Does Landscaping Increase the Value of Your Home?
By Sarah Finazzo • February 23, 2023
If you're looking to sell your home, you want to make sure you get the best possible price for it. One way to do that is by improving your landscaping. Many studies have shown that well-designed and well-maintained landscaping can increase the value of your home by as much as 10% to 12%. That's a significant increase that can translate to thousands of dollars in added value.
But it's not just about the money. Landscaping can also make your home more attractive to potential buyers, helping it to stand out from other homes on the market. A beautiful, well-maintained yard can create a positive first impression and make buyers more likely to schedule a viewing.
Let's dig into more commonly asked questions about property value and landscaping!
What is the average cost of landscaping around a house?
The cost of landscaping around a home can vary widely depending on a number of factors, such as the size of the property, the types of plants and materials used, and whether you hire a professional or do it yourself. However, according to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of landscaping a typical quarter-acre property ranges from $5,000 to $15,000. This would include basic features such as grass, plants, and mulch, as well as some hardscaping elements such as walkways or patios.
Of course, the cost can go up significantly if you add more elaborate features such as swimming pools, outdoor kitchens, pergolas, retaining walls or a large deck or patio. If you hire a professional landscaper, you can expect to pay more for their expertise and labor.
How do you evaluate what's worth investing in?
When evaluating what landscaping projects are the smartest investment for your house, there are several factors you should consider. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Curb appeal: Consider how the project will impact the overall appearance of your home from the street. A project that improves the front yard and curb appeal of your home can make it more attractive to potential buyers and increase its value.
- Maintenance: Think about the level of maintenance required for the project. A project that adds something low maintenance, such as native plants that require less water and time, may be a better investment in the long run.
- Return on investment: Consider the potential return on investment for the project. Some landscaping projects, such as a well-designed outdoor dining area or living area, can add significant value to your home and provide a good return on investment when you sell.
- Climate and region: Keep your local climate and region in mind when evaluating a project. Choose plants and features that are well-suited to the climate and will thrive in your region.
- Budget: Finally, consider your budget when evaluating a project. While you want to choose a project that will add value to your home, it's important to choose one that you can afford without breaking the bank.
Does mature landscaping increase home value?
Mature trees, shrubs, and plants can make your property more attractive and appealing. Mature landscapes are generally more appealing than freshly planted landscapes that need time to grow into themselves.
In addition, most buyers know that landscaping can be costly and time-consuming to create from scratch, so properties with established, mature landscaping are appealing. According to a study by the National Association of Realtors, mature landscaping can add up to 10% to the value of a property.
However, it's important to note that not all mature landscaping is created equal. If your mature landscaping is overgrown, unkempt, or unhealthy, it may actually detract from the value of your home. It's important to maintain your landscaping and keep it looking healthy and well-maintained in order to maximize its value.
Should I landscape before selling?
In general, landscaping your property before listing it for sale can be a smart move. A well-maintained and attractive landscape can create a great first impression for potential buyers and help your home stand out from other properties on the market. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, 74% of real estate agents believe that a well-maintained lawn is important in attracting buyers.
There are a few things to keep in mind when landscaping your property before listing it for sale:
- Keep it simple: While a well-manicured landscape can be a great selling point, it's important not to go overboard. Stick to simple, classic designs that will appeal to a broad range of buyers.
- Focus on curb appeal: Pay particular attention to the front of your home, as this is the first thing potential buyers will see. Consider adding some colorful flowers, trimming back overgrown shrubs, and ensuring that your lawn is healthy and well-maintained.
- Consider entertaining areas: People are all about indoor outdoor living. Adding outdoor living space like a deck or patio, or an outdoor fire pit can be a big benefit to a potential buyer.
- Sustainability: Focus on potential updates that provide sustainability and cost savings for the future buyer. For example, low water landscaping, native plants that keep maintenance down, etc.
- Create privacy: Privacy can help up your home value. This can be a hefty investment so you'll need to weigh it before embarking on this landscaping project. However, a privacy fence or planting trees can do wonders for getting a home's value.
- Hire a professional: If you're tackling a project that you are not confident in, consider working with a professional to help.
