Property owners. You may have asked the question, does landscaping really increase the value of your property? The answer is a profound yes. Landscaping is one of the best things a homeowner can do outside the house to increase its value. Landscaping can enhance the aesthetic of a property while adding value, creating a better financial standing when selling.
The return on investment is not necessarily only financial; you can also increase the enjoyment and comfort of your home for day to day living with landscaping features.
So, does a nice garden add value to your home? It adds financial value, along with the value of how you enjoy your surroundings.
Originally compiled by Urban.com.au and revised for our water-scarce South African climate, this guide delves into the effects of landscaping on property value and why a professionally designed, installed, and maintained landscape is an unequivocal investment in your property.
Source: onekindesign.com
HOW TO USE LANDSCAPING TO ADD PROPERTY VALUE
While there is more value in a landscaped home, you’ll need to consider both the front yard, which creates curb appeal and the backyard, which is often more used and where the money needs to be spent.
KEEP IN MIND SOME OF THESE DOs & DON'Ts
- Less lawn means less maintenance. People may be put off by having to add the mowing of lawns to their to-do list. It is our advice at CDS to always try to mitigate thirsty lawns, especially in a Mediterranean climate.
- A landscaped patio can raise the value of a home as it melds the idea of outdoors with the indoor.
- Outdoor lighting with solar-powered lights creates security and a stylish aesthetic.
- Swimming pools do not increase the property value as they create an additional cost.
- The same applies to tennis or basketball courts. Increased enjoyment? Yes. Increased value? No. You will be limiting your sales options to those with a similar interest.
- Choose a wooden deck over a concrete patio as it is easier to maintain and will offer more longevity.
- There are benefits to installing a sprinkler system, including less water usage and less maintenance.
- Artificial turf is a great alternative but does require maintenance.
- Water harvesting and storage for a garden is fast becoming a standard. Having this system in place not only increases your resale value but reduces your overall cost to maintain your garden.
Source: Lucy Schnell
THE BENEFITS OF LANDSCAPING
If you are wondering how much value a garden adds to your property, Clemson University Professor Mark S. Henry released a research paper that claimed even a small increase in the quality of your home’s landscaping could increase the resale value of a property by around seven per cent, and that is without much financial outlay. The more you invest in your landscaping, the greater the return.
The garden area of a home is directly related to its overall appeal and can significantly influence a buyer’s perception of a property. It can also help you to create a more functional space for entertaining to have your neighbours around to help settle into your community.
There are many environmental benefits as plants improve the quality of our air, and inner-city neighbourhoods with beautiful, usable outdoor areas see increased social interaction between residents. While it is not always appropriate to spend time in the garden all-year-round, the visuals of your garden are ever-present.
Source: Lucy Schnell
THE ADVANTAGES OF HIRING A PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPER
If you are wanting to avoid the DIY route and guarantee high-quality gardening services, a professional contractor is the way to go. They will come equipped with specialised tools and materials, such as more precise mowing equipment and varieties of fertiliser. It may cost a little more, but there are many costs involved with selling a home, few of which can help raise the price.
Landscaping is an investment, and the best way to get the most out of it is to ensure the work is handled in a professional manner.
When using a professional landscaper, their service fee includes their trained knowledge and skills. The experience-transfer that is on offer will likely outweigh the capabilities of a DIY method, and they can provide a maintenance plan to ensure your garden continues to flourish and that you are getting the most out of your investment.
It is also vital to preserve your landscape, which means professional maintenance is needed throughout your garden’s existence. Small mistakes can have a significant impact on the final look and health of your garden, so a professional will give you peace of mind that the job is being handled correctly.
Above all, the time and the energy you save when you work with a professional carries an unimaginable amount of value – on top of knowing you are getting the best result possible.
Copyright: Contours Design Studio
THE REAL EFFECT OF LANDSCAPING ON PROPERTY VALUE
The value of your property is dependent on the location and style of your home, but it also comes down to the presentation and care taken when looking after it. For this reason, a beautiful and functional garden or outdoor area is a very important element of ensuring your home looks its very best.
Any home improvements will assist in the value of your property. The visual element of a garden, however, which is the display of your property to the rest of the world, is one of the most important. First impressions last and you want potential buyers to understand that you have looked after your home. Convince them that this property is a low-maintenance task that is neat and tidy, and that they will be able to feel comfortable and enjoy the outdoor areas.
There is a lot of competition in the sales market, so you want your place to stand out. All of this increases the value of your home and has you best-positioned for a good sale.
Copyright: Contours Design Studio
YOUR LANDSCAPER IS ON STANDBY
Contours Design Studio is an outdoor lifestyle design and installation company, providing a service to clients in the Western Cape and beyond. We offer innovative design and extensive plant knowledge to produce amazing outdoor spaces that add value to our clients’ lives and properties.
LUKE CARLINO
Luke Carlino is a property content contributor for urban.com.au. Luke focuses on a wide range of topics covering new developments, industry news and city updates.
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