It’s been well established that landscaping a property can lead to a higher return on investment, making it the perfect way to boost property value while improving appearance and functionality of outdoor areas. With the correct design, budget and construction, as well as a good balance between hardscape and softscape materials, landscaping can provide a greater capital return than any other type of home improvement. It also has the added benefit of improving overall lifestyle, allowing occupants to enjoy attractive outdoor areas that also incorporate features such as spas and fire pits. While kitchen and bathroom renovations were once popular options for those conducting renovations, outdoor landscaping is now well and truly in, particularly with a focus on indoor/outdoor integration.
To ensure you don’t under or over-capitalise on your landscaping endeavours, it’s vital to take into consideration all financial factors. To prevent under capitalisation from occurring, it’s wise to stage your project over a number of months or years if you don’t initially have enough funds.
It’s also important to keep in mind that to obtain the maximum return from your landscaping project, an investment of around 15 to 20% of the value of your property is typically required. A healthy return can be achieved by implementing a quality design, striking a healthy balance between appearance and functionality, and creating the perfect marriage between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Finally, remember that improving functionality and lifestyle can be just as important as improving appearance!
This beachside property on the Mornington Peninsula featured a quality style contemporary home but a plain landscape that was lifeless and without function. The owners made the decision to undergo landscaping, transforming the front and rear yards.
Landscaping of the front yard focused on aesthetics, giving the property street appeal. Architectural mass planting was used to infuse the area with plants such as Sedum, Festuca, Glauca, Senecio Chalk Sticks, and Mondo grass. Bluestone tiles were custom made specifically for the project, creating an inviting path to the entrance of the house. Well placed feature plants including Xanthorrhoea Australis, Sago palms, Agave and Japanese Maple were also planted in the front yard, complemented by corten steel curved raised planters and a corten steel cantilevered mail box.
Don’t just settle for any singular, lifeless colour or design when it comes to selecting pavers for your outdoor entertaining area. Choose pavers with personality similar to your own that still complement the surrounds of your property.