A few simple landscaping improvements can dramatically improve your garden and impress prospective buyers when you decide to sell.
Engaging a professional landscaping company can be prohibitively expensive and may not give you a reasonable return on your investment if you’re about to sell the property.
So to add a low-budget, wow-factor to your garden, formulate your vision, establish a budget and then make a detailed plan. You’ll find plenty of inspiration on sites such as Pinterest and Instagram.
Here are a few ideas that make a garden memorable. And remember, if you’re going to start digging, check you’re not going to put a shovel through a water pipe, gas line or internet connection.
Raised garden beds
These are especially popular with young families and downsizers. The beds give definition to an area and are easy to look after. Some buyers don’t want to spend their leisure time gardening, so this low-maintenance feature is ideal.
A shed
A simple addition that will take little time to erect but make an incredible difference. You’ll be able to store your tools and mower easily, making your garden neat and tidy. Buyers love storage solutions, so a shed ticks this box.
New decking
If your current decking is in disrepair, we’d always recommend you fix the problems, give it a light sanding and re-stain the wood. A deck adds to the living space in your house and is highly regarded by prospective buyers, many of whom value outdoor entertaining and relaxation.
Retaining walls
Retaining walls can be a more ambitious project as they need proper drainage, or they’ll crack, split and collapse. However, they add depth to a garden and allow you to create individual spaces, such as an outdoor kitchen or a tranquil meditation area.
Pavers
Another strategy for a low-maintenance garden is to lay pavers and create an area where you can entertain or sit and enjoy the garden. If you have to sacrifice a grass area, bear in mind young parents value a lawn for the kids.
Fresh fencing
If your fences are weather-beaten or missing palings, it’s a good idea to replace them. Otherwise, your garden will look a bit shabby no matter how else you might improve it. Talk to your neighbours to ensure they share in the cost.