H
ome saunas are emerging as the newest status symbol in real estate, reflecting a broader shift toward wellness design as Americans prioritize health and longevity. A private sauna signals that one can invest in their body without leaving home. For the Culhanes, a 10,000‑sq‑ft Scottsdale house, the sauna—built by Spa Steam and Sauna for $100,000—serves as a yoga, breathwork, and aromatherapy studio. Brian Culhanes, former eXp Realty president, says the sauna saves hours daily and offers privacy that hotel saunas lack. The couple uses it every day, preferring it over gym or spa trips.
Saunas are part of a growing list of spa‑like upgrades that affluent homeowners are adding to their properties. Studies show traditional Finnish saunas improve cardiovascular health, endurance, immune function, and may lower Alzheimer’s risk. The appeal is both a lifestyle choice and a status cue: “I have the money to invest in my body, and I don’t need to leave home,” says many buyers.
Installation costs vary widely. HomeAdvisor reports average home sauna installation between $2,500 and $7,000, with most paying about $3,100. Prefab units range from $1,000 to $5,000; custom models can exceed $10,000. For ultra‑wealthy clients, prices climb higher. Sun Valley Saunas’ owner Wes McMahon notes that luxury buyers often turn saunas into full spa suites, adding steam rooms, Wi‑Fi controls, changing rooms, and even porch‑style enclosures that resemble tiny houses.
The wellness trend spans all ages. Ivan Chorney of Compass in Southeast Florida notes that many of his clients—older, high‑earning professionals—focus on longevity to stay with their families. Younger buyers also demand wellness amenities; Lisa Simonsen of Brown Harris Stevens reports that 20‑to‑30‑year‑olds consider saunas essential. In New York City, developers are offering saunas and cold plunges to attract buyers who might otherwise keep Equinox memberships. Miami developers are adding sound baths, crystal caves, and even red‑light therapy to master closets.
A prime example is The Well in Coconut Grove, a Miami waterfront project marketed as “luxurious living meets holistic wellness.” The building offers 1‑ to 4‑bedroom units (960–4,200 sq ft) starting at $1.5 million. Amenities include a conservatory, rooftop pickleball, fitness deck, aperitif bar, and a gym. Residents also gain access to “The Club,” a 13,000‑sq‑ft wellness center with massages, acupuncture, a communal bathhouse, steam room, sauna, cold plunge, and caldarium. Chorney, who recently bought a condo there, says the complex consolidates all his fitness and wellness needs into one location, reflecting the emerging longevity boom in real estate.
In short, home saunas have moved from niche luxury to mainstream wellness design, offering health benefits, privacy, and a statement of self‑investment. As developers incorporate spa‑style amenities into new builds, the demand for these features continues to rise across all demographics.
