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Are you preparing a property for sale, or weighing up improvements to your family home and want to make sure they’ll yield a good return on investment? Before spending time and money on the usual ways to increase your home’s value – things like repainting, renovating, or extending – it’s worth considering landscaping.
Simple, relatively low-cost outdoor enhancements are among the best things a homeowner can do to improve their chances of selling. Does landscaping add value to a house? Absolutely, and adding a new lawn is the ‘low-hanging fruit’ improvement. This exceptionally cost-effective option can potentially add tens of thousands of dollars to the value of your home.
Why You Shouldn’t Neglect Landscaping and Outdoor Spaces
A property’s curb appeal is more than just real estate swish talk! Think about it: what’s the first thing you see when you pull up to a property? So if you want to sell your home and attract more potential buyers, creating an attractive garden and adding outdoor living spaces is non-negotiable.
When considering how much value your landscaping and gardening efforts might add, the numbers are staggering. Experts say a well-designed garden can increase your property value by up to 28%, while a neglected garden can decrease it by 30%. That’s a massive 58-percentage-point swing, making your yard one of the most powerful financial levers you have.
What Increases a Home’s Value?
From a prospective buyer’s point of view, a home that’s up to date inside and out is worth much more than a ‘fixer-upper’ requiring significant work post-purchase.
There are a few proven ways to increase a home’s value. Traditionally, a new coat of paint, increased storage space, updated cabinetry, and modern conveniences such as air conditioning and rooftop solar panels are the go-to’s for a value boost. But stop for a minute and take a gander outside. How’s the shape of your outdoor space? Does it need a bit of TLC? Then you’re better off sprucing it up if you want an instant return on investment.
Us Aussies love to entertain, play games outdoors, and host BBQs. Barbies, backyard cricket and chinwags over the fence are all part of the Australian dream, and buyers are likely to be impressed by a good outdoor space. From lush lawns to patios and decking, anything that increases comfort, liveability and aesthetic appeal outside the home will increase overall value.
Landscape Design Ideas to Boost Curb Appeal and Add Value
Here are some value-adding outdoor improvements that will attract potential buyers:
1. A New Lawn: Outstanding ROI for Your Landscaping Project
Does turf increase home value? Absolutely! According to a survey by Australia’s peak horticultural body Hort Innovation and real estate agents Raine & Horne, a natural turf lawn can add tens of thousands (or more) to a property’s price tag. The survey confirmed turf’s broad appeal, with a natural lawn emerging as the number one choice of outdoor surface covering for nearly two-thirds of family buyers. This figure surpasses all other options combined, including decking (21%), artificial turf (7%), paving (5%) and concrete (3%).
Installing a new lawn is one of the most cost-effective home improvements, delivering impressive returns without the high costs of interior renovations. In contrast, a tennis court or swimming pool is a major structural addition, often costing $50,000 or more. Keep in mind that for many homeowners, particularly those with young kids, pools can reduce perceived home value due to safety concerns and ongoing maintenance costs.
The financial benefits of good landscaping also extend to landlords. Another Hort Innovation study showed that improving an investment property’s lawn and garden can lead to significantly higher rental yields.
The Best Varieties for an Instant Turf Transformation
Laying instant lawn is the fastest and most effective way to create a favourable first impression and boost property value. The transformation is incredibly fast—you can order, receive, and install your turf in just a couple of days. Grown to the highest standards at our AusGAP-certified turf farm, the turf arrives pest- and weed-free and ready to shine in your front yard. Check out our top varieties below, guaranteed to enhance aesthetics and add lasting value to your property.
Does Artificial Grass Increase Home Value Like Natural Grass?
While synthetic turf is often marketed as a low-maintenance solution, it’s not a surefire way to create outdoor spaces that enhance a buyer’s perception and add significant value. If you’re planning to sell, keep in mind that the high initial cost of the specialised installation will be borne by you, but you won’t benefit from any long-term maintenance savings.
At the end of the day, artificial turf simply can’t compete for the hearts and minds of Aussie homeowners. Beneath all the hype lie a range of hidden dangers. Synthetic grass can become dangerously hot in summer, and studies have raised health concerns about the chemicals used in its composition. The many benefits of a living, non-toxic, natural lawn, from its cooling properties to its universal appeal, make it the safe and sound way to get a smart return on your lawn investment.
It’s little wonder that fewer than one in 10 homeowners surveyed said they preferred the artificial option, and that 93% of realtors who say they’d recommend improving the home lawn before selling are talking about good, old-fashioned natural turf. The benefits of natural over synthetic are clear – case closed.
2. Functional Outdoor Space
If you’ve got a little extra wiggle room in your savings, you can add landscaping ideas to spruce up your backyard. Functional outdoor living spaces are appealing features for homebuyers, especially those in warmer climates. Think about adding an outdoor dining setting, some comfortable day lounges and an outdoor kitchen to win the hearts of buyers.
3. Outdoor Fire Pit
Perfect for entertaining, cooking and keeping warm on chilly Victorian nights, an outdoor fire pit is sure to wow potential home buyers! You can purchase one or build your own depending on your budget and yard space. Either way, a fire pit can be a great way to add value to your home, especially if you’re on a budget.
4. Patio/Decking
While this may require more work and money on your part, installing a deck or outdoor patio is another great outdoor improvement to increase the value of your home. An OpenAgent estimate suggests that a landscaped patio can add 12.4% to the value of your home.
