You’ve probably driven past them hundreds if not thousands of times—maybe in a subdivision, behind a school, or next to a shopping center. A grassy dip in the ground here, a pond with cattails. You might not give them much thought unless you’re a duck—or an appraiser.
There are some differences between the two. I’m sure you have never driven around thinking, “I wonder what the differences between a retention pond vs. a detention pond is.” But by the end of this post, you’ll know.
Let’s dive in. (Okay, not literally. Especially if it’s a detention pond.)
💧 What’s the Difference?
Retention Ponds—also called wet ponds—are permanent. They hold water all the time, kind of like a man-made lake with a job. Their role? To capture stormwater runoff and release it slowly, filtering out pollutants along the way.
They’re common in subdivisions where space allows for a feature that’s both functional and, sometimes, a little scenic. In fact, I often see a home listed in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) as having a “water” view. And to be fair, that’s true!
On an aside, in my experience, appraising properties with a view of a retention pond can add value, depending on the pond’s size and how much it enhances the property’s view. But often does not and measureable value. So, to answer the question posed in the title of this post, it can, but it depends! Moving on…
Detention Ponds, on the other hand, have a different look and feel. They’re dry most of the time and only fill up during storms. Think of them as temporary holding tanks. They prevent flooding by holding water during heavy rains, then slowly releasing it so storm drains don’t overflow.
🧰 Maintenance Matters
Whether it’s a wet pond or a dry basin, both systems need regular care. If neglected, stormwater features can go from being assets to liabilities—mosquito breeding grounds, algae blooms, clogged outfalls… You name it.
Here’s what proper maintenance typically looks like:
For Retention Ponds:
Removing trash and floating debris, managing algae and mosquito growth, dredging sediment every 5–15 years, inspecting inlet and outlet structures, and maintaining aquatic vegetation.
For Detention Ponds:
Mowing embankments and the basin floor, removing sediment and silt, checking for erosion and standing water, and keeping outlets clear and functioning.
Why does this matter for valuation? A well-maintained pond can enhance marketability, especially in residential settings. A neglected one? It can hurt curb appeal, create drainage issues, and raise red flags for buyers. (Not to mention that HOA or municipal fines aren’t exactly a value booster.) A poorly maintained retention or detention pond can be evidence of a poorly run homeowner’s association, which raises the question: what else behind the scenes in the HOA is not being properly managed? That could impact marketability and market value, as reflected in the sales prices of properties in that development over time, if left uncorrected.
When an appraiser sees a stormwater feature on or adjacent to a property, they may do well to ask who’s responsible for maintenance. (HOA? City? Private owner?) Is it being maintained? Does it impact usability or market appeal?
🧾 Final Thoughts
Retention and detention ponds may not be glamorous, but they’re essential. If you’re buying, selling, or appraising property in Northeast Ohio, don’t overlook them. A quick walk around the perimeter can reveal a lot—about drainage, upkeep, and even neighborhood standards.
Because when it comes to value, sometimes the biggest risks (or bonuses) are hiding in plain sight—right behind the lot line.
I hope you enjoyed this post! Now it’s time for my monthly market update. I’ve also included a new visual that you might enjoy.
CUYAHOGA COUNTY SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING TRENDS
Here are some fresh stats for single-family homes in Cuyahoga County. Here are the key points from the data below:
There were 5% fewer pending sales last month than in December of 2024.
The median sales price in December was $220,000, a -4% decline from December 2024. It is noteworthy that the last quarter of last year did not follow the typical downward trend seen most years. So, this decline doesn’t worry me at this point. But it’s something to keep an eye on in future months.
In December, there was approximately 2 months of single-family inventory on the market, about the same as in December 2024. We still have a shortage of inventory.
The median single-family list price in December was $199,900, up 11% from the same period last year.
On average, it took 26 days to sell a home in November compared to 31 days in December of 2024.
On average, homes sell for 100% of their listing price, as was the case in December of 2024.
Here are the associated charts…
I enjoyed some articles about the Greater Cleveland area. I like sharing these things with you and hope you enjoy them too. Just click on the article to be sent to that article.
60-Plus Greater Cleveland Events to Put on Your 2026 Calendar – Cleveland Magazine
Get Cold. Get Cozy. Get To the Land – This Is Cleveland .com
MORE BLOGS I RECOMMEND
If you enjoyed my blog, you might also enjoy some of my friends’ and colleagues’ blogs! Click their links below to check them out!
APPRAISAL TODAY by Ann O’Rourke
Housing Notes by Jonathan Miller
Sacramento Appraisal Blog by Ryan Lundquist
Real Value Blog and Podcast by Blaine Feyen
The Analog Blog by George Dell
The Appraiser Coach Blog by Dustin Harris
Birmingham Appraisal Blog by Tom Horn
Thanks for being here!
Have a great rest of the weekend! Stay safe out there!
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If you want to order a residential real property appraisal in Northeast Ohio, click here. I’d love to help you solve your value problem! I’ve been appraising properties in the following counties since 1998: Cuyahoga, Summit, Lake, Geauga, Portage, Medina, Lorain, and Stark.
* Some parts of this post were created using AI tools, with final edits and opinions by me.
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