Landscaping tends to be a neglected area of home improvement, however it is an effective way to add property value in Sunraysia when done right.
The question of landscaping and if it affects home value is one that we as agents get asked often. It’s hard to determine exactly how much value landscaping can add but anything that can improve the look and appeal of your property and attract more buyers to your door is always worth looking at.
Keep it simple
The key to good landscaping is making a property look inviting and low-maintenance.
Try not to overdo your landscaping. Anything too elaborate could scare off would-be buyers who don’t want to take on a gardening project.
Keep the end buyer in mind when considering what to add or remove from your gardens. Ask questions like is there room for kids to run around and play? Or is there somewhere to sit outside and entertain?
The main focus should be on keeping the garden clean and simple. Think neat garden beds and walking paths and lots of lawn to run on.
You don’t want the area to look too sparse though, so add in a few plants that suit the style of home, making sure to choose ones that won’t grow too wild or require too much upkeep.
Add to the usability of the space
When planning out your gardens you also need to think about how people are going to use it. You’ll need to think about where people will park their car or where they might like to hang their laundry.
Try to make these areas functional, while not detracting from the overall appearance of the house. For example, it might be better to put the clothesline out the side of the house rather than having a dominant hills hoist in the middle of the garden.
Don’t forget to think about privacy. Sometimes it’s worth adding screening or plants to help make a space more private so people don’t have to worry about the neighbours peering in.
Resist the urge to overspend
You don’t need to go overboard with landscaping. Most landscaping work is easy for people to do themselves unless they need help with planning or a major redesign.
Most people will only need to spend a few weekends going over each space in the garden and making it look as if it were planned to be that way.
If you’re getting your home ready to sell here are a few more tips:
– Replenish lawns and mow regularly
– Pull out weeds and trim back overgrown plants
– Add mulch and edging to garden beds
– Introduce plants that will add to the visual appeal of the property
– Fix broken fencing and letterboxes
– Neaten up pathways and outdoor spaces
Overall landscaping is important and will attract buyers to your home. The goal for any sale is to get people to stop and take a look at your home and good landscaping can certainly do that.