Return on Investment: Do Buyers in Melbourne’s Eastern Suburb Value a Cinema Room More Than a Swimming Pool?

In the prestige property market of Melbourne’s inner east, the details make the difference. A marble kitchen bench is expected. So is zoned heating, ducted air, and an oversized garage. But when it comes to the wow factor—the kind that sways a prospective buyer walking through a private inspection—two features often come into play: the swimming pool and the dedicated home cinema.

While both add a sense of luxury, the question is: which one delivers more day-to-day value, and which one carries more weight at resale? Let’s explore how today’s buyers are viewing these upgrades.

1. Buyer Priorities Have Shifted

Post-2020, the demand for private, in-home entertainment spaces has skyrocketed. Time spent indoors during lockdowns permanently shifted what “luxury” means to homeowners. Where open-plan kitchens and outdoor areas were once king, flexible indoor spaces like media rooms, gyms, and cinemas have moved to the top of the wishlist.

In high-end markets such as Toorak, Kew, Balwyn, Hawthorn, and Camberwell, agents are reporting increased interest in homes with pre-designed cinema rooms—particularly those that are acoustically treated, sound-isolated, and professionally fitted out. Why?

“A pool is impressive during inspections,” says one Brighton-based buyer’s agent, “but many clients—especially older families—see more practical use in a high-end media room they can enjoy year-round.”

Take-away: a dedicated cinema is now a point of difference; a pool is often just expected.

2. Climate and Useability

Melbourne’s famously erratic weather makes year-round pool use less appealing than in, say, Brisbane or Perth. Despite the addition of gas heating or solar blankets, pool usage typically drops to 2–3 months per year, especially for non-swimmers.

A home cinema, on the other hand, sees usage through every season, at any time of day, and by all ages—whether it’s a blockbuster night with the kids, a quiet jazz listening session, or a footy game with mates.

Take-away: Usage stats favour cinema spaces for long-term return.

3. Dollars & Sense—Pools

4. Dollars & Sense—Home Cinema

5. Lifestyle & Regulatory Factors

6. Impact on Resale

While both pools and cinemas are luxury features, the emotional appeal of a purpose-built private cinema is stronger for families looking to “live the dream” inside their own home.

Realestate.com.au listings across Melbourne’s top-performing suburbs frequently showcase cinema rooms as a highlight feature. Phrases like "fully soundproofed theatre with star ceiling", "7.2 surround sound with acoustic wall panels", and "custom cabinetry and risers for multi-tiered viewing" signal thoughtful design—and a turnkey experience for the next homeowner.

In contrast, pools are more polarising. Some buyers love them; others see them as high-maintenance liabilities. In fact, it’s not uncommon for pools to detract from resale value if buyers perceive them as a safety concern or cost burden. Also in many cases people who have had pool in their first homes actively choose not to have one in the second home.

A well-designed cinema, especially one built by professionals like BMC Audio Visual, can bring 20+ years of joy with minimal upkeep—most of which involve improvements to projectors, audio processing, or source equipment. And with the rise of content platforms like Kaleidescape, 4K Ultra HD libraries, and immersive formats like Dolby Atmos, the home theatre has become more than just a place to watch movies—it’s a multi-sensory retreat.

7. What Architects, Interior Designers & Builders Are Hearing

• Space efficiency: a 7 × 5 m cinema seats eight and can be located in basements or attics—areas unsuitable for pools.
• Budget staging: a cinema fit-out can be added late in the build; a pool shell must be poured early, tying up cash flow.
• Acoustic and light isolation dovetail with today’s energy-efficient envelopes; no conflict with heritage overlays.

Final Thoughts: Lifestyle First, Resale Second

If you're deciding between adding a pool or a dedicated home cinema, ask yourself this:

Which will I use more? And which will create lasting memories with my family?

In Melbourne’s climate and property landscape, a private cinema often makes more sense for both lifestyle and long-term resale value—especially when executed at a high standard.

BMC Audio Visual: Melbourne’s Experts in High-End Home Cinemas

As a JBL Synthesis Certified Dealer and trusted partner of premium brands such as Barco, Wisdom Audio, Brodmann Speakers, Kaleidescape, Trinnov and StormAudio, BMC Audio Visual designs and installs world-class home theatres across Melbourne’s most prestigious homes.

Whether you’re building new, renovating, or converting an unused room into a purpose-built cinema, we’ll guide you through every detail—from sightlines and soundproofing to lighting and control integration.

Book a no-pressure design chat at our Melbourne Experience Centre and see/hear the difference a high end cinema can make.