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The garden is more than plants and grass — it’s a strong emotional and practical signal to buyers. Here’s why it can move a sale:
- First impressions & curb appeal. Buyers judge quickly. A tidy, welcoming garden sets a positive tone before anyone steps through the door. Perception matters — a well-kept exterior implies a well-maintained home inside.
- Emotional connection / lifestyle imagery. Gardens allow buyers to imagine living there: kids playing on the lawn, weekend braais, morning coffee on a sunny patio. That emotional “I can see myself here” moment often closes deals.
- Perceived value and maintenance message. A cared-for garden says the owners looked after the whole property. That reduces buyer anxiety about hidden maintenance problems and can justify a higher asking price.
- Functional living space. In many climates (and especially in South Africa), outdoor living is effectively an extension of the home. A usable garden can feel like an extra “room” and increase the property’s functional footprint.
- Differentiator in marketing. Listings with attractive outdoor photos stand out online — increased views and enquiries often follow.
- Sustainability & utility features sell. Water-wise gardens, irrigation, rainwater harvesting or edible landscaping can attract eco-conscious buyers and reduce perceived future running costs.
When the garden is less important
There are perfectly valid situations where investing heavily in a garden won’t improve your sale:
- Apartments / sectional-title units — balconies or shared communal gardens matter more than a private lawn. Buyers are buying location and convenience, not a big garden.
- Investor or buy-to-let buyers — they prioritise yield and cap rates over curb appeal. Low-maintenance yards or even no-garden options can be fine.
- “Renovator” properties — buyers expecting to gut and rebuild will often consolidate budget on structural/inside works, not outside aesthetics.
- High-maintenance gardens that clash with buyer profile — e.g., buyers who want low-maintenance living (retirees, frequent travellers) may see a big ornamental garden as a liability rather than an asset.
- Severe water restrictions or drought-prone areas — large thirsty lawns can be a negative. In those markets, native, low-water gardens sell better.
How to decide whether to invest (quick checklist)
Answer these for your property and market:
- Who is the likely buyer? (family, investor, retiree, young professional)
- What style of home is it? (suburban freestanding, townhouse, apartment, rural)
- How tight is your budget for improvements?
- Are there local constraints (water restrictions, HOA rules)?
- How will the garden appear in listing photos for online viewers?
If the likely buyer values outdoor living and you can present the garden as usable and low-maintenance, invest. If the buyer values convenience/low upkeep, keep the garden simple and worry-free.
Practical, prioritized changes that actually help sell
Below I group actions by effort/cost so you can pick what fits your budget.
Low-cost, high-impact (must-do)
- Tidy and declutter. Remove broken pots, toys, tools, garden waste and bin bags.
- Lawn and edges. Mow, edge, and remove weeds — a neat lawn looks cared-for even if it’s small.
- Prune & trim. Cut back overgrown shrubs and hedges so paths and views are clear.
- Weed & mulch beds. Fresh mulch instantly looks polished and reduces the appearance of neglected beds.
- Pressure-wash hard surfaces. Patios, paths and patios look like new with a simple clean.
- Hide practical eyesores. Conceal bins, hoses, aircon units and compost with lattice, plants or screening.
- Add potted plants — quick, inexpensive way to add colour and life (great for small gardens and balconies).
- Fix basic repairs. Replace broken paving, mend fence slats, tighten gate latches.
Medium-cost, smart investments
- Create a focal point. A small seating area, bench, fire pit or water feature helps buyers visualise use.
- Soft lighting. Low-voltage or solar path/feature lights extend usable hours and add atmosphere for evening viewings.
- Refresh structure paint. Paint/repair the fence or gate; a fresh coat looks cared-for.
- Improve paths & access. Make access clear and tidy; replace uneven or broken paving that could be a liability.
Higher-cost, high-return (use selectively)
- Professional landscaping of strategic areas — not the whole garden, but targeted upgrades to make a “wow” zone (outdoor dining area, kids’ zone).
- Drought-wise conversion. If you’re in a dry area, replacing thirsty lawn with native, low-water plants or gravel beds can be attractive.
- Outdoor rooms. Decks, pergolas or covered patios often add perceived value — but these should match the local market and price bracket.
Staging tips by buyer type
- Families: Emphasise lawn safety, play zones, secure fencing, and storage.
- Couples/young professionals: Create a low-maintenance, instagrammable entertaining space (potted herbs, bistro set).
- Retirees: Show a small, easy-to-maintain garden with raised beds and seating.
- Investors: Present the garden as low-maintenance (mulch, gravel, native shrubs) and outline minimal upkeep costs.
Photography & listing advice
- Clean and tidy before taking photos. Remove hoses, bins, and laundry.
- Shoot in soft light (early morning or late afternoon) for flattering photos.
- Show use: a set table, cushions on a bench or a BBQ can help buyers visualise living there.
- Include a clear shot of any value-adding features (irrigation, veggie beds, storage).
Common mistakes to avoid
- Spending heavily on highest-end landscaping that doesn’t match the home’s price bracket.
- Installing very personal or niche features (e.g., a formal rose garden or exotic statues) that will narrow buyer appeal.
- Neglecting water-wise considerations in water-scarce areas.
- Over-planting: cluttered beds look high-maintenance and unkempt.
- Showing the property in a garden-peak photo that misrepresents current condition — be honest in listing images.
Quick “What to do tonight” checklist (fast wins)
- Sweep paths and patio, remove clutter.
- Mow lawn and trim edges.
- Prune any plants obstructing doors or windows.
- Add a couple of healthy potted plants to the entrance.
- Clean patio furniture and set a small table as if ready for use.
How much will you likely recover?
Landscaping ROI depends on market and improvements. The best approach is targeted: small, visible improvements (tidying, mulch, seating, pot plants, paint) usually give the best return on a modest spend. Big structural garden projects can pay off in higher-end markets — but only if they match buyer expectations and the property’s price point.
Final mindset: make the garden answer buyer questions
When buyers look at a garden they’re asking, even subconsciously:
- “Can I use this outside space easily?”
- “Will it cost me a lot to maintain?”
- “Does the outdoor space fit my lifestyle?” Make sure the garden answers those with “yes” (or “no, it won’t cost much”), and it will help sell your home.
✅ Lake Properties Pro-Tip:
Before spending big, do a quick buyer-profile check: if your likely buyer is a family, invest in a safe, usable lawn and seating zone; if they’re retirees or investors, convert to a low-maintenance, water-wise garden. Often a tidy, well-staged garden (weeding, mulch, one focal seating area and a couple of potted plants) is all you need to turn browsers into buyers — and it rarely costs a fortune.
If you know of anyone who is thinking of selling or buying property,in Cape Town,please call me
Russell
Lake Properties
083 624 7129
www.lakeproperties.co.za
info@lakeproperties.co.za
Lake Properties Lake Properties
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