5 Backyard Improvements That Add Value (and 5 That Don’t)
It’s common knowledge that curb appeal adds resale value; a recent HomeLight survey found that buyers will pay 7% more for a home with an eye-catching exterior. And while painting the front door and replacing the mailbox are worthwhile improvements, the same attention should be paid to sprucing up the backyard.
Whether you’re getting your house ready to list or just purchased a fixer-upper, you might be curious about backyard improvements that add value. We spoke to two seasoned real estate professionals to find out which projects boost a home’s asking price, and which ones turn buyers away.
Exactly how much value do backyard improvements add?
Because real estate is hyper-local, it’s impossible to put a specific dollar amount on the value of backyard improvements. An in-ground pool in Florida might raise the price of your home by $20,000 but could subtract value if you live in Michigan, where the summers are relatively short.
Generally speaking, professional landscaping can boost your home’s resale value by 15%–20%, according to the American Society of Landscape Architects. For a house worth $400,000, that could amount to an extra $80,000 in your pocket.
“Any sort of outdoor space that you can entertain on adds a decent amount of tangible value from a home buyer’s and an appraiser’s perspective,” says Michael Azzam, a top-performing agent in Cleveland, Ohio, who sells properties 52% faster than his peers.
While a complete return on investment isn’t guaranteed, a well-designed outdoor space can speed up your home sale and potentially fetch a higher price. The key is to avoid overspending and focus on improvements that add value and enjoyment, both financial and personal.
