6 Backyard Features That Will Affect Your Property Value
A decent-sized and well-maintained backyard is enough to increase property value. However, what you do with your backyard will have an impact on how much your home is worth. Some homeowners use their backyard to their advantage, adding features that increase the property's value. While some improvements are meant for the comfort and entertainment of the people living in the home, some updates may be a detriment when it comes to selling your home.
Patios or decking
People love the idea of having an outdoor living space. With a patio or decking, this dream is made a reality. You have somewhere to keep garden furniture, sit around a table, and entertain guests when the weather is nice. Either of these options is very desirable for buyers, which is why adding one to your garden can give the property a boost. Depending on the layout of your home, one or both options should be considered for maximum value.
Swimming pools
You will see lots of homes with swimming pool installations, but are they a good idea? On the face of it, you've added something cool to your home that some buyers may find attractive. Indeed, if someone wants a swimming pool, then the value of your home could increase by already having one installed for them. However, in most cases, swimming pools can reduce the number of buyers interested in your property. Some buyers will not entertain the idea of a pool. They need lots of ongoing maintenance, they won't be used all throughout the year, and they are expensive to remove.
A garden shed
Adding a shed to your garden is an easy way you can add value to your backyard. A garden shed has so many different uses, but the most traditional is to use it as a place to keep garden tools. As such, you are adding more space to your home and helping to declutter the garage. The versatility of sheds is what makes them desirable for homebuyers. It can be used as a little workshop or additional storage room for the home. They don't require any extra maintenance, and they can provide your home/garden with something very useful.
Water features
Again, a water feature will rarely be desirable for homebuyers. You might get the odd person that really wants a fountain or a pond, but it's super rare. Much like swimming pools, water features demand attention and maintenance. They can attract things like frogs and other animals to your garden. Also, you will have a heck of a hard time getting rid of certain water features - especially if they are built into the garden. They can be beautiful but require a commitment to maintaining them.
Artificial grass
Now, this is a feature that can really go either way. Artificial grass has gotten so much better over the last few years, with many providers delivering options that perfectly replicate the real thing. Furthermore, artificial turf requires almost zero maintenance when compared to real grass. Depending on what part of the country you’re in, people might be keener to buy a home with artificial grass in the garden. It is also super versatile and can be used to create safe play areas for children, or even golf putting greens for golf enthusiasts. The versatility, combined with a lack of maintenance, can mean that artificial grass increases your property value. However, if someone is really hell-bent on having a live lawn, it might have the opposite effect.
Fences
A lot of homes are built with garden fences - but not all of them. Some might just use bushes or shrubs to form the boundary around the garden area. Adding a fence to your home can be highly beneficial as it adds a layer of security and privacy to the equation. Similarly, fences are easier to maintain than bushes! Therefore, expect a garden fence to add value to your home. When putting in a new fence, consider different options for material. A vinyl fence is very low maintenance and much more attractive to a buyer than a wooden fence that requires to be maintained every couple of years.
As you might be able to deduce, there are some running themes that determine if a garden feature is worth installing or not. Largely, it comes down to how easy the feature is to maintain, what benefits it can provide, and whether or not it is generally desirable to most buyers. Hopefully, this list gives you an insight into the types of garden features that are likely to either boost your property value or lower it.