Increase your property’s value with landscaping
Landscaping is not only a great way to increase your property’s value, but it can also improve the first impression appeal, possibly resulting in more interested buyers.
Blogger: Gavin Smith, director & general manager, State Custodians
The key is to maximise your property’s value whilst only spending a minimum amount of time and money on the improvements. There are plenty of ways to create beautiful, yet low-maintenance gardens that potential buyers will love.
Keep it Simple
Even though you want to create an appealing front and back area, prospective buyers may lose interest if there are too many components that require regular maintenance. Some examples may include a fish pond, vegetable garden, swimming pool or even just a large area of grass. People probably don’t want to spend a lot of time on the weekends mowing their lawn or paying someone else to do it.
Stay Undercover
A paved outdoor area is a must if you are trying to sell or rent your investment property. Outdoor entertaining is extremely popular, particularly during summer, so an outdoor area will help make your property more appealing. It is also important to create an area that is weather resistant. For example, although shade sails are aesthetically pleasing, it is important to note that you may not be 100% protected if it’s raining.
Go Green
Although plants can naturally improve the property’s appeal, it is best to find plants ones that are low-maintenance. Not all areas will have the same plants available, so it is best to speak with your local nursery to see what options they have. Some examples you could consider include:
• Birds of Paradise
• Japanese sacred bamboo
• Camellia
• New Zealand Flax
Go Solar
Solar lights add a nice touch to the garden without adding extra costs to the electricity bill and there are plenty of designs to choose from. They can be used to line the pathway up to the front door, hung up in the outdoor entertainment area or simply used to illuminate a garden bed. They are a quirky, yet cost effective way to improve your outdoor area.
About Gavin Smith
Gavin Smith is Director & General Manager of State Custodians and has over 20 years’ experience in leadership roles within the banking services sector. An expert in personal finance, securitised lending and the mortgage industry, Gavin has a Post Graduate Degree in Management from the Australian Graduate School of Management (UNSW), including several mortgage and securitisation qualifications.
