The look and functionality of an outdoor area can be as important as the indoor areas when prospective tenants are inspecting your property. Having accessible space, outside relaxation areas and shelter from wind and weather all make a property all the more attractive to tenants, visitors and buyers alike.
There are many things you can do to enhance an outdoor area, depending on your time and budget. Even simple attention-grabbers can transform a space.
Even if you aren’t a DIY pro, almost anyone can construct and finish a project. There are pages of useful tips and step-by-step guides on the internet – check out YouTube or the Mitre 10 website. It only takes a few minor adjustments to take an outdoor area from drab to fab.
Erect a fence
A clear boundary with a sturdy, good-looking fence not only provides protection and privacy but is attractive to tenants with children or pets.
Make sure you do some research before building; make sure you are following local laws and that the boundary is in the proper place. Negotiations may have to be made with neighbours in order to agree on a fence size, design and placement.
Place a deck
A deck is a favourite Kiwi hangout. If prospective tenants can imagine themselves enjoying your deck, it will increase the appeal of your property. Including a shelter or outdoor furniture will enhance this further – try a grill or pizza oven if you’re really ambitious.
Remember if your deck projects longer than 2 metres from a building, it requires bracing and it is advisable to seek advice from a local authority or expert.
Grow green thumbs
Organic, home-grown food is becoming increasingly popular. Building simple raised gardens will draw people in and then encourage them to stay. Tenants are more likely to maintain and grow their own food and if you start off by putting great fertiliser/compost/soil in the beds.
Create paths or beds
Simple garden paths and beds of mulch, sand or gravel can define a perimeter and accentuate the appearance of an outdoor space. A gravel or stone path to a shed or clothes line is a no brainer – especially in winter.
Light the way
Solar lights are the quickest and easiest way to light an outdoor area. Place them along a path or fence line for easy night time walking and to deter thieves.
A single attention-grabber
A statue, water feature or even an existing tree can be used as a centre-piece. Put a path around it or a seat nearby to create a peaceful place to sit.
Knowing that tenants rank outdoor space to almost as highly as indoor space should motivate you to make your outside area more visually pleasing and practical. Not only will the number of prospective tenants increase, but they’ll encouraged to stay longer if they have a garden project growing or love having BBQs on their new deck.
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