Best Outdoor & Lifestyle Amenities That Add Value to Homes
- Scott Sweeney
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
Why Home Gyms and Wellness Spaces Are the New “Must-Haves”
Remember when having a fancy kitchen or a big walk-in closet topped every buyer’s wish list? Fast forward to today, homeowners are all about wellness, convenience, and lifestyle.
More buyers want homes that don’t just look great, they want homes that feel good to live in. And that’s where home gyms and wellness spaces come in.
If you’re thinking about upgrading before selling, or you’re simply curious about what adds value in today’s market, here’s how health-focused amenities are becoming a hot selling point across NorCal.
💪 1. Home Gyms Are the New Status Symbol
Between busy work schedules and remote jobs, more people are investing in fitness spaces at home. It’s not just about working out — it’s about convenience and control.
Popular setups buyers love:
Garage conversions with rubber flooring and mirrors
Spare bedrooms with compact, foldable equipment
Smart home gyms like Tonal or Mirror for minimal spaces
Built-in speakers and good lighting for that “studio vibe”
Real-life example: A Rocklin homeowner turned a small loft into a sleek home gym with adjustable weights and a Peloton. When they sold, it became the home’s biggest wow factor — multiple buyers mentioned it in their offers.
Quick tip: Even a simple setup with mats, free weights, and a mirror wall can give buyers that “I can picture myself here” feeling.
🌿 2. Wellness Spaces Are Taking Center Stage
Northern Californians are serious about balance — and that extends into how they design their homes. Wellness spaces are rising in popularity, offering buyers a sense of calm and retreat.
Top wellness-inspired features:
Meditation corners or yoga studios
Spa-style bathrooms with soaking tubs or steam showers
Outdoor saunas or cold plunge tubs
Natural lighting and indoor greenery for a calming vibe
Fun fact: Homes that include terms like “spa bathroom” or “yoga space” in their listing descriptions sell up to 8% faster (according to Zillow data).
☀️ 3. Outdoor Living Meets Wellness
In Northern California, where the weather practically begs you to be outside, the line between indoor and outdoor living keeps blurring.
Buyers are prioritizing:
Covered patios with ceiling fans and lounge space
Outdoor kitchens or BBQ areas
Fire pits for cozy evenings
Drought-friendly landscaping with room for activities (think pickleball, yoga, or gardening)
Example: A Folsom seller installed a small pergola and added turf for a clean, modern look. The outdoor space helped the home sell for $30,000 more than similar listings nearby — proof that functional outdoor design pays off.
Pro tip: Think lifestyle when upgrading your backyard. You don’t need a full pool — sometimes, a shaded retreat with ambient lighting and seating does the trick.
⚡ 4. Blending Function with Design
The key to making wellness spaces add real value is to keep them versatile and attractive. Not every buyer wants a gym but most appreciate a flexible, thoughtfully designed space.
Design tips:
Use neutral colors and natural materials.
Make rooms multipurpose (a yoga space can also be a reading nook).
Keep it light, open, and uncluttered — the vibe should say “refreshing,” not “renovation project.”
🧭 The Takeaway
From home gyms to backyard retreats, buyers are investing in spaces that promote well-being, flexibility, and lifestyle and they’re willing to pay more for them.
If you’re thinking about selling, consider simple upgrades that highlight relaxation and health. You don’t need to build a full spa just create spaces that help buyers imagine living better.
Because in today’s market, a home that feels good sells even better.
Scott Sweeney
Elk Grove Realtor
Serving Sacramento and beyond from the Bay Area to South Lake Tahoe
707 330 2324
CalBRE 01938720
About Scott Sweeney
SweeneySells
Full Time Realtor 13 Years +
Over 100 Families Served
Top 5% Producing Agent
Buying & Listing Specialist
Contract & Negotiation Ninja
CSUS Business & Marketing Graduate 2006
With quickly serving over a 100 families, Scott Sweeney has become a top 5% producing Realtor in the greater Sacramento area who has helped clients from the Bay Area to South Lake Tahoe. Scott has a Bachelor Of Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in Marketing from CSUS. His education, and extensive background in the hospitality, marketing, and real estate industries, have helped Scott to become one of the leading, and most sought after agents in the area.
Reach out to SweeneySells today, and take the first step towards your real estate goals!
📞707-330-2324
Top Producer 2016-2023
"I appreciate your business & referrals!"
Hours Mon-Fri 9am-6pm
Sat By Appointment
Sun Off
Schedule a call or zoom with us here! 👇
Comments