In early 2018, the multinational water innovation company, Crystal Lagoons®, together with Metro Development Group, made history by opening the first crystalline lagoon in the United States at its $100 million Epperson master-planned community in Wesley Chapel, Florida.
The 7.5-acre man-made lagoon allows Epperson residents to swim, sail, kayak, paddleboard or just relax in crystalline, largely chemical-free water. It’s also available to nonresidents for a $25 daily fee and includes a tidal pool, beach, cabanas and swim-up bar.
The two main real estate agencies in the U.S. highlighted the boom in sales generated by developments that include crystalline lagoons, which are provoking a trend nationwide. One particular project, Balmoral in Texas, saw its sales skyrocket by 345%.
While location will always be the No. 1 priority for buyers, amenities have become a key influence on home purchases, experts say. An example are 55-and-up buyers who might not be as socially mobile as first-time homebuyers and couples with young children. So, premium community features are a must. For the first-time homebuyer, while these amenities have a positive influence, they must be delivered at an affordable price point from the standpoint of the home itself as well as the monthly fees.
And certain features have become essential, as more and more buyers expect some sort of community area such as a playground or dog park. As lot sizes get smaller, kids and dogs need room to run, so houses are being ‘amenitized’ to accommodate them.