Homeownership not only provides you with the advantages of security and flexibility. Your living space is also a gold mine because it builds value over time, allowing you to sell at a higher price and for the best possible returns. However, it’s not only market conditions that determine the final selling price of your property. For the most part, it’s the improvements you make that add more to the amount. Upgrading your landscaping is one of the surefire ways to achieve that.
That’s because home buyers are willing to pay more for a property that has the right outdoor amenities along with an exterior that stands out. Landscaping improvements are costly on the surface, but the returns are substantial so long as you focus on the right improvements. While you’re not thinking of selling your home anytime soon, you might as well take every opportunity to add value by boosting your landscaping. Here’s a quick guide to help get you started.
1. Brighten up your curb appeal
It won’t help your landscaping when you fall short on improving your home’s exterior. Taken together, both make up the property’s curb appeal, which is a major consideration, especially among high-end buyers who are drawn towards listings that have an updated look. Freshen up the exterior with a coat of neutral paint to make it look larger.
If you have to, you can overhaul your roofing design with one that’s more durable and aesthetically pleasing. Opting for an updated look for your home will amplify the changes you’ve made to your landscaping, resulting in curb appeal that doesn’t fail to attract motivated buyers.
2. Add a patio or deck
If your property doesn’t already have one, setting aside time and money to construct a patio or deck is an investment you won’t want to overlook. Being part of your landscaping, this feature extends your home’s living space, providing outdoor areas for intimate gatherings. It’s no surprise that constructing a patio or deck on your home results in a substantial increase in its resale value.
Many luxury buyers and even casual home hunters find a patio or deck desirable and would pay top dollar if your home happens to be among the few listings in the same neighborhood that have one. You just have to maximize your budget to build a durable outdoor space. Apart from natural wood, you can also opt for brick pavers or slate to give your patio or deck a more classic look.
3. Include water features in the mix
Fountains, ponds, and other water features never go out of style. That’s mostly because these landscaping fixtures serve as statement pieces that are a major draw among luxury buyers. They have become even more popular in urban areas where, along with ample green spaces, they are known to create tranquil spaces perfect for relaxation.
You just have to make sure the types of water features you want fit the overall design and layout of your landscaping. If you’re unsure how to go about this, if you’re a Canadian homeowner, check out this guide on luxury landscape design in Toronto, so you will know what to get and where to place it.
4. Optimize for greenery
Great landscaping isn’t just a matter of having the best features around. The crowning piece is the amount of greenery surrounding your property. Aside from making sure your lawn is properly mowed, irrigated, and maintained, consider adding outdoor plants that are easy to maintain and add a sense of sophistication to the landscape.
Place different plans of different colors in a way that provides depth, making sure that the colors don’t clash and overpower your home’s exterior. Go for flower boxes and a living wall near your patio so you can boost the appearance of these outdoor spaces and get buyers to match your asking price.
Endnote
Even if you haven’t decided on selling your home anytime soon, consider upgrading your landscaping so you will get a good return once you put it up for sale. That way, you will recover more than just the original value of your home plus the improvements you poured into it. You will have more than enough to fuel your next home purchase.
