If you’re shopping for a new home, you’re far from alone if a pool tops your wish list. Recent data from Zonda’s October 2025 Homebuyer Outlook, which analyzes search activity on NewHomeSource.com, shows that more than half of all amenity-related searches now include pools—a dramatic jump from just 30 percent in early 2024.
At the same time, interest in other traditional perks has cooled. Searches for gated communities fell from 35 percent to 24 percent, while waterfront properties dropped from 15 percent to 4 percent. In a year marked by tight budgets and higher mortgage rates, buyers are choosing livability over luxury. A pool delivers everyday enjoyment, social connection, and fitness without adding to the home’s price tag.
“Pools represent an attainable lifestyle upgrade,” explains the report. “Buyers see them as a way to make the most of where they live—even if they’re buying less square footage.”
Across the country, this sentiment is reflected in search behavior. In Atlanta, interest in pools has more than doubled in the past year, while in Myrtle Beach, a staggering 71 percent of home shoppers specifically filtered for communities with pools. Even in markets where water features have always been common, like Sarasota, pool searches still outnumber all other amenities
Developers have taken notice. Many are rethinking neighborhood layouts to include resort-style pools, splash pads, and shaded cabanas. Builders say the investment often pays off: a shared pool can draw buyers who might otherwise look for larger homes or private backyards. It also brings communities together—something today’s shoppers increasingly crave.
For homebuyers, that means more options designed for everyday comfort rather than flash. Whether you’re a first-time buyer hoping for a family-friendly neighborhood or a downsizer who wants to relax without maintenance headaches, choosing a community with a pool may offer the perfect balance of affordability, wellness, and fun.
In 2025’s market, one thing is clear: when it comes to what buyers really want, life’s better poolside.
