If you’re thinking about selling in the future, as well as looking at what needs doing inside the house, it’s also good to think about giving the garden an upgrade too; remember first impressions count, and the front garden will be the first thing potential buyers will see.

A well-presented, attractive garden or outside area will immediately make viewers think the property has been loved and looked after, and it might just be the clinch for getting potential buyers beyond the ‘drive-by’ stage to walking in through the door for a viewing.

What’s more, according to a Michigan University study*, it can also add value! The study found good landscape design may increase the perceived home value by up to 11 per cent.

Here are some tips to improve the different areas of your garden:

Neaten the lawn

A tidy green lawn is a great attraction for families, so mow and trim the edges. Using timber or stone can create an attractive physical barrier between the lawn, flower beds, path or fence.

For bigger lawns, you may consider looking at losing some of it for a lower maintenance and less water-thirsty alternative; ‘outdoor rooms’ with hardstand or paved areas are getting popular and you can always enhance the space with some well-placed garden beds and planters.

Tend to the garden beds

Garden beds should at least be weeded, however mulching them will add to the low-maintenance and less water-thirsty appearance.

Tidy up the bushes

Pruning bushes and trees can help tame a wild garden, but don’t go overboard and hack them bare! You still want a bit of greenery in the garden.

Spruce up the entertaining areas

Built-in barbecues and fire pits are popular in entertainment areas, and a shade sail is a cost effective way to create a covered entertaining area. If you’ve got decking, you might want to think about giving the timber another coat of varnish.

Add some extras

Outdoor lighting is getting quite sophisticated, and there is some great strip lighting for under seats, steps and along the ground.

If you haven’t got a big garden, or your apartment has only got a small balcony, planters will add colour and make the area more attractive.

Sprucing up your outdoor area needn’t be hard or expensive. Little things such as getting a new letterbox, or buying new numbers for the house can also help make a positive impact with potential buyers.

Our innovative team can give you great advice on what you can do to improve your property and we are constantly achieving great results for our clients.

Drop into the Cardiff office or give us a call on 02 4954 8833. Or send us an email to: mail@apnewcastle.com.au – we’d love to hear from you.

And don’t forget to check out our Facebook page for handy tips on selling your property or what to look for when buying a property.

* ‘Landscape plant material, size and design sophistication increase perceived home value.’ Department of Horticulture, Michigan State University, East Lansing.