Landscaping constitutes a significant investment for property owners, often involving considerable expenditures that can directly impact property value. Project costs typically range from approximately $5,000 to $100,000 (and sometimes a lot more), influenced by variables such as lot size, geographic location, design preferences, and selected materials. Furthermore, the choice of plants and flowers plays an essential role in shaping the overall budget during the landscaping process.
Professionals working in real estate—including agents, architects, and landscapers—have carried out surveys and research regarding the Return on Investment (ROI) of home landscaping. Following research by leading trades & professional services platform, service.com.au, summarise the findings related to how landscaping affects property value:
- A professionally landscaped home can sell for 15% to 20% more than a home with a less attractive landscape.
- Lawn care service and adding fresh mulch have a 35% and 126% ROI while selling a home.
- Landscaping can add up to 14% to the resale of a property and accelerates the sale time.
- In addition, the landscaping had a great impact on the occupancy levels, i.e., there were 8 to 20% higher occupancy levels than other standard properties.
How to Increase the value of your home by lLandscaping
Investing in professional landscaping can be a significant investment and depends on a range of criteria including: visual impact, quality of landscaping and building materials, budget and timelines. An experienced landscape architect or landscaper knows what to do, when and how to do it and doesn’t do `what if?’, and how to work within a budget, making it a low-stress exercise. Below are some relatively quick landscaping practices and features that increase home value.
1. A well-maintained lawn
A well-maintained lawn boosts your home’s appearance and value, which is why real estate agents advise yard care before selling. Proper lawn maintenance includes mowing (when grass is dry), edging for a tidy look, fertilizing, raking, aerating, weeding, and regular watering. Avoid cutting too short to keep grass healthy.
2. Applying fresh mulch
Mulch applied around garden plants and shrubs offers multiple benefits, including suppressing weed growth, reducing evaporation, preventing soil erosion, and regulating soil temperature. Furthermore, new mulch enhances landscape aesthetics with its vivid colour and contributes to an increase in property value.
3. Landscaped front door pathway
The front walkway is one of the first features visitors notice when approaching a property. A walkway in good condition can influence perceptions about the property, while an untended path may have the opposite effect. Property owners may consider hiring landscapers to design or repair walkways as needed, and maintaining cleanliness is important. Adding trimmed hedges and plants along the sides can also help maintain the appearance of the walkway.
4. Automated irrigation system
An automated irrigation system increases your investment’s value by efficiently watering your plants and lawn only when needed. Modern systems use sensors to detect moisture levels and apply water appropriately.
5. Add a water feature
A water feature can contribute to the tranquillity of a garden. Options such as a small pond, fountain, or waterfall may increase property value. Regular cleaning and maintenance, including removing leaves and algae, are recommended for existing features. Water features that require high maintenance and cost may be viewed by potential buyers as less desirable. Simple, low-maintenance designs are generally preferred.
6. Plant trees and shrubs
Trees and shrubs can contribute to property value. They may also improve the appearance of landscaping and increase privacy. It is advisable to consult professionals for recommendations on tree placement that maintains access to natural light while providing shade in a backyard.
7. Lighting
A well-lit backyard is highly valued by buyers, as it enhances safety and security while contributing to the overall value of a property. Exterior lighting can increase a property’s overall market value and appeal. Surveys indicate that outdoor lighting consistently ranks among the most desirable features for prospective purchasers. There are a variety of exterior lighting solutions available to suit a range of budgets for enhancing your home’s outdoor areas.
8. Add a patio
A patio is a designated area in a home for outdoor activities. It can increase a property’s value and provides a space for individual relaxation, reading, family gatherings, or entertaining guests. Because of its varied uses, it may attract different types of buyers.
These 8 tips will significantly increase the value of your home. Of course, landscaping requires a substantial amount of money, but you can always recover it while reselling your property since it profoundly increases the value of your home. However, other landscaping features are likely to hurt your home value. They include artificial grass, hot tubs, fruit trees, and a highly personalised landscape design. Also, outdated garden décor, broken fences, and cracked walls are a big turn-off to buyers.
Where to start? Check out the tradies and suppliers listed with The Fold – and keep it local.
Information sourced from industry platforms and articles including service.com.au, REA, domain.com.au.
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Visit The Fold Property to view properties on the market throughout the Southern Highlands.
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