I have studied this for years. My average if there is a true water view (not a "you can see the water if you tilt your head and stand on tiptoes in the closet view") is ten percent. That is: 10% additional for two like properties. The one with a water view and the one without being almost identical.

I am a real estate agent of many years.

The amount of value added depends on the location of the property and type of vew. As Jerry mentioned, golf course lots and shore line lots normally carry a lot premium. The lot premium associated with the proerty can be used as somewhat of an indication to added value, however, as with any added feature, upgrade, improvement, remodeling, etc., the added value (or decrease in value for that matter) depends on its contribution to the overall property within the market area, and not the actual cost.

Such features, upgrades, improvements, remodeling, etc may provide a good selling point to particular buyers looking for such items. You may want to consider consulting with an appraiser prior to determining a selling price or purchase offer.

some people don't want to be anywhere near water. its dangerous for people with kids.

I don't know if our friend Dave below was joking or not (the translation of humor sometimes get lost in Cyberspace) but I don't think you can place an exact figure like that on features such as views, location etc. A waterview in one location might not be as stunning as another. To say a lakeview is the equivalent of an ocean view is like saying a Mercedes and BMW are the same car. They're both nice, but they're not the same and should not be priced identically. In Arizona we have many golf course communities. Golf course lots always carry a premium. But even that depends where on the fairway the home is located. If you're 200-250 yards out from the tee box you're going to get a lot of balls in your backyard. If you're right at the tee box or the green you're going to hear a lot of chatter (and cussing) emanating from your backyard. So you can see it is a somewhat subjective measure.

For more information on the greater Phoenix real estate market please visit our website at:
http://www.ArizonaPremiereLiving.com

$100,000... Not a penny more, not a penny less.

Holly,
Let me simply this for you.
The added value of a waterview is determined by what a buyer is willing to pay and by what a seller is willing to accept in today's market. Once you find a property you are interested in, your agent or REALTOR should be able through research show you the value of similiar homes with and without waterviews. Using the research you can approximate the value of the waterview but it still comes down to are you as a buyer willing to pay ??? more for the waterview feature and is the seller willing to accept your offer.

Forgot about the dog bathing factor :) http://www.foreclosuresus.com

Of course location matters, also where is the afternoon sun?, Is it that funky blue reclaimed water? Or can the dog go swimming with out needing a bath afterward? Are we trolling around on a little foot paddle boat, or is this a full fledged pontoon booze cruise? Are you on the big lake or the little lake?

A waterview of what, where? Are we talking Arrowhead Lakes? Or Tempe Town Lake?