Marketing Outdoor Spaces When Selling Your House
When selling a home, many homeowners focus their efforts on sprucing up the interiors, often neglecting one of the most valuable areas of the property: the outdoor spaces. A well-maintained outdoor area can significantly increase the appeal and value of a home. In Australia, where outdoor living is a key part of the culture, buyers often place a great deal of importance on the garden, backyard, patio, and any additional outdoor living areas.
Effective marketing of your outdoor spaces can help your property stand out in a competitive market. In this article, we will explore various strategies to market outdoor spaces when selling your house in Australia. Whether your property boasts a lush garden, a sun-drenched balcony, or a spacious backyard, the following tips can help you enhance the appeal of your outdoor areas and ensure they catch the eye of potential buyers.
1. First Impressions Matter: Curb Appeal
The first impression of a property is often formed from the street, making the concept of ‘curb appeal’ extremely important. The exterior of the home, including the front yard, driveway, and any visible outdoor elements, should be presented in the best possible light.
a. Lawn Care and Maintenance
A well-maintained lawn can instantly elevate the appearance of the home. If your front yard has grass, ensure it’s mowed regularly and free from weeds. If the lawn is patchy, consider re-seeding or laying fresh turf. For properties with a larger front yard, landscaping might include trimming bushes, cutting back overgrown trees, and planting flowers for a splash of colour.
b. Pathways and Driveways
Ensure that any pathways, driveways, and entrances are clean, clear, and in good condition. If the driveway is cracked or the pathways are overgrown, repairs should be made to ensure they look tidy and well-kept. Adding a fresh layer of gravel or stone can make a significant difference to the overall appearance.
c. Lighting and Features
Outdoor lighting can be a powerful tool for enhancing the curb appeal of your property. Install attractive lighting along pathways or around garden beds to highlight key features. Lantern-style lights or fairy lights strung across a porch or balcony can add charm, especially if you’re selling in the evening or during the twilight hours.
2. Stage Your Outdoor Areas
Just as you would stage the interior of your home to highlight its features, staging your outdoor spaces can make them more attractive to prospective buyers. Staging creates a vision of how these spaces could be used, helping buyers to imagine themselves enjoying the space.
a. Furniture and Seating Areas
For larger patios, verandahs, or backyards, adding outdoor furniture can show how the space can be used for relaxation or entertaining. Consider a few comfortable seating options like a bench, a dining table with chairs, or even a hammock or lounge chair. Remember to use weather-resistant furniture, as it will be able to withstand the elements and look good for longer.
b. Accessorise with Cushions and Throws
Add a touch of homeliness to outdoor furniture with colourful cushions, throws, or outdoor rugs. These elements help buyers imagine themselves spending time in the space, whether it’s enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning or hosting a weekend barbecue with friends and family.
c. Potted Plants and Greenery
Incorporating plants can breathe life into any outdoor space. Use a combination of potted plants, hanging baskets, or garden beds to add texture and colour. In Australia, native plants such as kangaroo paw, grevilleas, and banksias can be a great choice, as they are well-suited to local climates and can add a distinct, Australian feel to your outdoor space.
3. Highlight Outdoor Entertaining Spaces
Australians love to entertain outdoors, and many buyers will be looking for properties that offer functional spaces for gatherings, whether it’s a BBQ with friends or a quiet evening with family. Emphasising these areas can make your property more appealing, especially in cities with great weather for most of the year.
a. Decks, Patios, and Verandahs
If your property has a deck, patio, or verandah, highlight these spaces by ensuring they are clean, well-maintained, and inviting. Consider adding a large table for dining or a BBQ grill for cooking outdoors. A well-decorated outdoor entertaining space can provide a real sense of lifestyle, offering a connection between the indoors and outdoors.
b. Outdoor Kitchens and Fire Pits
If your home features an outdoor kitchen, fire pit, or pizza oven, be sure to showcase these amenities in your marketing materials. In Australia, outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly popular, especially in warmer climates where residents can take advantage of the outdoors year-round. A stylish and functional outdoor kitchen is a highly desirable feature for many buyers, especially those who love cooking and entertaining.
c. Swimming Pools and Spas
In Australia, swimming pools are an attractive feature, particularly in warmer climates. If your property has a pool or spa, ensure it is sparkling clean, well-maintained, and staged to show how it can be used. Consider adding poolside furniture such as sun lounges, umbrellas, or outdoor dining sets to complete the look. It’s also important to highlight the safety features around the pool, especially for families with young children.
