Yard work

workYard

What you do outside your house can have as much impact on buyers, and on tenants, as what you do inside. If you want your home to look inviting from the get-go, start looking at it from the outside in.

What does the footpath look like? Can you improve it by greening it up, clearing weeds, pruning and planting? Gates, fences, your letterbox and street number are all worth your attention.

We love our balconies, courtyards and gardens where we can relax and entertain.

If your property is big enough to have a spacious backyard, there are a few things you can do to boost appeal for its possible future residents.

According to the 2019 Adbri Masonry Great Australian Backyard Survey, almost 70 per cent of respondents said they were planning to add to, or renovate, outdoor spaces this year.

It is possible to do a mini-makeover around your garden. The aim is to spend a minimum amount of time and money on the improvements while creating beautiful, lowmaintenance gardens and useful spaces that any resident will love.

Start by cutting back any overgrowth to expose more plants, shrubs and great vistas. This will also let more sunlight into garden areas so you can introduce seasonal colour, not to mention probably letting more light into the house itself.

Get rid of anything dead or struggling. Plant colourful blooms or foliage plants. For garden ‘dead spots’, consider decorating pots to plant up and brighten the scene. Create a perception of low maintenance so don’t complicate the yard with multiple components that shout ‘hard work’ or expensive upkeep.

With the popularity of outdoor entertaining, a paved or decked outdoor area is almost a necessity; and if you want to add real value for the user, create an area that is weather-proof or at least weather resistant.

Water features and statues go in and out of favour but can be effective in creating ambiance or a ‘wow’ factor. Solar lights are a cost-effective way to add a special touch. They can define paths, hang and shine a spotlight on features.

Growing your own food is in favour, so what about a vegetable garden that is built to double as seating when it’s scattered with colourful cushions.

The Adbri Masonry survey found that 52 per cent of respondents intended to live in their current property for 10 to 20 years. Though there was a focus on owner-occupiers, the survey also indicated that future residents may appreciate the ability to add or change elements.

When thinking about how a future owner or tenants will see your outdoor area, take into consideration that their needs are likely to evolve over time. The best backyards can evolve with a family’s changing lifestyle. For example, be mindful of blocking off areas as future residents may want to add a pool or a barbecue area. Another example is a children’s sandpit, which can become a vegetable garden then potentially an entertainment space with a fire pit.

An outdoor area may have only a single renovation over the life of the property, so do it once and do it well. Investing in good design and hardwearing materials stacks up. If you own an investment property, there may be depreciation deductions that apply if you add an alfresco area or an outdoor structure.

Outdoor projects can represent great investments, not only adding value to the property and attracting buyers but in attracting good tenants and rental yield too.