For wealthy American homeowners, the latest luxury status symbol isn’t a wine cellar or infinity pool — it’s a private sauna hidden inside the home. As this heats up in markets, real estate agents in certain high-end markets are seeing saunas become deal-breakers for wellness-focused buyers. (1)
The popularity of saunas has long been associated with Finland’s, a country of 5.5 million people and 3.3 million saunas. (2) Now, more wellness-focused Americans have begun to take the sauna seriously, with many hoping to unlock the potential health benefits, as well as an investment in personal well-being and home desirability.
But the trend hasn’t picked up evenly across the country. Instead, affluent homeowners with money to invest in their well-being tend to live in particular markets, like Southeast Florida, Los Angeles or the Bay Area in California, New York, New York, and Seattle, Washington. (3)
Whether you’re planning to install a sauna or considering buying a property that already has one, understanding the true financial impact, from installation costs to resale value and insurance premiums, is critical. Here’s what to know before you take the plunge.
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The costs and benefits of a home sauna
Installing an in-home sauna is a luxury expense — not a value-neutral renovation — and homeowners should carefully weigh cost versus actual personal use. While the costs of an at-home sauna vary, Angi reports the normal range is between $2,500 and $7,000, with an average of $3,100. (4) But the price tag can quickly jump up to $10,000 or more. (5)
With a growing number of buyers viewing saunas as a must-have luxury, many homeowners hope to see a return on that investment when it’s time to sell. However, a sauna is unlikely to pay for itself purely in resale value — the financial return varies significantly by region and climate.
According to Haven of Heat, a sauna system company, adding an $8,000 sauna to your home in the Southwest or South would potentially increase the value of a home worth $500,000 by $3,411 — a roughly 40% return on investment. (6)
In colder climates where saunas are more culturally and practically valued, that return increases to about 54.9%, meaning homeowners could add roughly $4,395 in value to the same $500,000 home. Still, even in optimal conditions, homeowners are unlikely to fully recoup the installation cost.
A sauna may not dramatically increase a home’s value, but it can significantly increase its desirability. In luxury markets with multiple similar listings, wellness amenities like saunas can help a property stand out and sell faster — particularly to high-net-worth buyers prioritizing health and longevity.
Beyond the installation costs, saunas do come with some ongoing costs. For starters, you can expect to spend around $25 to $50 per month on increased electricity costs for electric saunas. (7)
Additionally, you can expect an increase in your home insurance costs. The higher costs stem from the increased risk of fire, water damage or someone getting injured. Of course, the costs vary based on your location and home. With that, it’s helpful to shop around and compare quotes across multiple insurance companies to find the most affordable option for coverage.
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Should you invest in a wellness space?
While single-family homes are driving the sauna trend, luxury developments are also adding communal and private saunas to appeal to wellness-focused buyers willing to pay a premium for amenities. (8)
This signals a broader shift: saunas are no longer viewed as niche lifestyle perks — they’re becoming central to the identity of luxury real estate. But that doesn’t mean everyone should rush to install one at home.
If you’re considering a sauna for personal use, the decision should largely depend on how often you’ll use it and whether you plan to remain in your home long enough to enjoy the benefits. For high-net-worth individuals who prioritize wellness and view their home as a sanctuary, the lifestyle value may outweigh the modest financial return.
If you’re considering a sauna purely as an investment, you’ll need to weigh:
- Local market expectations: In cold-weather or high-end wellness markets, buyers may actively seek this amenity.
- Buyer psychology: In markets where saunas are still considered a luxury, they may only appeal to a small segment of future buyers.
- Upkeep: Saunas require maintenance, electricity, and potential repairs, which may deter buyers who prefer low-maintenance amenities.
In many cases, buying a home that already includes a sauna may be more financially advantageous than installing one yourself — especially if the installation cost hasn’t been fully incorporated into the listing price.
If you’re a high-net-worth homeowner looking to make your property competitive in a wellness-driven real estate market, a sauna could enhance your home’s appeal and shorten time on market. But if your primary goal is return on investment, you’ll likely sweat more than you’ll profit.
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Article sources
We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.
Business Insider (1), (3); BBC (2); Angi (4); Recovery for Athletes (5); Haven of Heat (6); Epic Hot Tubs (7); Condo Blackbook (8)
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.