Brisbane’s property market is currently at a historic peak, with the median house price surpassing A$1 million for the first time in May 2025. This places Brisbane among Australia’s top-performing capital city markets, alongside strong performers like Adelaide and Perth.
Major infrastructure investments, such as the Cross River Rail and Brisbane Metro, and the anticipated impact of the 2032 Olympics are expected to further support property values. Analysts suggest that these developments are fueling growth and making Brisbane especially attractive to both existing residents and interstate migrants. Because of this, both new and long-time homeowners are increasingly eager to enhance their properties, whether preparing to sell or simply improving their livability and enjoyment. With home values soaring like this, smart renovations are more worthwhile than ever. Here’s something interesting: research shows that well-designed pools can boost your property’s value by up to 7%, and ‘pool’ happens to be the most searched term on Domain. Not surprising when you think about it!
Living in Brisbane’s gorgeous subtropical climate means we can actually use our pools year-round (unlike our southern neighbours, who get maybe four good months). The right pool design is a brilliant investment that delivers both lifestyle benefits and serious property returns.
With all the excitement around the 2032 Olympics and people flocking here from interstate, there’s never been a better time to create a pool that maximises both your enjoyment and your home’s value.
Why Pool Design Matters for Brisbane Properties
Brisbane’s unique advantages, subtropical climate, growing population, and infrastructure investment create exceptional opportunities for pool value enhancement. Unlike southern capitals, Brisbane pools provide year-round functionality, making them practical investments rather than seasonal luxuries.
The key isn’t just adding any pool; it’s choosing designs that align with Brisbane’s architectural trends, climate considerations, and buyer expectations. The difference between standard and strategic pool design can mean tens of thousands in property value.
1. Infinity Edge Pools: Ultimate Luxury Statement
Infinity pools create a mesmerising effect where water appears to merge with the horizon. Complex hydraulic engineering flows water over a vanishing edge into a catch basin before recirculation, delivering both visual impact and optimal water circulation.
Brisbane’s elevated suburbs: Mount Coot-tha, Paddington, New Farm, particularly benefit from infinity pools that frame city skylines, Brisbane River views, or Scenic Rim vistas. This sophisticated design transforms backyards into resort-style sanctuaries.
Value proposition: Properties with well-positioned infinity pools often achieve 7-10% premium over comparable homes, making them exceptional investments in Brisbane’s luxury market.
2. Tanning Ledges: Resort-Style Living
Tanning ledges (Baja shelves) are shallow areas 8-16 inches deep, perfect for lounging without full submersion. These versatile features can span the pool’s width for entertaining or create intimate spaces for relaxation.
Brisbane’s climate makes tanning ledges ideal year-round—morning coffee in winter sun or afternoon relaxation in summer. Enhanced with umbrella sleeves, integrated seating, or bubblers, they create resort experiences at home.
Design advantage: Professional construction requires precise depth control and drainage systems, but consistently ranks among buyers’ most requested features, particularly for families seeking luxury outdoor living.
3. Geometric Pools: Clean Lines for Modern Homes
Geometric pools featuring sharp angles, symmetrical layouts, and clean lines perfectly complement Brisbane’s contemporary architecture. These formal designs create visual continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces while providing excellent lap swimming and entertainment functionality.
Rectangular, square, or L-shaped configurations require advanced forming techniques during construction but deliver sophisticated aesthetics that enhance overall property design. The precise measurements and sharp edges create perfect canvases for advanced lighting systems and water features.
Market appeal: Geometric pools photograph beautifully for property marketing and distinguish premium properties in Brisbane’s competitive market, consistently delivering strong returns through enhanced buyer appeal.
4. Plunge Pools: Maximum Impact, Minimal Space
As Brisbane blocks become compact, plunge pools (typically 5m x 3m) offer luxury without compromise. Installation flexibility allows above-ground, semi-inground, or fully submerged positioning, perfect for Brisbane’s varied topography, including challenging sloping blocks.
Despite their compact size, plunge pools accommodate premium features rivalling larger installations; advanced filtration, sophisticated lighting, heating, and premium tiling create resort-like experiences that maximise every square metre.
Investment advantage: Exceptional cost-to-value ratios, particularly in inner-city areas where outdoor space commands premiums. Quick installation (some precast options complete in two days) minimises disruption whilst maximising impact.
5. Resort-Style Integration: Complete Outdoor Living
The highest-value Brisbane pools integrate smart technology and comprehensive outdoor living spaces. Smart pool systems enable smartphone control of cleaning, heating, and programmable LED lighting that changes colours and intensities for perfect ambience.
On top of this, hardscaping and landscaping that complement your pool lifestyle are key to creating a cohesive outdoor space that feels both intentional and inviting. Brisbane’s year-round climate means these areas are usable in every season, naturally extending your living space. With professional design coordination, you can achieve a seamless indoor-outdoor flow that enhances both form and function.
Premium features like outdoor dining areas, built-in barbecue stations, comfortable seating, and integrated spas can transform pools into full-year lifestyle hubs. In warm-climate markets, such amenities don’t just enhance enjoyment, they often push property values beyond the typical 7% uplift seen with a basic pool.
Essential Design Considerations
Success requires Brisbane-specific planning. The subtropical climate influences material choices, professional designers specify finishes that perform well in high humidity and intense UV. Brisbane City Council requirements and Australian safety standards must be integrated into the design from the project’s start.
Site evaluation maximises value through natural slope assessment, view optimisation, sun orientation, and construction access planning. Expert evaluation identifies opportunities enhancing views and creating designs working harmoniously with existing landscapes.
Professional design consultation often pays for itself through optimised layouts, appropriate feature selection, and efficient construction planning that understands Brisbane market preferences.
Smart Investment Strategy
Quality considerations extend beyond initial costs. Premium materials, professional installation, and thoughtful details create pools that maintain value over decades. While initial investments may be higher, quality construction reduces long-term maintenance costs whilst preserving value enhancement.
Integration with professional landscaping creates cohesive outdoor environments, maximising property appeal. Coordinated design ensures pools complement existing gardens, enhance views, and create seamless transitions between outdoor areas.
Transform Your Brisbane Property Today
Brisbane’s current market conditions create exceptional opportunities for strategic pool investments. With rising median prices and buyer demand focusing on outdoor lifestyle features, well-designed pools offer immediate enjoyment and strong financial returns.
Each design offers unique advantages for different properties and budgets. Success lies in professional design aligning pool features with your property’s characteristics, lifestyle needs, and market expectations.
Ready to add maximum value to your Brisbane property? Contact our expert pool designers today for a consultation that could boost your home’s value by up to 7%. Our team understands Brisbane’s unique market conditions and can create designs enhancing both lifestyle and property investment.
