Pickleball Craze Hits Housing Market: House hunting on Zillow has become a favorite pastime for many, offering a way to unwind after a long day. The joy of scrolling through listings, judging the staging and landscaping like an HGTV star, is unmatched. But recently, a new trend has emerged in the world of real estate: pickleball.
The Rise of Pickleball in Listings
Pickleball, America’s fastest-growing sport, has found its way into real estate listings. According to the Zillow Group, references to pickleball in listings surged by 64% in 2023. In New York City alone, the share of for-sale listings highlighting proximity to a pickleball court doubled.
“Pickleball courts have become a great selling feature because they appeal to athletes of all ages,” said Zillow Premier Agent partner, Joy Kim Metalois.
Marketing to the Pickleball Enthusiasts
The trend isn’t surprising. Tapping into the pickleball craze is a savvy strategy to attract more attention to properties. Just as Target sells pickleball apparel and gear, and Sand + Fog released a pickleball candle, real estate listings are using the sport’s popularity to draw potential buyers.
In the competitive housing market, highlighting nearby amenities like grocery stores, coffee shops, and pet supply stores is common practice. Adding pickleball courts to this list makes perfect sense, appealing to a growing segment of the population.
Staging for the Pickleball Lifestyle
Sellers have started staging homes with pickleball in mind. Placing a pickleball net in the driveway allows potential buyers to measure the size of the space realistically.
“Since pickleball is such a social sport, an at-home court has become the latest entertaining feature, like an outdoor kitchen or a pizza oven.” – (Metalois)
Envisioning the Future Home
When people are house hunting, they seek more than just a property; they want a vision of their future life. They imagine family dinners, backyard barbecues with friends, and, increasingly, a pickleball court. This addition to the list of desirable amenities reflects the sport’s growing cultural footprint.
For some, a home without access to pickleball is no longer an option. The sport’s appeal is shaping not just recreational activities but also real estate decisions, ensuring that the pickleball trend is here to stay.
News in Brief: Pickleball Craze Hits Housing Market
House hunting on Zillow has become a favorite pastime, offering a way to unwind after a long day. Recently, a new trend has emerged in real estate: pickleball. According to the Zillow Group, mentions of pickleball in listings surged by 64% in 2023. Highlighting proximity to pickleball courts attracts buyers, especially athletes of all ages.
Sellers are staging homes with pickleball in mind, such as placing a net in the driveway. This trend reflects the sport’s growing cultural footprint, with buyers envisioning their future lives including a pickleball court. The sport’s appeal is shaping recreational activities and real estate decisions, ensuring the pickleball trend is here to stay.
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