Passion projects are investments that homeowners make in activities they love without regard to cost, including anything from swimming pools and tennis courts to hot tubs, wine cellars, game rooms, and even ponds. However cool these amenities might be, they are very expensive for the homeowner to install—and most prospective buyers (without your passion) are unlikely to pay more for your house to get the tennis court.
For example, a swimming pool rarely adds value to a home. Not only does it cost a small fortune to have an in-ground pool installed, but many home buyers also view a pool as a high-maintenance hassle and a year-round safety hazard—and it’s useable only a few months a year in most climates.
There’s certainly no harm in adding these features to your house, but don’t expect potential buyers to be willing to pay a premium to get them when you are ready to sell. And be wary if the renovation means replacing a commonplace feature. If every other home in your neighborhood boasts a two-car garage, you should probably think twice about converting yours into a game room.
