Homes with gyms are high on the wishlist for health-conscious buyers

We all know that gym memberships skyrocket and healthy eating plans come to the fore at this time of year.

It has been reported that Google searches for “gym membership” rose to the highest level in internet history this month.

And this affects the way we search for homes, because homes with fitness facilities are some of the most sought-after properties on the market.

“People are generally spending more time at home and this has led buyers to want more from their home in terms of amenities,” says Annabel Blackett of Strutt & Parker.

‘A country house with the complete works, including a swimming pool, gym and tennis court, is the ultimate rural ideal.’

It was the leisure suite that first attracted developer Adam Thompson to his six-bedroom town house, Newfield House, near Morpeth, Northumberland.

‘It has an 11m x 6m pool which I use three times a week,’ says Adam, 36, who used to play rugby union for Gosforth. “Then I use the weights, benches and ellipticals to work out.”

Adam’s sons, Max, six, and Leo, four, have swimming lessons in the pool, which also has a steam room, sauna and patio doors leading out to the gardens.

Newfield House is for sale for £2.5 million (with Sanderson Young). If you want to build your own leisure suite at home, there are specialized companies that can help.

Luxury Home Gyms installs a range of fitness equipment, including floor-to-ceiling mirrors, air conditioning and non-slip floors.

Guncast, meanwhile, supply indoor swimming pools from £120,000, although £350,000 – £500,000 is the average outlay.

Convenience: Having your own gym can be better than joining a health club as you spend more time working out and traveling less

Having your own gym can be better than joining a health club. You spend more time training and less time traveling. It also pays back some of the cost over time as you don’t have to pay membership fees for a health club.

However, suites that have been turned over to recreational facilities have their criticisms. “A gym and swimming pool don’t necessarily add value to a property in the long run,” says James Greenwood of Stacks Property Search.

“They can date quickly, and there’s something really sad about an unused, half-empty swimming pool and a musty-smelling gym.”

Modern apartment buildings are now trying to outdo each other in the range of facilities. On the Colmer Estate, near Modbury, Devon, where The Gate House East is on sale for £229,950, residents have two swimming pools, a tennis court, a gym and a fishing pond (marchandandpetit.co.uk).

Barratt London’s Hayes Village, West London, has a 200m running track and a mile long walking track, as well as its own gym.

Built on the site of the former Nestle factory next to the Grand Union Canal, the development consists of 1,500 one- to three-bedroom apartments, priced from £332,000 (Barratt Homes).

Leisure suites in modern developments are usually run by management companies and buyers are advised to study the fine print of the contract to find out how much they can expect their fees to increase.

A Home Counties management company has nearly doubled fees in recent years, so beware.

On the market… homes with gyms

London: Coppermaker Square in Stratford is a development of 1,225 modern one, two and three bedroom apartments. There are spa and fitness facilities for residents only. Coppermakersquare.com, 020 3005 9090. From £2,255 pcm

Manchester: Located on Rochdale Canal, Kampus is a selection of one and two bedroom apartments in Manchester. The wellness center is free for all residents. Kampus-mcr.co.uk, 0161 546 1350. From £1,245 pcm

Cornwall: This five bedroom energy efficient property on a development near Trebetherick has sea views. Buyers can use a gym, fitness studio, tennis court and cafe. Johnbrayestates.co.uk, 01208 862 201. £2.5 million