3 affordable ways to add value to your home via the garden

When you want to maximise the value of your real estate, a little DIY can go a long way. You may choose to refinance your mortgage and use the money to renovate your home. However, some smaller DIY projects can help too – and the garden is a great place to start.

Here’s are three ways experts say you can boost the value of your abode through some simple garden TLC.

1. Let there be shade

Australians like to use the outdoors to host friends and families, but not everyone wants to sit out in the burning sun – and nor should they for many health reasons.

An affordable and stylish way to bring a bit of solar balance is to add a shade sail in your garden. All you need is a piece of canvas, three timber posts and a bit of elbow grease.

What’s more, landscape designer Dave Limburg lists this as one of his ways homeowners can add thousands of dollars of equity onto a property, and for only around $500!

2. Fronting up

The front garden says a lot about your home. For this reason, it should be the first port of call when sprucing up your property.

CEO and real estate agent Mike Pero says it all comes down to first impressions. “Walk across the road and view your house with a fresh set of eyes – see what your first impression is,” he told Westpac NZ.

Don’t like what you see? By spending a bit of money on a new letterbox, or a few dollars on a nice welcome mat, you could be improving your home’s value by more than you’d first think. For bonus points, and to leave a lasting impression on your home’s valuation, repainting the outside of your house while the sun is shining could be a great move.

3. A place for space

Is it time for a spring clean? If you’re looking to sell your property, the answer is most definitely ‘yes’.

Decluttering your home and creating more space is not only good for you, but potential sellers are willing to pay a princely sum for your efforts. Westpac says that homes can improve their value by as much as AU$4,000 simply by being cleaner and neater – and the price to you is nothing but a weekend of rolling your sleeves up!

Just don’t neglect the garden. Removing the weeds, clearing the deck, removing that tree stump and adding to the greenery could be just what you need to add thousands to your home’s value.