More than just a house: Do saunas and spas increase property values in Europe?

December 4, 2025

Home wellness features are shifting from being a luxury to becoming highly sought-after home improvements. As European homeowners rethink comfort and well-being at home (especially after 2020), amenities such as saunas, cold plunge pools, and high-quality hot tubs are rising on buyers' wish lists.

But do these wellness enhancements really increase property value or resale appeal? This comprehensive analysis of the real estate market in Europe (focusing on Spain, Portugal, and France) explores how adding a sauna or similar spa features can affect your home's value, marketability, and rental income potential. We'll look at data on return on investment (ROI), buyer preferences, and expert insights for different segments of homes, from mid-range family homes to luxury villas and even short-term rentals.

Sauna installation for a Saunamo customer. Would you like a quote for your sauna project? Click here.

Well-being features and home value: a growing trend

Wellness amenities in the home have been gaining popularity. In fact, "homes and communities designed around wellness" are fetching significantly higher prices— 10% to 25% more in resale value —compared to conventional properties. This statistic (from the Global Wellness Institute, 2023) underscores a broader trend: buyers are willing to pay more for features that make them feel healthier and more relaxed in their living spaces. It's no longer just about a good-looking home; it's about a home that contributes to physical and mental well-being.

Several surveys confirm this shift. A national study conducted in 2025 found that well-being is the primary motivator for homebuyers, with many even willing to sacrifice square footage or garages if it means a healthier living environment. Similarly, a 2022 survey by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) revealed that nearly 70% of buyers are willing to pay more for homes with health-focused features such as advanced air filtration, soundproofing, or exercise spaces. Clearly, wellness is no longer a niche preference; it is a dominant priority that drives real estate decisions.

Why this sudden emphasis? Industry experts point to the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Extended time at home has led homeowners to invest in personal wellness infrastructure (gyms, spas, meditation spaces), and post-2020 buyers are" rethinking how to live well" at home."Since Covid, the world has taken a deep breath and reconsidered how to live well," notes a Knight Frank agent, observing a wave of clients seeking nature-related, health, and mindfulness features in properties. This shift in mindset has elevated amenities such as saunas, yoga studios, and spa-like bathrooms from nice extras to valuable selling points, especially in the luxury market. Knight Frank's 2025 survey of wealthy European buyers shows that wellness is at the top of the agenda, with luxury home developers routinely installing extensive spas and state-of-the-art gyms to meet demand [5][6].

How wellness amenities add value

It is important to distinguish perceived value from direct monetary value. Improvements in well-being tend to increase the desirability of a home—which can translate into a higher selling price or a faster sale in the right market—even if the financial return is not 100%. Think of a home sauna or a designer bathtub as features that make a difference to discerning buyers. As a luxury item, a sauna generally has a “high perceived value”: many buyers overestimate its cost, so a home equipped with a sauna appears more sophisticated. If your installation costs were moderate, the perceived added value in the eyes of buyers may exceed what you spent.

According to a global survey by Knight Frank, growing demand for domestic wellness is leading developers to incorporate amenities that would have been rare a decade ago. New luxury developments now offer not just swimming pools, but full wellness centers—from traditional saunas and steam rooms to cryotherapy chambers and meditation gardens. This has tangible effects on value: one analysis found that in planned wellness communities, resale prices are 12% higher than in nearby conventional communities. Even for individual homes, being part of the “wellness real estate” trend is often linked to a higher price tag. Realtor Magazine reports that homes with holistic wellness design elements have been resold at the 10–25% increase mentioned above.

In Europe, where health and leisure are culturally important, wellness amenities can be especially valued. Consider the Finnish sauna tradition—in Finland, a house without a sauna is almost unheard of, and buyers simply expect there to be one. [11]Although Finland is an extreme example, it illustrates how market standards are important: in regions where private spas or saunas are common (or are becoming fashionable), not having one can even be a disadvantage in the high-end segment. On the other hand, in markets where they are still rare, adding a sauna sets your property apart as a luxury offering.