4. Emphasise Privacy and Seclusion
Many buyers are attracted to outdoor spaces that provide privacy and a sense of seclusion. If your home offers a private backyard, garden, or courtyard, it’s essential to market these features. The idea of an intimate space where homeowners can relax without being overlooked is a strong selling point.
a. Screening with Plants or Fencing
Use plants, hedges, or privacy screens to create boundaries that offer a sense of seclusion. A tall, dense hedge or bamboo screening can provide privacy, blocking the view from neighbouring properties. In areas where natural screening is not feasible, consider installing attractive fencing that complements the style of the home.
b. Garden Rooms and Retreats
If you have space for a garden room or secluded retreat, such as a reading nook, yoga deck, or meditation area, make sure this is highlighted. Creating a serene and private corner within the garden can appeal to buyers who are looking for a peaceful escape within their own home.
5. Use Professional Photography
When it comes to marketing your outdoor spaces, the quality of the photos you use can make a big difference. Professional photography can highlight your outdoor areas in the best possible light and ensure they are presented as both functional and beautiful.
a. Capture the Right Lighting
The timing of your photos is crucial. Outdoor areas should be photographed during the day when natural light is at its best. Early morning or late afternoon light, often referred to as the ‘golden hour,’ can create soft, flattering lighting that makes outdoor spaces look even more inviting. Evening shots with strategically placed lighting can help showcase how the space can be used after dark.
b. Focus on Key Features
Highlight the best features of your outdoor space. If you have a beautiful garden, make sure to capture it in full bloom. If your home has an outdoor entertaining area, show it set up with furniture and decorations. A variety of wide-angle and close-up shots can give potential buyers a sense of both the overall layout and the finer details.
c. Virtual Tours and Drone Footage
In some cases, especially for larger properties, virtual tours or drone footage can offer a unique perspective of the outdoor space. Aerial shots can showcase the full expanse of the garden, backyard, and any additional outdoor structures, giving buyers a complete view of what the property has to offer.
6. Promote Sustainable Outdoor Features
Sustainability is an important consideration for many buyers, and eco-friendly outdoor features can be a great selling point. In Australia, where drought and water conservation are ongoing concerns, promoting sustainable features can add significant value.
a. Water-efficient Gardens
Water-wise landscaping is a key feature for Australian homes, especially in areas prone to drought. Consider highlighting water-efficient garden designs, which use native plants that require less water to thrive. Installing rainwater tanks or irrigation systems can also appeal to buyers looking to minimise their environmental footprint.
b. Solar Power and Outdoor Lighting
If your property is equipped with solar panels, or if you use solar-powered garden lights, make sure to promote these features. Solar energy is an attractive selling point for environmentally conscious buyers, as it helps to reduce electricity costs and supports sustainable living.
7. Highlight Functional Outdoor Spaces
Finally, it’s essential to emphasise the functionality of your outdoor spaces. Buyers are often looking for areas that can serve multiple purposes, whether it’s space for children to play, a quiet spot for reading, or an area to grow their food.
a. Family-Friendly Features
If your outdoor space is perfect for families, highlight this in your marketing materials. A spacious backyard with plenty of room for kids to play, or a garden where they can help plant vegetables, will appeal to families with young children.
b. Home Gardening
For those who enjoy gardening or growing their food, an established vegetable garden, fruit trees, or raised garden beds can be a major selling point. Highlight these features and offer ideas on how buyers can utilise the space to grow their food or cultivate a hobby.
Marketing outdoor spaces effectively when selling your house is essential to attracting potential buyers and increasing the overall appeal of your property. Whether your outdoor space is large or small, well-maintained, and thoughtfully staged, it can become a major selling point. In Australia, where outdoor living is a key part of the lifestyle, investing time and effort into showcasing your outdoor areas can make a significant difference in how quickly and for how much your property sells. With careful attention to detail, professional photography, and an emphasis on functionality and sustainability, your outdoor space can become a standout feature that sets your home apart in the competitive real estate market.
