UPDATE: Home saunas are rapidly becoming the latest status symbol among affluent homeowners across the United States, reflecting a significant shift toward “wellness design.” This trend is driven by a growing focus on health and longevity, as wealthy individuals seek to invest in their well-being without leaving the comfort of their homes.
The Culhane family from Scottsdale, Arizona, epitomizes this trend. Brian, a 50-year-old cofounder of eXp Realty, and his wife Kristi, 49, have transformed their 10,000-square-foot residence, investing over $100,000 in a room-sized sauna built by Spa Steam and Sauna—the same company that outfits luxury hotels like the Ritz-Carlton. This sauna serves as their personal wellness retreat, where they practice yoga, breathwork, and aromatherapy daily.
“Having one at home saves us hours a day,” Brian said. His wife added that the privacy of a home sauna is invaluable compared to crowded public facilities.
The demand for home saunas is on the rise, with HomeAdvisor reporting installation costs ranging from $2,500 to $7,000, with an average spend of about $3,100. Entry-level models can be found for as low as $1,000, while custom high-end versions soar past $10,000. For ultra-wealthy clients, like the Culhanes, the prices can extend far beyond these averages.
According to Wes McMahon, owner of Sun Valley Saunas, many of his clients are transforming their saunas into luxurious spa suites.
“For the luxury homeowners, we do a lot of the bigger outdoor traditional saunas with WiFi controls and changing rooms,”
he revealed.
This wellness trend is not limited to older homeowners; younger generations are also seeking these amenities. Luxury broker Lisa Simonsen notes that buyers in their 20s and 30s are increasingly prioritizing wellness features. She stated,
“Many buyers won’t give up their Equinox membership unless they have saunas in their buildings.”
The trend is further evidenced in new developments. In Miami, the upcoming Well at Coconut Grove project is marketed as a luxurious living space infused with holistic wellness, featuring amenities such as a sauna, cold plunge, and more. Chorney, a luxury real estate agent, recently purchased a condo there, emphasizing the importance of integrated wellness facilities. He remarked,
“Longevity is such a huge trend right now. We’re just at the beginning of what’s going to be a real longevity and wellness boom in real estate.”
As home saunas become synonymous with health and status, developers across the U.S. are incorporating these features into new properties to attract buyers. The message is clear: the affluent are prioritizing health investments, and home saunas are leading the charge.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing trend in luxury real estate and wellness living.
