Farm ponds can increase property values—but there are caveats. On average, land with a pond will sell for between 5% and 15% more than land without a pond. However, this doesn’t mean that one can just dig a pond and forget it! There are a couple of factors to consider. First is that the higher the property’s acreage, the less value a pond adds overall. On a 1,000-acre property, for example, a one-acre pond may add very little to the total cost, while on a 50-acre property, that same pond might add a large share to the property’s sell price.
The second factor is pond maintenance. A well-maintained pond that is clean, with a healthy ecosystem, and easy to use for it’s intended purposes be they agricultural or recreational, can add a lot more to the value of a property. Conversely, ponds with stagnating water, problematic algae blooms or other issues can be seen as an expense in the making, thus lowering property values.
FAQs
Yes, a pond can indeed boost property value.
Do ponds add value to property? ›
Farm ponds can increase property values—but there are caveats. On average, land with a pond will sell for between 5% and 15% more than land without a pond. However, this doesn't mean that one can just dig a pond and forget it!
Are ponds a good investment? ›
Formal ponds can significantly increase the aesthetic appeal and overall value of a property. According to a study by AquaReale, ponds and water features can increase property value by up to 20%, making them a worthwhile investment for homeowners looking to improve their outdoor space.
Does a pond increase insurance? ›
If the pond is to code, it might raise insurance a bit like a pool would, but shouldn't be too much.
Is a pond worth having? ›
There are many benefits of having a pond on your property. A pond can provide recreational opportunities such as fishing, hunting, boating or swimming. It may also impact the monetary value of your property.
What raises property value the most? ›
Projects That Boost Your Home's Value
- Remodel the kitchen. Updates to the kitchen pay off. ...
- Upgrade the appliances. ...
- Boost the bathrooms. ...
- Remodel the attic or basem*nt. ...
- Get decked out. ...
- Boost curb appeal. ...
- Improve energy efficiency.
30 Tips for Increasing Your Home's Value
- Tip 5: Add New Energy-Efficient Fixtures. ...
- Tip 1: Big Return on Bathroom Updates. ...
- Tip 2: Any Kitchen Update Equals Added Value. ...
- Tip 3: Replace Worn Carpets or Rugs.
- Tip 4: Keep Up With Regular Maintenance and Repairs.
- Tip 5: Get Help With Getting Organized.
The pros and cons of owning a pond
- Nuisance vegetation. Nuisance aquatic vegetation is by far the most common problem landowners experience with a pond. ...
- Poor fishing. I often get calls from pond owners claiming their fish numbers are too low or they do not have the quality of fish they had in the past. ...
- Nuisance wildlife.
Professional pond maintenance costs from $810 to $2,625 annually, with an average of $1,750. Pricing varies with pond size, condition, type, and location. So, you can end up paying as low as $450 to keep a small pond clean, while the cost to maintain a large pond can reach $5,000 a year.
Are backyard ponds worth it? ›
Pros of backyard ponds:
An ecological 'source' of new individuals in populations of animals. Homes for dragonflies and damselflies (which eat mosquitoes as larvae in the ponds and adults in flight) A way to teach adults and children about ecological interactions and conservation biology.
Setting a pond closer than the recommended or regulated limits is likely to result in damage when the water overtops the banks. Even if you're not working with any specific guidelines from your zoning department or permit office, consider leaving a barrier of at least 50 to 100 feet between your home and a small pond.
What are the disadvantages of living by a pond? ›
Living near water can increase the risk of flooding, erosion, and water-related hazards such as hurricanes, storms, and tsunamis. Additionally, proximity to water bodies may attract pests like mosquitoes and increase humidity levels.
Does a water feature increase home value? ›
Do water features add value to a home? Truthfully most water features won't add value in terms of dollars; however, they do add an aesthetic value. And in some cases, installing a water feature might actually make your home harder to sell, or even devalue it.