Barrel sauna installation for a Saunamo customer. Would you like a quote for your sauna project? Click here.

European market outlook: Spain, Portugal, France (and beyond)

Let's focus on Europe, especially Spain, Portugal, and France, where the climate, culture, and demographics of buyers shape how wellness amenities affect value.

Spain: sun, swimming pools—and now saunas?

The Spanish real estate market offers an impressive array of outdoor amenities that increase property value. Traditionally, the must-have amenity in much of Spain is a swimming pool, due to the warm climate. Data from idealista (Spain's leading real estate portal) shows that having a swimming pool can significantly increase the market value of a home. Apartments with access to a swimming pool are listed at an average price 91% higher than comparable units without a swimming pool. In some cities, the premium is even higher—in Barcelona, an apartment with a pool is priced 160% higher than one without a pool. Although part of this difference reflects newer, more sophisticated developments (which tend to include pools) compared to older buildings, it highlights that Spaniards consider private or shared pools a real luxury. Even in Madrid—where new construction has added more pools in recent years—properties with pools still cost about 14% more than those without[14].

Apart from swimming pools, saunas and hot tubs have not been so common historically in Spanish homes, but interest is growing. In sunny coastal areas such as the Costa del Sol or the Balearic Islands, high-end buyers (often foreigners) are bringing expectations of wellness. "Marbella is emerging as a Mediterranean sanctuary for those seeking a different kind of wealth: health," says a Knight Frank associate, referring to the boom in wellness clinics, yoga studios, and luxury spas in that region. Luxury villas in Spain's tourist areas now routinely advertise features such as indoor spas, Jacuzzis, and saunas as part of the package. These additions make a property stand out on the listings—especially for buyers from northern Europe, for whom a home sauna is an attractive touch for winter visits.

Concrete data on saunas increasing home prices in Spain is still limited (the trend is relatively new), but industry voices are optimistic. The news portal Idealista in Portugal (which often covers trends applicable to the Iberian Peninsula in general) recently stated that having a sauna at home "increases resale value" and makes a property more attractive in the luxury segment. They emphasize that it is an increasingly sought-after amenity, not just a frivolous addition. In other words, a sauna can elevate a Spanish luxury home to a different level of appeal for buyers. This is especially true for luxury second homes aimed at wellness-focused individuals. A beachfront penthouse in Ibiza with a sauna and private pool, for example, will generate excitement (and likely receive competitive offers from wellness-conscious buyers), while the same property without these features may be viewed as lacking by this niche.

It is also worth noting the short-term rental market in Spain: vacation homes with spa-like amenities can charge tourists a higher price. A rural farmhouse with a hot tub or a villa in the Canary Islands with a sauna and sea views can justify higher nightly rates and stand out on rental platforms. We will soon delve deeper into the topic of rentals, but from a value perspective, if a amenity increases rental income, it can indirectly increase the property's valuation for an investor.

Portugal: Embracing well-being at home

Portugal's luxury real estate market mirrors many Spanish trends. Wealthy buyers in areas such as the Algarve, Cascais, or the Douro Valley are increasingly interested in homes that include private wellness facilities. The Portuguese climate—mild winters in the south and colder, wetter winters in the north—makes the idea of a cozy sauna at home appealing to both permanent residents and expats.

Comments from the industry in Portugal highlight that a sauna is seen as a marker of exclusivity. "Having a sauna at home... makes your home more attractive in the luxury segment," notes the Portuguese edition of idealista – having a sauna at home makes your property more attractive in the luxury segment[17]. It is a feature that only a few homes offer, so it stands out in listings. Luxury buyers in Portugal, whether local or international, often seek this exclusivity. For example, a restored farmhouse on the outskirts of Lisbon with modern wellness additions (sauna, gym, infinity pool) can attract significantly higher offers than one without these features because it combines rustic charm with contemporary luxury living.

