Updated posts 2026
In the realm of luxury vacation homes, the landscape is shifting. No longer satisfied with traditional amenities like indoor bowling alleys or horse stables, the ultrawealthy are setting their sights on unconventional features like pickleball courts and state-of-the-art safe rooms. In a trend sweeping through the market, buyers are now willing to splurge an additional $1 million or more to secure these coveted amenities.
Pickleball, a hybrid sport blending elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, has surged in popularity, particularly during the pandemic, appealing to individuals of all ages and income brackets. While tennis courts have long symbolized affluence, the demand for pickleball facilities has overtaken traditional preferences, reflecting a cultural shift in recreational pursuits.
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Senada Adžem, the executive director of luxury sales at Douglas Elliman in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, Florida, notes the dramatic shift in buyer preferences. She recounts a recent instance where buyers were willing to pay a significant premium of $1 million above market value solely to accommodate a pickleball court on a uniquely shaped lot. “It’s a must,” Adžem emphasizes, underscoring the newfound importance of this amenity in luxury real estate.
Building a pickleball court on one’s property entails more than just space considerations. The court must be strategically positioned to mitigate noise disturbances, reflecting the game’s exuberant nature. Some communities have even implemented noise ordinances in response to the sport’s growing popularity, highlighting the need for thoughtful planning in integrating such amenities.
The noise issue is more substantial than it sounds, and it is a matter of physics rather than enthusiasm. A pickleball paddle striking a hard perforated ball produces a sharp, high-frequency crack at close to 70 decibels, repeated at short intervals — a sound profile that carries further and irritates more persistently than the softer thud of a tennis ball. Residents in communities across Florida, Arizona and California have brought litigation over courts built near homes, and acoustic consultants now specialise in the problem. A court placed badly on a property can become a liability rather than an amenity.
Meanwhile, the surge in demand for secure living environments underscores a broader societal concern over safety and privacy, particularly in light of recent political and social upheavals. Exclusive communities like Stone Creek Ranch in Palm Beach have responded by employing former military and police personnel for round-the-clock security patrols. Additionally, high-profile individuals like Jeff Bezos have made headlines for seeking refuge in heavily guarded enclaves such as Indian Creek Village, signaling a growing emphasis on security among the wealthy elite.
Darin Tansey, a realtor with Douglas Elliman in South Florida, emphasizes that safety considerations have become paramount for discerning buyers post-COVID. “For many people, it’s just having peace of mind,” Adžem concurs, highlighting the evolving priorities in luxury real estate.
Beyond conventional security measures, there is a burgeoning demand for discreet safe rooms, concealed from public view and outfitted with advanced security features. These fortified sanctuaries, often undisclosed until after a property is under contract, serve as a last line of defense in the event of emergencies. Equipped with independent electrical systems and hardened communication infrastructure, these safe rooms offer a sense of reassurance in an uncertain world.
While the price of fortifying these safe rooms varies, the investment is deemed indispensable by buyers at this echelon of wealth. Darin Tansey estimates that basic security upgrades could range from $100,000 to $250,000, with some clients opting for additional biometric authentication systems at higher costs. In the realm of ultra-luxury real estate, where peace of mind is invaluable, the question of security transcends monetary considerations, affirming the paramount importance of safety in the pursuit of opulent living.
Also read: Top European Vacation Home Destinations to Buy in 2024
