For some homeowners, there is nothing more luxurious than basking in a hot tub. Warm temperatures and pressurized jets can target sore muscles. Couples can soak together on winter nights to enjoy the contrast between hot water and cold air.
However, hot tubs aren’t always considered an asset to the property. Even if some buyers are excited about the prospect of having one, they might not be willing to pay a significant amount to buy a house with an existing spa or jacuzzi.
Learn whether or not hot tubs add value to homes – and what you can do to market yours.
There are two types of hot tubs that can come with a house: in-ground and above-ground. An in-ground hot tub is a spa or jacuzzi that is built into a yard or patio. It is a permanent fixture that can’t easily be picked up or moved.
An above-ground hot tub (or free-standing hot tub) is typically placed in the yard or on the porch. Some homeowners build special structures for their above-ground hot tubs with stairs and benches. These porches make it easier to climb in and out of the spa, which is ideal for older homeowners who use the jets as a form of muscle relaxation and aqua-therapy.
The main difference between the two types of hot tubs is that an above-ground hot tub is typically considered personal property. The homeowner can choose to move with the hot tub if they so desire. This is no different from moving with a children’s swimming pool or packing up a dishwasher.
An Above-Ground Hot Tub is Not Part of the Appraisal
Because an above-ground hot tub is considered personal property, it isn’t included in most home appraisals. Appraisals are used for mortgage, insurance, and tax purposes, so a non-essential asset like a hot tub doesn’t need to be included. A home inspector likely won’t check to see if an above-ground hot tub works when they look at a house, especially if it isn’t open and hooked up at the time.
Even if the seller plans to leave the hot tub when they move, the next homeowner might not think of it as an asset. A buyer could have plans to sell the hot tub immediately as soon as they move in. Well-maintained free-standing hot tubs can sell for $1,000 or more in some areas even if they are used.
A Pool Can Increase the Value of an In-Ground Hot Tub
While a free-standing hot tub won’t increase the value of your home, an in-ground hot tub could potentially add value. As a whole, real estate experts find that a home with an in-ground hot tub has a higher value when it also has an in-ground pool. If there is only an in-ground hot tub, a homeowner might not see as much of an increase in value as they would hope. This leads some people to conclude that the pool itself holds value, rather than the hot tub.
The value to your home also only counts if both the pool and the hot tub are fully functioning. This also includes the pool pump, filter, heater, and any other accessory related to their use. If some aspect of your pool or hot tub is broken, then your buyer will see it as an extra cost to repair – potentially making your house not worth the asking price.
Home inspectors will check pools and in-ground hot tubs to make sure there aren’t leaks and the equipment works. If anything is broken, the buyer may request that you make repairs before they are willing to close on the property.
If you plan to market your pool and in-ground hot tub as a value-add to the property, make sure it works at its best before you list your home. This can eliminate any concerns buyers have about taking on a property with a pool.
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Market Your Hot Tub as an Asset
As a seller, you can only control so much of what buyers think about your home. The only thing you can do is position your property in the best light possible. You can start by making sure your hot tub is working correctly and sculpting your landscaping so the spa is presented in a clean and pleasant-looking manner.
Talk to your Realtor about whether or not you plan to move with your free-standing hot tub. If you are leaving the hot tub with the house (or if you have an in-ground hot tub) your agent should take time to photograph the spa with clear water and pumping jets. The backyard photographs can show where the spa is in relation to the house and how much yard space it takes up.
While some people might not want a hot tub, other buyers could be excited about owning a home with a spa in the background. Your goal is to attract these buyers.
Before you list your house, gather any relevant information about the hot tub and share it with your Realtor. You want them to easily answer questions related to water usage, electricity cost, general upkeep, and insurance. Buyers will ask about this and they might be distracted (or dissuaded) from the rest of your home if the buyer’s agent doesn’t have answers.
Both agents can work together to position the hot tub as an asset, rather than another appliance that buyers have to care for.
Hire a Realtor Who Knows How to Market Your Home
As a seller, you need to trust your Realtor to position your home in the best light possible. This includes marketing your free-standing or in-ground hot tub in a manner that appeals to buyers. At UpNest, we pair agents with home sellers. We can find the best Realtors who work for fair prices. Try our services today, you could get more for your house while saving money in the process.
Will a hot tub increase my home’s value?
Above-ground hot tubs are considered personal property. This means they are not considered add-ons to the value of the home. An in-ground hot tub or spa may add value to a home. However, the biggest value-add in a property is for a home that has both a pool and a hot tub.
Do sellers leave above-ground hot tubs when they move?
An above-ground hot tub is just like any other appliance. The seller can decide to bring it with them or leave it with the house. If you are interested in buying a house with a hot tub, confirm with your agent that the hot tub is staying with the home when the seller moves.
What are hot tubs used for?
Hot tubs are considered recreational appliances. People use them to relax after a long day or to facilitate social gatherings with friends. Some people may use hot tubs as aqua-therapy, especially for stiff joints and muscles. However, these appliances are not considered medical devices and are not usually considered essential for physical therapy.
Agents Compete, You Win.
Hire a Realtor to sell your house.