- Budget carefully: While landscaping can add value to your home, it's important to budget carefully and not overspend. Keep in mind that you may not recoup the entire cost of your landscaping investment when you sell.
Quick landscaping tips for showing a house.
If you're hosting an open house there are a few easy things you can do to show off your home to home buyers.
- Keep it neat and tidy: Prior to the open house, make sure your lawn is freshly mowed, and remove any weeds, dead leaves or debris from the garden beds. This can create an overall clean and tidy appearance that appeals to potential buyers. If you aren't caring for your lawn, arrange for your lawn care service company to come in the day prior.
- Add some color: Consider adding some colorful flowers or plants to your flower beds or containers to add some visual interest and curb appeal. Choose plants that are in season and low-maintenance to ensure they stay looking their best during the open house.
- Keep it simple: While it can be tempting to go all-out with your landscaping, it's best to stick to simple, classic designs that will appeal to a broad range of buyers. Avoid anything that's too trendy or polarizing.
- Stage your outdoor space: Just like staging the interior of your house, consider staging your outdoor space to create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Add some patio furniture or landscape lighting to create a cozy and welcoming outdoor space that potential buyers can envision themselves using. Throw on a layer of fresh mulch for a finished feel!
What percentage of a home value should be spent on landscaping?
We get asked this a lot and always reply that this is a very subjective question. There is no set percentage of a home value that should be spent on landscaping, as the cost of landscaping can vary widely depending on factors such as the size of the property, the type of landscaping desired, and the region of the country where the property is located. Ultimately how you design your yard is up to you and what makes sense for your budget.
That being said, many experts and some landscape architects recommend that homeowners spend between 5% and 10% of their home's value on landscaping. For example, if your home is worth $500,000, you might consider spending between $25,000 and $50,000 on landscaping.
It's important to keep in mind that while landscaping can add value to your home, it's not the only factor that potential buyers will consider. It's important to also focus on other key areas of your home, such as the kitchen, bathrooms, and overall cleanliness and maintenance, in order to maximize the value of your property.
When planning a landscaping project, it's important to set a realistic budget to ensure that your investment will provide a good return when you sell your home.
How do people use Tilly when selling their home?
According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Landscape Professionals, 84% of respondents said that they would pay more for a home with a well-maintained landscape. With that large of a percentage valuing the yard, it's important to evaluate your space before listing. Here are a few ways that Tilly can help showcase your home value through landscape.
Share plans & 3D renders for visualization
Clients (and real estate agents) will use Tilly to showcase the potential of a yard. Whether it's just our 2d planting plans or the addition of our 3D renders, the plans can show buyers what a well designed yard can look like!
Quick update roadmap
Because Tilly can turn plans around in 2-3 weeks, homeowners have a quick resource to have a custom landscaping plan created for their space that can be used as a road map to take a dull yard to a beautiful yard. Because we work with every budget, we can help you figure out cost effective updates that will bring the most value to your space and create the best first impressions.
More on Tilly
Tilly’s easy online landscape design process has been embraced by homeowners across the country and in Canada. From Texas, Florida, Colorado to Illinois - we have a team for you! Tilly designs front yards, backyard or your entire property. We match you with a professional landscape designer who is familiar with your region to help you create the perfect custom plan for your outdoor space.
To start our process you’ll fill out a questionnaire about your property that helps our design team understand your goals, needs and existing landscape. You can add 3d renders, lighting plans or side yards to your design package. You’ll then connect with your designer on a video call to meet them, show them your space and talk about your priorities.
When you receive your design you will be able to purchase your plants at a discounted rate through our team of plant experts and have them delivered directly to your curb. Tilly can also provide recommendations of local installers who can help you complete your landscape project.
Tilly also offers individual DIY projects. With DIY Spaces, you are matched with a landscape designer who will design a custom project for your yard. This will include a scaled drawing, lists of materials (which you can order directly through Tilly to install your project) and detailed installation instructions to help even a first time DIY’er tackle a yard project!
Wherever you are in your yard journey, we can help!
Read more about: Landscape Design Tips
