Making a splash: Where to find Qld’s best homes with pools

Queenslanders are diving back into pool ownership after years of pandemic-driven caution, with listings of the coveted lifestyle amenity increasing.

After crashing to a seven-year low three years ago, new data shows swimming pools are once again flooding property listings as buyers prioritise lifestyle, outdoor living, and premium wellness amenities — with the Sunshine State dominating the national rankings.

Ray White Group analysis shows pools now feature in 70.5 listings per 1,000 nationwide — up from just 54 per 1,000 in late 2022 and approaching the pre-pandemic peak of 81 recorded in 2019.

The pool at 20 Lakeland Key, Broadbeach Waters, is as beautiful as the home itself.

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Queensland tops the nation for suburbs with the highest number of pool listings, led by Hope Island on the Gold Coast with 182 pool listings, accounting for 39 per cent of homes on the market.

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Helensvale follows with 142 listings at 35 per cent, Broadbeach Waters records 40 per cent of listings featuring pools, while Golden Beach–Pelican Waters leads for prevalence at 52 per cent, though from a smaller total listing base.

Ray White senior data analyst Atom Go Tian said the surge reflected a shift in buyer priorities back toward lifestyle and luxury.

The pool at the ‘Candy Shop mansion’ at 36 Rivercove Place, Helensvale, has had plenty of attention.

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“Before the pandemic, pools were a sign of confidence and aspiration,” Mr Tian said. “Between 2015 and 2019, pools rose from 66 to 81 per 1,000 listings as strong market conditions brought more premium properties to market. Buyers wanted lifestyle features — pools, outdoor living, entertaining spaces — and they were willing to pay for them.”

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That trend reversed during the pandemic. Economic uncertainty and tighter budgets shifted focus to smaller, more affordable homes, while owners of high-end properties — many with pools — chose not to sell.

First home buyers flooded the market, prioritising land and affordability over luxury amenities. By late 2022, pool prevalence had fallen to its lowest point in seven years.

This home at 25 Eckersley Ave, Buderim, was designed around the pool.

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Now, pools are back in demand.

“As market conditions stabilise and confidence returns, premium homes with pools are returning to the market,” Mr Tian said. “Lifestyle-driven buying is back.”

Poolwerx global CEO Nic Brill said he had noticed a trend towards smaller pools, especially with the shrinking size of yards in newbuilds.

“People want to maximise their space while still enjoying the luxury of a pool in their own home,” Mr Brill said.

“One interesting trend we’ve noticed is the growing number of younger couples investing in pools. It seems that as more people prioritise creating their own backyard oasis, they’re seeing the value of having a pool as part of their lifestyle, even at a younger age.”

This pool at 33 Plunkett St, Paddington, sits high above the street and has amazing suburb views.

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Mr Brill said advances in pool technology had created more choice, making them more accessible to a wider range of households.

“Pools are increasingly seen as a lifestyle investment, not just a luxury or status symbol — valued for usability, comfort and at-home living rather than exclusivity.”

For Queensland sellers, the takeaway is clear: lifestyle is back on buyers’ agendas.

Pools, outdoor entertaining areas, and aspirational features are once again commanding attention — and in a market increasingly focused on luxury living, a backyard pool is proving one of the strongest selling points.

“The presence of a pool clearly adds value,” Mr Tian said, “but location, land size, and overall property quality remain the main price drivers.”