a pool can boost your property’s appeal. It creates more space for a deck, a lawn, a garden, an outdoor entertaining area, or even a granny flat (huge investment potential in Sydney).
Eliminates a Liability:
Pools can raise insurance rates since insurers see them as a safety threat. Removal of pool makes it easier, and you do not need to worry about the liability and follow the rules.
Reduced Ownership Costs:
The cost of water, chemicals, electricity, and maintenance for a pool is high each year, especially during Sydney’s dry seasons. Removing the pool eliminates these costs so you can highlight the immediate and ongoing cost savings for many buyers.
Removes Safety/Compliance Headache:
In Sydney, strict pool rules like fencing and compliance certificates can scare off buyers with children or pets. They also affect those wanting to downsize. Removing a pool can drop this burden and be a significant selling point.
You don’t have to worry about the strict NSW pool safety regulations (like the Swimming Pools Act 1992) that requires:
- Registration on the NSW Swimming Pool Register
- Keeping a complaint child-proof safety barrier/fence in place (includes automatic gate – self closing and latching gate)
- The compulsory display of an authorised CPR sign
- Conducting inspections obtaining a Certificate of Compliance (compulsory when selling and renting out the property).
- Mandatory Council Inspections (which happens on a regular schedule in the Sydney).
Read More: Do You Need Council Approval to Remove a Pool in Sydney?
When Pool Removal Might Decrease Your Property Value in Sydney?
The negative effect on house value typically arises when the pool is considered as a basic or necessary features for the local market and its
Here are some factors that lowers property value when you remove swimming pool:
- A well-maintained pool can add luxury if you live in a luxurious home.
- The pool is in good condition and is installed less than 15 years ago.
- The pool equipment is modern and well-maintained
- If surrounding houses have pools.
- Attracts high-end buyers.
Key Consideration to Look for Pool Removal
You must ensure the removal of the pool will maximise your home’s value before you take the action. As you decide to remove the pool, consider these steps:
- Analyse the Upfront Cost: Removing a pool and backfilling it can be costly. Consider the cost, the possible increase in property value, and the immediate savings on maintenance.
- Expert Backfill and Compression: Correct removal of pool is crucial. If not done right, it can cause ground instability. This instability may damage future foundations or landscaping. A professional certified approach ensures the land’s safe use in the future.
- Proper Landscaping: Filling the hole isn’t enough. The site requires skilled landscaping. This will help it connect with the yard and create a functional area that fulfils buyer’s desire.
- Analyse Other Properties in the Area: Evaluate the local market. Removing a pool from your house where having a pool is prevalent can decrease the value of your house. In a suburban area where pools aren’t common, getting rid of a pool can increase property value.
- Know Your Target Market: In a family-friendly home, a pool can draw in many buyers. For someone downsizing, maintenance and safety issues can be a real concern.
Installation and Removal of Swimming Pool: Expenses
Installing a pool requires an investment and since you have invested in the pool, you may want to keep it. But if it no longer meets your needs, removing it could save money and free up space in your background.
Cost of removing a pool in Sydney typically ranges from $2500 to $ 15,000 for an in-ground pool and may vary according to its size and type. However, you can recover this cost and save money as removing a pool will cut maintenance costs, equipment expenses, and other related fees. Removing a pool is a one-time cost. It depends on the pool’s size, depth, and how easily machinery can access the site.
When should you remove the pool?
The decision of removing a pool is determined by a combination of financial, structural, and structural, and lifestyle factors.
You should consider removing a pool under the following conditions:
1. When the Pool Becomes a Major Financial Liability
One of the major drivers for pool removal in Sydney is financial liability. If your pool has significant cracks and needs major structural repairs, it might cost you $10,000 to $20,000. Removing it is cheaper than fixing it.
2. When the Pool Represent a Structural and Safety Risk
An outdated pool can create dangers that overshadows its advantages, especially in regions with reactive clay soils found in parts of Sydney. Also, worrying of children and pets falling in and following strict NSW safety rules, creates ongoing and significant stress.
3. When the Pool Lowers Property Value
You might consider removing the pool when it appears outdated, neglected and occupies most of the backyard. In neighbourhoods where buyers prioritise usable outdoor space (especially family-oriented areas), a pool that takes up a large portion of the yard can discourage many potential buyers.
Also Read: 10 Warning Signs it’s Time to Remove Your Swimming Pool in NSW
Timing: When is the Perfect Time to Remove the Pool Before Selling Your Property?
If you have decided to remove the pool to enhance the resale value, it should be done before you put the property on the market for sale. Consider the following factors if you are removing the pool before selling the property:
- Avoid listing the property with an empty pit, as it looks unappealing and raises immediate concerns for potential buyers.
- Aim to finish the entire removal process and landscaping 3-6 weeks before putting the property on the market, as it gives time to the new lawn to settle before keeping it on sale.
Read more:
Other Benefits of Swimming Pool Removal
Removing a swimming pool can boost your house’s value. Consider the added benefits that come with this choice. Here are some reasons why Sydney homeowners might consider removing their backyard swimming pools:
- Minimise liability concern
- More functional and greener yards
- Reduce maintenance costs
- Lower insurance premiums
- Reduce utility expenses; save money
Conclusion
Replacing an old and high-maintenance swimming pool with a usable new backyard will often boost your property’s value, attract wider buyers and result in a higher sale price in Sydney.
Looking to remove a pool from your property in Sydney? Jam Pool Removal is your trusted team. We help add value and beauty to your backyard. Whether you are in Sydney or nearby, we have got you covered. Contact us to book a consultation and learn about the process, cost and our pool removal services.
