Does a Golf Course in the Back of Your House Increase Property Value?

Golf courses are beautiful, scenic, and well-groomed slices of nature, usually considered green spaces amid urban surroundings or community settings. Previously called “the gentleman’s game,” it was how rich and famous men passed the time while wheeling and dealing with high-powered clients for big money deals. 

But today, golf is accessible to anyone. And with more and more residential landscapes featuring golf courses, the nearby sport has become something people enjoy to pass the time while challenging both their minds and bodies. 

Calgary, Alberta, has 37 lush, green courses in the city and another 24 within 30 kilometres. And if golf courses in the city mean housing developments in and around them, do they actually impact residential property value?

Is There a Relationship Between Golf Courses and Property Values?

There’s definitely a correlation between a property that backs onto a golf course and a higher property value.. 

For example, the private and prestigious Earl Grey Golf Course in Lakeview is a beautiful course. Homes that back onto it are certainly highly sought after and tend to have increased values.

How Much Does a Golf Course Increase Home Value?

As with most investments, the exact property value isn’t predictable. However, many properties that back onto golf courses typically have between a 7% to 10% higher value — a much lower number than previous trends, when back in the 1990s, these homes fetched anywhere from 15% to 30% more, depending on the status or location of the course. The substantial drop accounts for the decline in interest in the sport. 

It also helps when you have the right buyer. Owning a home that backs onto a well-manicured green scape is a golf enthusiast’s dream; paying 10% more to attain that dream wouldn’t even be a second thought. Same for those who don’t necessarily like the game but enjoy high-end amenities, such as health and wellness centres, restaurants, bars, and pro shops close to home. 

Factors That Contribute to the Impact on Property Values

Not all golf courses are equal, so there are a few factors that may impact property values, like:



• How well the club maintains the course
• The prestigiousness of the course
• How thriving the club and area is

Higher memberships keep the money coming in to maintain the grounds, restaurant, and other facilities like banquet halls, spas, and pro shops. Perfect examples include Lakeview’s Earl Grey and Valley Ridge Golf Club. The Valley Ridge Club is just 15 minutes from downtown Calgary nestled along the Bow River, with the Valley Ridge housing development scattered throughout the course. Meanwhile, the city-run Lakeview Club is a well-treed, nine-hole public course in southwest Calgary that runs along the Glenmore Reservoir. The more popular the course is, the higher your property value may be.

Unfortunately, the opposite is also true. When a golf course suffers a loss due to mismanagement, membership drop-off, or plain neglect, it can’t afford to maintain the grounds as it once did. Poor course conditions lead to less attendance, eventually causing the golf course to shutter. From there, it becomes a haven for crime, pests, and litter, inevitably decreasing property values.                 

Pros and Cons of Living Near a Golf Course

If you’re wondering whether you should buy a property near a golf course, here’s a list of pros and cons: 

Pros

• Some clubs offer free memberships to homeowners who back onto a golf course
• If you love the game, it’s excellent exercise right at your door
• You can steadily improve your game
• A convenient restaurant and bar up the road
• Incredible scenic views
• Increased wildlife and nature activity 
• Added property value if you’re right on the course
• A close place to cross-country ski in the winter
• Neighbours with the same interests

Cons

• Worrying about potential club closure and property depreciation
• Wayward golf balls in your yard, possible property damage or injury
• Possible increase in traffic, depending on where the clubhouse entrance is
• Noise levels can vary throughout the daylight hours between golfers and groundskeeping equipment

Dreaming of Living Near a Golf Course in Calgary?

Many dream of living near or backed onto a luxurious golf course. I can turn that dream into reality with listings near courses in Valley Ridge, Lakeview, Haysboro, Crestmont, and Glendale. 

When it comes to my clients, I go above and beyond to provide a seamless experience every step of the way. I follow my HEART and offer Honest, Energetic, Attentive, Resourceful, and Trusted advice.

Ready to enhance your community, enrich your lifestyle, and up your golf game? Search my available listings or Call Me; I’d love to chat!