The Swimming Pool; the ultimate selling point in Nice

Jean-Christophe DIMINO
4 days ago
3 min read

An individual swimming pool is an asset that often makes the difference in a transaction.

For some property searchers, this is a prerequisite. For others, it's an almost unexpected bonus. In a market where competition remains fierce and buyer demands are increasingly precise, individual pools are proving to be an undeniable lever for increasing value. Provided that a strict regulatory framework is respected and new trends in the sector are followed.

Increasing demand, despite the scarcity of land

On the French Riviera, and particularly in Nice, having a swimming pool is an undeniable commercial asset. "In certain residential areas, a well-integrated swimming pool can generate a 10 to 20% premium upon resale," says a local market expert. The trend is particularly pronounced in detached houses and villas with views, but is now also affecting some garden-level apartments.

This increased demand comes at a time when building land is becoming scarce, forcing homeowners to optimize their outdoor spaces. Hence the emergence of more compact formats and alternative technical solutions.

Mini-pools to meet urban constraints

So-called "urban" pools are becoming increasingly popular. Small pools (4x2 m or even 3x2 m), narrow swimming lanes, and high-end above-ground pools meet two requirements: limiting the footprint and adapting to small plots, while still retaining recreational or sports use.

The sector is also seeing renewed interest in semi-inground pools, which require less excavation and, in some cases, avoid some urban planning constraints. Their cost, often less than €15,000, makes them an affordable investment, particularly for second homes or housing developments.

In Nice, a strict regulatory framework governed by the PLU

In Nice, all swimming pool construction is governed by the Metropolitan Local Urban Planning Plan (PLUm), which imposes a certain number of rules:

A prior declaration of work is required for any pool larger than 10 m².
Beyond 100 m² of water surface, or in the case of a fixed cover of more than 1.80 m in height, a building permit is required.
The authorized footprint varies according to the zones (UA, UB, UL, etc.), often limited to 30% of the land in residential areas.
Minimum distances from dividing lines must be respected: generally 3 meters from the road, and up to 5 meters from neighbors in certain residential areas.

In areas subject to heritage protection (AVAP, listed sites, proximity to historic monuments), a more in-depth study may be requested, or even a favorable opinion from the Architect of Buildings of France.

A profitable investment, provided it is well supervised

The added value generated by a swimming pool isn't limited to aesthetics or comfort. In a market where the search for outdoor spaces and quality of life has become essential—especially since the health crisis—it's becoming a real selection criterion for buyers. In urban areas, a well-designed and compliant pool can spark a crush and make all the difference in a negotiation.

According to professionals, the average investment for a small concrete pool starts at around €20,000, while a high-quality above-ground model can be installed for less than €10,000. In both cases, the return on investment is estimated at between 8 and 15% upon resale, depending on the quality of the property's overall layout.

A lasting trend

As the challenges of ecological transition and water resource management become increasingly pressing, manufacturers are adapting: shallower pools, economical filtration, thermal shutters, and even rainwater recovery for top-ups.

The private swimming pool, once seen as a luxury reserved for a privileged few, is now part of a logic of property optimization and sustainable comfort. In Nice, as across the entire Côte d'Azur, it is becoming a standard for high-end properties.

Would you like to know more? Contact me directly, Jean-Christophe DIMINO, at +33 6 16 95 70 83 or by email.