Can A Garden Add Value To An Investment Property?
There has been a resurgence in gardening as a hobby during the uncertainty of the pandemic and the increased amount of time we’re spending at home.
This is great given gardens can benefit both our physical and mental health.
That said, gardens in rental properties can often be notable for all the wrong reasons. Overgrown weeds, straggly plants and cars parked on the lawn. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Here’s how to avoid a garden disaster, and make the green space at your rental property add value to your investment.
Can a garden add value to a rental property?
Absolutely! When it comes to rental properties, there’s no doubt that tenants are attracted to properties that have well maintained, and functional outdoor spaces. This outdoor space might be a terrace, balcony, courtyard or garden.
Our climate in Queensland means that we can enjoy the outdoors for the majority of the year, and just like owners, tenants are often keen on outdoor spaces that allow them to entertain.
When it comes to selling, two university studies found that gardens can definitely add value to a property.
One study from Michigan University showed that a well-designed garden may add 5% to 11% to the value of a home. And another from Clemson University discovered that upgrading your garden from ‘good’ to ‘excellent’ may increase the sales price by 6% to 7%.
Regardless of the percentage increase, a well-designed garden will certainly make a property more attractive to both buyers and renters.
Who’s responsible for garden maintenance in a rental property?
Poor garden maintenance is a bugbear for landlords and tenants alike. Tenants aren’t attracted to neglected outdoor space, and landlords can lose value and rental appeal if they don’t have a well cared for outdoor area. But whose responsibility is it?
According to the RTA, garden maintenance should be listed on the tenancy agreement and the condition of the outdoor areas recorded in the entry and exit condition reports.
Tenants are generally only responsible for “yard work”, which includes the basics like lawn mowing, edging and weeding. Anything that requires special attention should be noted, or arranged by the landlord.
For example, if the property has an expensive landscaped garden, landlords should entrust the care of the garden to a professional contractor throughout the tenancy. This makes sure the garden stays healthy and should also provide peace of mind that their investment is being cared for properly.
Can tenants modify the garden of their rental property?
Typically, a tenant needs to make sure the garden is in the same state as the end of the tenant as it was when they moved in. The condition report should document this. This usually means they can’t engage in their own major garden projects.
Potted plants can be a good option for tenants because they don’t disturb the overall garden and can be easily removed and taken to their next home at the end of the lease.
Some tenants are keen green thumbs and will bring a collection of lightweight potted plants with them. Indoor and outdoor plants can both grow well in pots. There are also some innovative ways to grow herbs and vegetables in pots.
But there are other ways tenants can engage in their passion for gardening. A landlord may agree to some a vegetable garden or a special flower bed, particularly if it adds value. Always check with the property manager and get permission first.
Tips for landlords on designing a great rental property garden
If you’re designing a garden specifically for a rental property, it’s important to choose a low maintenance style. But even a low maintenance garden needs some work to keep looking good.
- Choose native perennial plants that grow well in the local conditions, look good year-round and need less water than many introduced species. Natives require less upkeep but will still need pruning from time to time.
- Hedges can be great for privacy and screening bare fences but need to be trimmed a couple of times a year.
- Fences are a vital part of any garden, so make sure they’re in good condition. Any gates should also be in working condition and painted to keep the street appeal high.
- If the lawn is patchy, consider replacing it with a tougher grass or, if it’s too shady or steep, choose a different ground cover. Lawn needs occasional weeding to keep it in good shape.
- Define garden beds with some hard edging such as logs, bricks or pavers. It will make it easier to trim the edges and the garden will look more structured.
- Add mulch to garden beds to prevent weeds, retain moisture and give a neat look. You’ll need to top it up each year.
- Introduce some “hardscaping”, such as a deck, seating area or paved patio to increase the useability, value and liveability of the garden. You may need planning permission so check with your local council.
If you’re looking for a specialist property manager or to rent a property in Brisbane or the Bayside, contact our friendly and professional team today.
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