From a market value perspective, your home’s curb appeal is one of its most important assets. Like any element of your home, upgrading your property’s outdoor space is a great way to build value down the line. In addition to being a strong investment, creating an outdoor oasis for your home can make it feel fresh and inspire new ways for you to enjoy your property.  

When it comes to building a positive return on your investment, successfully upgrading your outdoor space relies on thoughtful planning and design. Investing in your outdoor space is not a one size fits all approach and what works for your home may not work for your neighbours’. A well-designed outdoor space will not only compliment your home’s existing features but can also help disguise any imperfections as well.  

Here are a few tips for building an outdoor oasis that will increase your home’s value based on the advice of leading landscape designers in North America. 

---

Interested in buying or selling luxury real estate? Check out these resources on my blog. 

• How to Prepare Your High-End Condo for Sale
• When is the Best Time to Sell Your Luxury Home?
• The State of Luxury Real Estate in Toronto

---

Start With Existing Features 

Building an eye-catching outdoor oasis begins with the basics. Although not the most exciting step, ensuring the existing elements of your outdoor space are in pristine shape is a crucial part of creating high-standard curb appeal. Your lawn should be a healthy green, plus frequently mowed and edged. 

This same standard of upkeep should be applied to the existing trees on your property. As some of your property’s largest features, trees can drastically improve the atmosphere of your personal paradise when done properly. On the other hand, any trees that appear damaged or unhealthy can actually hurt your home’s value. If you have an issue with an existing tree, contacting a professional arborist is the best way to proceed. 

Want to know more about the current luxury market? Visit our 2022 luxury real estate outlook here. 

Eye-Catching Plants

When it comes to garden design, a well-planned approach focused on consistency will have a big impact on the final product. Local plants and flowers will often require less maintenance and handle the elements well. If you feel out of your element selecting plants, an outdoor design professional can help tailor your garden for the luxury market and ensure you are well set up for return on investment. 

When your home’s outdoor space is a considerable piece of your selling strategy, implementing seasonal highlights can ensure you are showcasing the best plants possible when you enter the market. If you plan on listing your home during the spring, planting bulbs beforehand will help make your outdoor oasis shine when you list. Installing colourful shrubbery for an autumn sale will create a gorgeous atmosphere that potential buyers will love. 

Looking for more tips on upgrading your outdoor space? Explore 5 tips for creating a backyard paradise on my blog. 

Hardscaping

It’s important to consider that not all elements of your outdoor oasis will be plants. Fixed, non-organic features play an equally significant role in increasing your home’s market value. A well-built walkway or driveway can contribute to both the functionality and atmosphere of your outdoor space. Certain water features such as fountains or ponds can add an extra dimension to your outdoor space that caters to luxury buyers. 

One of the most common hardscaping investments in real estate is decks or patios. As a centrepiece of your oasis, ensuring no element of your deck is overlooked is critical for maintaining return on investment. One simple way to upgrade the ambience of your hardscaping features is with atmospheric lighting. Gentle LED or solar lighting can go a long way in making your hardscaping look its best. 

---

Looking for new ways to add value to your home? Explore these helpful resources. 

• Renovations for Active Retirees
• High-Tech Items You Need For Your Home
• Five Steps to Maximize Your Home Sale in Today’s Market

---

Maintenance Considerations

Ensuring your outdoor space is well-maintained is a critical step in nurturing the health of your investment. As a luxury homeowner, it is important to approach this step with the same level of preparation and consideration as the design phase. Landscaping and garden work can be demanding regardless of property size. Contracting a professional landscaping team to maintain your outdoor space is the best way to ensure its value and curb appeal long term. 

If you are unsure where to start when finding the right contractor for your home, ask your real estate agent. As luxury property experts, they can offer local insights on well-regarded landscapers in your area. 

Have questions about buying or selling? Contact us.