It should be noted that wellness real estate in Portugal is not limited to individual homes—developers are building entire communities focused on wellness (similar to those in the US). These include communal spas or club facilities with saunas and hydrotherapy pools to attract health-conscious buyers. Although data is scarce, anecdotal evidence from real estate agents in Lisbon and Porto suggests that properties in wellness-branded developments command higher prices per square foot than standard ones.

France: Luxury expectations – from the Alps to the Riviera

In France, wellness amenities carry different weight depending on the region and market segment. For luxury chalets in the French Alps, full spa facilities (sauna, steam room, hot tub) are now practically expected. "Buyers of luxury real estate today expect to find full spa and wellness facilities in their chalets," notes Roddy Aris, director of Knight Frank's Alpine network [6]. In resorts such as Courchevel or Val d'Isère, a chalet without a sauna or Turkish bath may struggle in the luxury segment of the market. These wellness amenities have become as essential as a home theater or wine cellar to differentiate a €10 million Alpine property. They may not increase the price beyond the prevailing rate, but not having them may diminish buyer interest or require a discount in price to offset the cost of installing them later. Essentially, in the French luxury real estate market for skiers, saunas add marketing value —they meet buyers' expectations and thus protect the value of the property.

However, in Provence and on the French Riviera, the wellness trend manifests itself in slightly different ways. The focus is often on outdoor wellness: swimming pools (standard for luxury villas), outdoor hot tubs overlooking the Mediterranean, and even amenities such as yoga pavilions or massage rooms. For French properties, it is the lifestyle package that adds value. A villa in Saint-Tropez with a designer spa bathroom (e.g., a freestanding bathtub, rain shower, and sauna) and an outdoor pool can command a higher price than one with a basic 1990s bathroom and without these features. Traditionally, French buyers have been attentive to health retreats (consider France's history with spa towns). After the pandemic, even French buyers are showing more interest in homes that offer a retreat-like atmosphere—whether it's an apartment in Paris with a private Turkish bath in the master bathroom or a country house in Provence with a sauna and hot tub for relaxation.

It is revealing that developers in urban France are adding common wellness facilities in new luxury apartment projects. In Paris and other major cities, luxury condominium buildings now advertise shared amenities such as gyms with saunas, on-site spa services, etc., to attract buyers (much like the trend in New York). These additions have boosted off-plan sales and allowed developers to charge premium prices per square foot, as they meet the demand for "healthy living."

This sauna with ice bath was installed for a boutique hotel client of Saunamos. Would you like a quote for your sauna project? Click here.

How saunas, ice baths, and spa amenities increase rental revenue: short- and long-term perspectives

Beyond personal enjoyment or resale value, wellness features such as saunas, cold plunge pools, and hot tubs can significantly impact a home's rental performance—both in the short-term vacation rental market (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking) and in long-term rentals. As traveler expectations evolve and wellness tourism grows, these amenities are becoming true differentiators that can justify higher rental prices, improve occupancy rates, and increase guest satisfaction.

The advantage of short-term rentals

1. Higher nighttime rates and revenues

Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo allow guests to filter properties with specific amenities, including saunas and hot tubs. According to data from AirDNA:

Ads featuring hot tubs or spa baths earn, on average, 20 to 30% more in nightly rates.
Properties with keywords related to wellness (e.g., "private sauna," "cold plunge," "spa retreat") perform significantly better during the off-season.
In mountainous and ski areas, saunas are among the most sought-after amenities and can increase winter bookings by up to 35%.

2. Competitive differentiation

In competitive rental markets, standing out is everything. A private infrared sauna, a soaking tub on the terrace, or a luxurious spa bathroom instantly add personality to your listing, especially in wellness travel destinations such as:

The Alps, Pyrenees, Dolomites
Ibiza, Costa Brava, Algarve
French countryside, Tuscany, and wellness properties near Lisbon or Malaga

Guests are increasingly seeking experiential stays rather than simple accommodations. Advertisements promising a cold plunge after a hike or a morning sauna ritual seem like more than just a place to sleep—they become a mini retreat.

