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Money might not grow on trees, but planting a few lush shrubs in your yard will increase the value of your house. This intel comes from a study by Lawn Starter, which breaks down the best (and worst) updates home sellers can make to their outdoor spaces, drawing on numbers from a 2018 yard report from the National Association of Realtors. One surprising fact: Simply mowing the grass is more worth your time and money than building an in-ground swimming pool. While lawn-care services see a 267 percent return of investment, the latter recoups just 43 percent of the average $57,000 cost of installation.
Fancy water features (think: hot tubs and fountains) can negatively affect your property’s value by $2,500 to $10,000. So what will put money back in your pocket? Keep reading for some must-try updates.
Up Your Mowing Game
Leading the way is a well-maintained lawn, which costs an average of $270 per year, but adds around $1,200 in value. In other words, nice-looking grass pleases buyers, especially millennials, who ranked it as the number-one feature they search for in a new home. If you don’t love the idea of committing so much time to cutting the grass, consider purchasing a large zero-turn mower to help shave off a few hours, so you can get back to enjoying your outdoor space.
Build a Natural Canopy
Planting mature trees is another low-cost outdoor improvement that sees a high return on investment. Taller species can improve a neighborhood’s property values by up to 15 percent. Add a swing (or two) and you’ll be sure to catch the attention of any young families looking for room to roam.
Winter-Proof Your Porch
No need to go overboard with elaborate fencing and a Wimbledon-worthy tennis court. Instead consider simply enclosing your deck (a built-in, all-season deck returns an estimated 83 percent of the amount spent). A firepit and wine will keep you warm in the winter months.