As house prices continue to rise, many estate agents are predicting healthy forecasts for the housing market. Whether you’re looking to take advantage of this current upward trend and are considering putting your house on the market in the coming months or you’re looking to add value to your home for the long-run it’s important to remember that it’s not just the interior that can impact value.
When it comes to selling your home, first impressions are everything. The first thing buyers (and the estate agent valuing your property) will see is the exterior of your home and this will set the tone for how they view the rest of your house.
In fact, in a study by Barclays Mortgages found that 35% of buyers base their decision entirely on a home’s exterior. If they don’t like what they see, they won’t even bother going inside.
On average, each home sold in the UK loses £57,600 as a direct consequence of a shabby or dishevelled exterior. To help ensure you get the best offer for your home, here are some simple landscaping ideas that will instantly add value to your home.
Fix the fences and tidy the edges
Whilst having fences well-maintained and painted won’t add value to your property, they will at least demonstrate that the property is taken care of. Not only does it show potential buyers that you take pride in your home but that you take care of it also.
If you have grass, it’s important it’s kept short. A day or two before the valuer and the photographer visit, take the time to neaten up your lawn, borders and edges.
A well-maintained lawn is the base of a nice garden and should be the first thing you take care of before starting any other kind of landscaping. Lawns that are turning brown are never appealing, so even though mowing, watering and fertilizing the lawn often is a lot of work it is very worth it to add some good curb appeal to your property.
It can be a good idea to add a sprinkler system if you’re still planning to live for a few years in the property – that way, you can benefit from it yourself and future buyers will also see it as a huge asset, knowing that they won’t need to worry as much about watering every inch of the lawn themselves.
Keep it low maintenance
No matter the size of your outdoor space, whether it’s set in acres of land or a small courtyard, the key is to keep it low maintenance, whilst also making it look desirable. Using a specialist landscape supply company and installing slate grey patio slabs, raised beds, and potted plants is an easy way to make any outdoor space look more appealing without making buyers anxious about upkeep.
In the same way, adding some trees or bushes that don’t require much attention are great ways to give your property a few statement pieces without being overbearing.
Replacing some flowerbeds and lawn with a hardscape made of gravel will mean that you and the next home owners will be able to enjoy a lot of gardening-free summer days, and the huge selection of different slates, gravel and chippings will mean that you can still personalize your gravel garden.
Create an al fresco dining area
Whilst south-facing gardens are a sure-fire way to add value to your property, even if you have a north-facing aspect, creating an al fresco dining area helps potential buyers imagine themselves enjoying living in the space. Ideally, this area should be built on durable flooring that is able to support furniture without any chances of sinking.
A shaded roof is also a fantastic investment, ensuring that outdoor dining is not just reserved for sunny days.
If space is limited adding a simple bistro set in the corner and adding a garden mirror, fairy lights and a combination of large and small pots filled with fragrant plants and herbs like lavender and mint can instantly transform a space.
Add a water feature
A fountain or even a small waterfall or pond creates a relaxing ambience that will boost your curb appeal by a lot. Studies have shown that just looking at water can improve a person’s wellbeing, and in addition to that the sounds of the water also make for a serene experience. With today’s busy lifestyle, many people will appreciate the relaxation that can be taken from having a pond to enjoy.
Adding a water feature obviously requires some upkeep, but in many cases its well worth the work as well as making your house stand out in many cases.
There are many ways to personalize these features, since the landscaping also includes deciding which stones and plants will be used to make your water feature the perfect place for you personally to find your zen.
