To find out the answer we undertook a study to help provide us with some guidelines and found that certain types of views added a different value to a property.
Our work identified the different views available and then we looked at how much they can increase a dwelling’s value.
Our investigation was also based on an identical new dwelling built in the same area (but with differing views) with a base price of $500,000.
So, let's look at the five major view types.
1. Ground level, unobstructed view (+3%-5%)
This type of view means that you are located at the same level as many of the other properties around you, but you have the advantage of having a view that allows you to see a large, non-residential space, like an open space.
Such a view increases a property's sale price by between 3% and 5% and the new sale price could be as high as $525,000.
2. Rooftop, partially obstructed view (+6%-8%)
A view from above would suggest that you can almost see over all of the other properties around you but there may be a few buildings that partially obstruct your view.
Generally, the higher you are, the more value a view can bring to your home, so a rooftop’s partially obstructed view can bring in an additional 6% to 8%, lifting the potential sales price to $540,000.
3. Unobstructed view from a medium elevation (+9%-12%)
This category is primarily reserved for homes that reside on the top of a small hill.
This particular view can see areas all around a home without any obstructions but aren’t high enough to see far beyond the house’s small community.
Having an open area will always command more money than if you can only see a few houses down.
This type of view has the potential to add between 9% and 12% to the value of your home, so the new sale price might be $560,000.
4. Unobstructed view from high elevation (+15%-25%)
Doing much better than the previous view, being able to see a wide vista from the comfort of your own home can add significant value to it.
Our estimates here have a wide range because much depends on what you see.
Still, the value of the real estate can increase substantially, with the new sale price as high as $625,000.
5. Unobstructed water view (+30%-80%)
The biggest attraction of the view continues to be a large body of water, with higher premiums being given to salt water.
Also, at the upper end of the premium range the water view needs to be unobstructed and the more rooms it can be seen from, the better.
Depending on the body of water, the residence can increase in value by up to 80%.
This would mean that our $500,000 base house has a potential price tag of $900,000.
Note: Pricing a view is certainly not an exact science but as more and more properties are constructed in an area, the chances of finding a great view are becoming increasingly difficult.
Hence, properties with a view command a range of premiums now and these bonuses are likely to rise further in the future.
Editor's Note: this article was originally published last year, but has been republished for the benefit of our many new subscribers.
