Written by Cara Fitzgerald | 30 October 2023
Just as we can’t help but judge a book by its cover, exteriors are what we quickly judge a property on. Street appeal is so, so important in buying and selling real estate – this point cannot be emphasised enough! Many buyers take a drive past a property that’s for sale to get a feel for the street, neighbours and a first impression. If you don’t pass the drive by test, buyers are not likely to view your home.
Street appeal sets the tone for your house and sets the expectations of your buyers. There are many things you can do to improve your property’s street appeal, here we explore valuable ways to help you landscape your garden to improve its appeal, saleability and value.
Plan and design
Before diving into your landscaping project, take the time to plan and design your garden. Consider the size of your property, the existing elements, and your vision for the final result. Sketch out your ideas and identify key areas for improvement. Planning helps you create a cohesive and intentional outdoor space.
Trim it back
A good place to start is with trimming back any overgrown foliage. Trees, branches and shrubs can obscure your home’s best features and make it seem uninviting. It’s also important to remove any weeds and fallen leaves, and add fresh mulch to garden beds – ensuring the front garden looks balanced and inviting.
Create a focal point
To make your garden visually captivating, create a focal point that draws attention. This could be a stunning sculpture, a water feature, or a beautifully designed flower bed. By strategically crafting a focal point, you create a sense of intrigue and visual interest that leaves a memorable impression.
Enhance your pathway
A pathway not only provides practical functionality but, done right, is the journey to a buyer’s destination. Upgrade your pathways by using natural materials like stone or brick to add character and charm. Pave your way to a better sale, or take it stepper by stepper for an easy DIY spruce up and low maintenance finish. Incorporate creative lighting to illuminate your new pathway, house numbers and front entrance at night, giving your home a bit of dramatic impact.
Choose native plants
Utilise the beauty of Australia’s diverse flora by incorporating native plants into your front garden. Native plants are well-suited to the Australian climate and require less maintenance, making them an appealing choice for busy new homeowners.
Add colourful plants
Inject vibrant bursts of colour into your garden with flowering plants. Select a variety of plants that bloom at different times of the year to ensure year-round colour, but also ensure you select plants with in-season colour for sale time. Consider the hues that complement your property’s exterior to instantly enhance the visual appeal of your garden.
Embrace sustainable landscaping
Incorporate sustainable practices into your landscaping efforts. Install a rainwater harvesting system to utilise natural resources efficiently. Select drought-tolerant plants to reduce water consumption and minimise the need for irrigation. Additionally, consider using mulch to retain moisture and control weed growth. Embracing sustainable landscaping practices can significantly reduce environmental impact and produce long-term cost savings.
Revive your front lawn
There’s nothing more detracting than a neglected front lawn and footpath. Lush, green grass is definitely worth investing some time in to achieve – ensure you bring yours back up to scratch before selling. Regular watering, mowing, fertiliser and pest control are the key elements to a great lawn, but allow enough time for this to take effect. If your lawn is beyond repair, laying new turf is certainly recommended to achieve a higher sales price and boost street appeal.
Consider your heavy hitter
Repaint the fence or put up a new one for a strong and functional presence – not having a fence can make the property look exposed. Fences create the perfect frame for your street appeal, adding a sense of security, style and character. Classic picket fences match well with weatherboard properties. Modern homes in new subdivisions will be better suited to rendered walls with timber inserts, and living on a main road may call for greater protection than palings can provide.
This is also your chance to replace a weathered (or boring) letterbox with an inexpensive upgrade that makes a statement. Choose a letterbox that matches your home, looks sharp and incorporates well into your front garden.
Last minute finesse
It’s the little details that count. The most common things that need to be removed from the picture are untamed garden hoses, shabby looking door mats, wilting plants in the plastic pots you bought them in, children’s toys, bikes and rusting basketball hoops.
Attention to street appeal can influence a successful house sale as much as the interior presentation and the sale price you have set. With these landscaping tips in mind, your front garden will become a stunning showcase that reflects your property’s character and adds value for years to come.
Whether offering tips on increasing street appeal or advice on buying, selling, renting or investing, our team at ap-realty take great pride in delivering a personalised service that provides you the best results. Get in touch and let us show you what makes us so different, we’d love to assist you.
