Ponds can add property value in some cases and in others can actually have a negative effect. In all cases, the pond needs to be attractive and functioning well - no algae mats, dead fish or bad smell. If you’re having problems maintaining (relatively) clear water or there’s a certain offensive odor detectible in the vicinity, it’s definitely worthwhile to take remedial action before you put your property on the market. No buyer is enthusiastic about taking on someone else’s problem unless there’s a significant discount on the price, and even then, it’s more about the discount than actually wanting to inherit problems.
In rural areas, larger ponds that are recreational (fishing, swimming) in nature are very popular so long as they are fairly self-sustaining. They can add several percentage points to your overall property value, depending on your location. Ponds that are mostly decorative in nature also add appeal when they are visible from a deck or living areas of the home. Again, they should be relatively low maintenance. In more densely populated areas, such as suburban neighborhoods, most people are considering backyard koi or goldfish ponds. Those might be beautiful and elicit oohs and aahs from guests viewing your home, but they represent a significant amount of maintenance work and generally appeal to only a subset of home buyers who already have an interest in backyard ponds. Those buyers may find a well designed, attractive pond to be a significant bonus and may even pad their offer, but most are more likely to consider a backyard pond a defect that needs to be filled in, and will lower their offer accordingly. In each case, if you’re planning on being there for a while and love the idea of a pond for your personal pleasure, indulge yourself! If you’re only looking for increased resale value, that’s where rural properties are your best bet. Of course, it’s always worth checking with a reputable local realtor. Your specific location may have its own quirks.