Does Landscaping Add Value to Your Home? We Asked A Real Estate Agent
We put the question of “Does landscaping increase home value?” to CLK First National Echuca Director Troy O’Brien. He says lawn landscaping can add an instant wow to any property and compensate for the property’s shortfalls in other areas, such as limited block space or a lack of shared interior spaces.
In his experience, he says that a neat, tidy and lush green lawn attracts more buyers to a house and improves property value.
“A great lawn provides the perfect first impression,” says Troy.
“It says ‘these people love their home’, and with hundreds of properties online to choose from you need to stand out… you need to catch the buyer’s eye.”
As agents, Troy says they often recommend clients improve their lawn before selling.
He says it’s a cost-effective way for clients to make improvements that will deliver a fast and strong return.
“Buyers love to think all the hard work is done for them, and that’s one of the main attractions of a beautiful lawn.
“A green lawn also makes the home look and feel cooler, which is important in our hot environment, and it generally provides a great contrast against the colour of the home, which adds to the overall street appeal.”
These days, more than ever buyers are making very quick decisions on whether a property suits their needs, Troy says.
“When buyers are comparing properties they are looking at the overall package. That includes all elements of the property – price, position, whether it’s been renovated and whether it has an established lawn and well maintained gardens. Presentation is key – both inside and out.”
A Tiered Guide to Levelling Up Your Landscaping
If you’re gearing up to sell your property, or just want a quick result, a little pottering around the garden won’t cut it. You need a clear plan of attack. You may also have to time your landscaping since the best time for laying turf in Victoria is during spring. Whether you’re ready to DIY, are happy to engage professional landscaping services, or maybe a bit of both, these scalable strategies can help significantly increase the appeal of every square metre of your outdoor space.
The Weekend Blitz (Budget: <$500)
If you need to save money and get a return on every invested cent, cheaper strategies exist for creating maximum perceived improvement with minimal expense. Focus on instant first impressions and tidy touches that make your place look cared for. Small steps can make a big impact:
- Mow and edge: A fresh mow with neat lawn edges along paths and garden beds instantly boosts visual appeal.
- Weed and mulch: Clear out weeds and add a layer of utility mulch (pine bark or forest fines work well on a budget) to plant beds for a clean, uniform look.
- Prune and tidy: Trim back overgrowth, especially around windows and paths, to maximise space and light.
- Add potted colour: Place pots with bright flowers or clipped greenery by the front door for a welcoming pop.
- Returf key sections: Prioritising the front yard for maximum kerb appeal, install instant lawn in dull, bare areas or where existing grass is patchy. To keep costs down, consider more affordable varieties like Nullarbor Couch or Eureka Premium VG Kikuyu.
The One-Month Makeover (Budget: $500–$5,000)
With a little more time and budget, you can take your yard from neat to standout. These projects help create low-maintenance landscaping that feels modern and well-kept.
- Install a feature lawn: Lay a lush patch of premium turf in the front yard or courtyard for instant curb appeal. Also consider improving sections of the backyard with new turf. Learn more about our low-maintenance turf here.
- Pressure wash hard surfaces: Refresh driveways, paths, and patios for a like-new finish.
- Get expert input: A one-off consultation with a professional landscaper ensures your money goes where it matters most.
- Plant strategically: Add drought-tolerant plants, feature shrubs, or a small water feature for style and practicality.
The Full Transformation (Budget: $5,000+)
If you’re ready to invest in a true outdoor showcase, this level of landscaping creates outdoor rooms that add long-term practical benefits and significantly boost property value:
- Full re-turf with irrigation: Re-lay main lawns and install automated sprinkler systems for a lush, low-maintenance finish the new owners will love for many years to come.
- Outdoor living upgrades: Add a deck, pergola, or in-built seating to expand functional outdoor spaces.
- Semi-mature trees and hedges: Create instant privacy and shade with fast-growing or semi-established greenery.
- Integrated design: Combine lush greenery with modern hardscaping for an overall appeal that feels like a natural extension of the home.
More Top Garden Tips & Improvements for Outdoor Living Spaces
Small backyard renovations can bring a lot of bang for your buck. Next time your outside, think about undertaking these backyard projects for added home value:
Outdoor lighting: Create instant ambience with smart outdoor lighting. Line pathways and garden beds with solar-powered lights for safety and appeal, and use string lights to turn a patio or pergola into a welcoming, entertaining space.
Freshen up your facade: A new coat of paint, rendering an outdated brick wall, or even just updating the front door can dramatically improve curb appeal and make your home’s exterior more inviting to potential homebuyers.
Plant for Long-Term Privacy & Comfort: Investing in semi-mature trees and fast-growing hedging plants has an immediate impact. Shady trees create focal points for garden design while adding to comfort and livability. Similarly, faster-growing hedge-forming native plants like Lily Pilies or drought-resistant plants like Murraya species are ideal for placement along fence lines. While they might not initially create a full visual barrier, over time, they will provide privacy from overlooking neighbours’ properties.
Does Landscaping Increase Property Value? Yes, and it All Starts With Grass!
When selling, it’s important to look for improvements that are cost-effective and that will deliver a good return on home investment. With its affordability and proven benefits, installing a new lawn is an absolute no-brainer! We provide a laying turf step-by-step guide here.
Here at Coolabah Turf, we have a range of turf types that will add instant appeal and value to your home.
Need help deciding which turf type will add the most value to your property? Take our turf quiz or get a free quote!
