Many homeowners buy a property because they loved its garden. Most real estate agents interviewed for a 2011 global garden report, stated that an untamed garden lowers the home’s value. The fact is that curb appeal counts when putting your home up for sale. So, make sure it’s in good nick. And if you can’t do the gardening due to time constraints or fatigue, hire garden maintenance services in Sydney. Body corporates and commercial property owners, please note: the visual appeal of a well-maintained lawn or garden can’t be overstated.
What is so important about garden maintenance in Sydney?
The garden is one of the most important selling points and increases a home’s, strata complex’s, mall’s, etc., property value. In fact, landscaping your garden – and maintaining it – can increase your home or property’s value by thousands of dollars. In a 2011 study, homeowners were shown pictures of homes with immaculate gardens and asked to estimate their prices. The homeowners guessed these properties’ market value to be 26% higher than they actually were.
So, first impressions count. Gardens add a ‘wow’ factor to a home or property, and increase its overall appeal to potential buyers. It’s one of the first areas of your home or property they lay their eyes on when visiting. You’ll need to spruce up both the front lawn or garden and the back yard, and design them well. If you want to outsource it all, you’ll find several garden maintenance services in Sydney (we’d love to help).
Research indicates that many people want larger gardens post-COVID-19. It implies that homebuyers value gardens more nowadays, so whatever the size, put your best face (garden) forward. (Maybe people realised the health benefits of having a garden while staying indoors during the pandemic years.)
Other advantages of keeping a garden
There are many other benefits of keeping a well-maintained garden, such as those listed below.
- Helps insulate the interior – Gardens or lawns help those living or working inside the building or structure they’re attached to. Hedges, bushes, and shady trees by windows lower the need for artificial cooling or heating the interior by 20%.
- Increases your vitamin D levels – If you have a tidy green space near you, it increases your likelihood of spending time there (weather permitting).
- Plants improve air quality
- Gardening reduces stress in many people – In a study conducted several years ago, 60% of those who garden as a hobby have lower cortisol levels.
- Spending time in a garden reduces stress – According to the American Institute of Stress, gardens and green spaces in general have a calming effect on people.
- Increases social interaction between neighbours or residents – It has been shown that public green spaces such as those belonging to a residential building increase interaction between residents.
- Allows for outdoor get-togethers with family and friends – There aren’t many activities as satisfying as having a barbie with your mates over.
What garden features attract or increase your home’s value?
The trend is towards indoor-outdoor living. People are trying to bring nature indoors and spend time outdoors, as well. With regard to your garden plants, it’s recommended that you avoid pruning them until they’re bare. We list several garden features that raise your home or property’s value below.
Garden features that increase your home’s value
- Outdoor lighting – Where you put the garden lights, and what style of lighting you choose affects the aesthetic. LED lighting is cost-efficient and comes in several styles. You can try solar-powered lights, as well.
- Water feature (homes only) – adding a fountain or a small pond has a calming effect that a swimming pool can’t match. Many people claim that you lose money installing a swimming pool, too.
- Patio (homes only) – A patio connects the inside of your home to your garden. It’s recommended that you choose a wooden patio instead of a concrete one. It will last longer, and be easy to maintain.
- Plants – Want fast-growing plants? Then select from the local variety. A limited number of species will be easier to maintain. Plants help block noise outside your home, too.
- Flowers – Choose a select amount of colourful flowers and plant them around the water fountain, sculptures, and edges of your garden. They evoke comfort, which is always a welcoming characteristic of a good home.
- Hedges – These, apart from trees, give your garden some much needed privacy from prying eyes.
- Mulch – Weeding and putting mulch in your garden gives it a neater look, and gives the impression that it’s easier to maintain.
- Lawn – Edging your lawn gives the impression that it’s low-maintenance, which in turn, helps your home or property sell more quickly. A lush lawn has a great effect on your home’s worth.
What to tend to in a garden before selling your home
Australian landscape designer Paal Grant was asked a few years ago on the most important gardening points for selling homes. He believed that freshly-laid turf that people view as they walk in is most impactful. It does wonders for the home’s property value. He also advised against planting flowers of every colour imaginable in one garden. If you’ve put fake turf in your outdoor area, note that it doesn’t age well and is hard to remove.
Sydney Garden Maintenance and Landscaping is a small family business offering garden maintenance services in Sydney, and much more. We provide garden maintenance in North Sydney as well as other services to residential, commercial, and strata customers. Services include building a sculpture, adding water features, weeding, maintaining flowerbeds, trimming hedges, pruning, mowing, watering the garden, etc. Call us on 02 9417 0014 to book a consultation or fill out a web form. We’ll get back to you at the earliest!