3. Better guest reviews and repeat bookings

Wellness amenities often translate into better guest experiences, which leads to higher ratings and repeat visits. Satisfied guests are more likely to leave glowing reviews that mention spa amenities, helping your listing rank higher in search results. These reviews often look like this:

“The sauna and hot tub were the highlight of our stay—we used them every night!”

Or:

“I loved the cold plunge after a day at the beach. The spa atmosphere made it feel like a real escape.”

Positive emotional moments create loyalty—and profitability.

4. Greater appeal throughout the year

Wellness amenities extend their seasonality. A hot tub or sauna makes a summer home attractive in the colder months, and ski chalets with saunas or cold plunge pools remain appealing long after the peak ski season. This reduces vacancy and increases total annual yield.

Long-term rentals: value for tenants and landlords

1. Premium prices for a health-oriented lifestyle

Tenants are increasingly looking for rentals that support a wellness lifestyle. A home with a private sauna or spa-like bathroom often commands a 5-15% premium over standard properties, especially in high-income areas or among expatriates. The rise of remote working and stay-at-home culture has made "well-being at home" a year-round priority, rather than a seasonal luxury.

2. Attract stable, high-value tenants

Professionals, digital nomads, and semi-retired renters looking for long-term leases are willing to pay more for comfort and health-promoting environments. A home with a built-in sauna, infrared cabin, or hot tub may not only rent faster, but also attract tenants who value the property and stay longer, reducing turnover and vacancy.

3. Market differentiation

In competitive rental areas, offering a unique wellness angle can give your property a marketing edge. Ads that include phrases such as "relax in your own sauna" or "private spa for your daily rest" tend to perform better in terms of engagement, even in the long-term market.

Conclusion

For both short-term hosts and long-term owners, adding wellness amenities is more than just aesthetics—it's a revenue strategy. Saunas, hot tubs, and soaking tubs elevate your property to wellness status, which increasingly offers a price advantage and reservation throughout Europe and beyond. When well marketed, these characteristics often are paid over several seasons, through increased bookings and higher revenue per stay.

Key findings and tips

Wellness amenities add to the appeal: Features such as saunas, steam rooms, cold plunge pools, and spa-like bathrooms make a home more attractive to today's buyers who prioritize health and relaxation. In luxury segments, they are often expected and can be selling points that justify higher prices (Knight Frank, 2025[6]). Even in mid-range markets, they can help a property stand out.
Advantages of short-term rentals: If you rent your property on Airbnb/Booking, amenities such as hot tubs and saunas can significantly increase rental income – around 10 to 20% more in rates per night and around 30% more in overall revenue in many markets[29]Not only does this offset the cost of installation over time, but it can also make your property more valuable to future investors. Consider wellness improvements if you use your property for vacation rentals, especially in competitive tourist areas – this can quickly offset the investment in return on rental.
Well-being is a lasting trend: it is not a passing fad. Indicators from consultants and real estate institutes show that the "well-being real estate" movement is growing every year and is now a global sector worth over$500 billion. Buyers' awareness of health-oriented design is at an all-time high. Installing a sauna or something similar now could make your home even more relevant and desirable in the coming years as this trend continues.

In conclusion, adding a sauna or luxury wellness feature to your European home can increase its perceived value and appeal, especially to health-conscious buyers or in luxury markets. It is a lifestyle investment that can pay dividends in attracting buyers (or renters) and potentially achieving a premium price. As with any home renovation, the quality of the installation and context are everything. When done well, a home sauna can be a personal retreat and an addition that enhances the value of your property's amenity portfolio.

If you are considering adding value to your home with a sauna or spa, be sure to consult local real estate trends and perhaps talk to an appraiser or agent about your specific market. And, of course, consider the personal wellness benefits—they are “worth it” in and of themselves, as any sauna aficionado can attest. Ultimately, a well-chosen wellness improvement can make your home more enjoyable now and more marketable in the future, which is advantageous for any homeowner.

Are you interested in adding a wellness feature to your home?Explore our curated collection of luxury home saunas to find the perfect option for your space.

Sources

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