Buy the summer dream for less: 14 houses with pools for less than $1 million

“Australians are driven by lifestyle, and if an Australian was offered a pool or not a pool and they could afford it, I think most people would edge towards a pool,” says Domain chief of research and economics Dr Nicola Powell.

“Australians are obsessed with pools,” she says. “Pool is the number one search term used on Domain.”

That edge often translates into higher demand – and higher prices.

“[A] pool would be absolutely part of the consideration in pricing,” Powell says. “Lifestyle features of a home add value, and there are buyers out there who are willing to pay for that value.”

Finding a house with a pool, on a budget, in a capital city, is getting more difficult these days but it can be done.

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite ones on the market for those with a $1 million budget. 

This pool is a secret oasis surrounded by palm trees, manicured plantations and luscious lawns that give tropical vibes. The swimming pool is oversized, perfect for swimming a couple of laps in the morning. Plus, it’s designed with timber decking, making it look extra classy. 

This Bossley Park home offers a semi-inground pool with a wooden deck and a poolside lounge area. It’s perfect for summer school holidays, when the kids can splash in the pool while you work in the lounge with a cool glass of lemonade by your side. 

This home offers an elegant, fenced-off in-ground pool area for under $1 million, perfect for families with younger children. The pool has lights that can illuminate the water in the evening, making it ideal for a midnight swim. 

This Langwarrin home has a pool and spa pavilion, perfect for cooling down during Melbourne’s scorching summer days. The pool area is fenced off, ideal for families with pets or small children. It also comes with lights, making night-time swims an absolute delight.

This Chelsea Heights home has a heated saltwater pool to use all year round rather than just in summer. Control the water temperature to be as cold as the Pacific Ocean or as warm as the waters off Broome. The power is in your hands. The pool area is fenced off and has internal lights.

This eco-friendly pool is solar-heated, perfect for those worried about their electricity bills. Control the water’s temperature to make any day a perfect swimming day. The pool is on the larger side, so it’s suitable for those who want to get some laps in as a form of exercise. 

This Sunnybank Hills home has a grassy, north-facing yard with a timber-decked pool. The in-ground pool is fenced off and has plenty of deck lounge space, perfect for a couple of couches and chairs. Why not dip your legs into the water while working from home on a hot summer day?

This massive pool at this Coopers Plains home is excellent for those who love swimming but want to avoid being part of a busy community pool. It’s saltwater, so it’s like being in the ocean without all the sand and the massive waves. 

This bean-shaped pool is perfect for those who want something more exciting than most homes’ traditional rectangular pools. The in-ground pool will be great for hosting summer barbecues and tiring kids out before bedtime. 

Located in Rivett, this weatherboard home has a spectacular nine-metre-deep solar-heated swimming pool. Plus, it’s saltwater, so it’s like having the ocean in your backyard while being far inland. The pool is also fully fenced, which makes it ideal for children or pets. 

This redbrick home has an inground pool that’s perfect for summer fun and relaxation. This pool is long for those who like exercising, making it ideal to take a few laps in the morning to stay fit and healthy. 

This cul-de-sac home has a beautiful in-ground saltwater pool in the backyard. Surrounded by trees, cactuses and pristine shrubbery, this pool is like being out in a swimming hole without leaving home. There is also a separate spa, ideal for parents to relax in while the kids splash around in the pool on a hot summer’s day. 

Built in 1979, this Chidlow home has a massive in-ground pool that sparkles in the sunlight. It’s perfect for those hot summer days and family gatherings. There is also a separate spa for the days when a quick dip is preferred over a full swim.

Located in Forrestfield, this home offers a combined pool and spa. As the kids splash around in the pool area, relax in the separate spa section with a nice glass of wine to unwind at the end of the day.