10 backyard features that devalue your home, 10 that add value

Are you making these backyard mistakes?

A well-kept backyard with outdoor attributes can not only improve the aesthetic appeal of your home, but increase its value, too. However, some backyard features can actually work against you, decreasing your property's price tag and reducing its desirability.

From high-maintenance water features that could deter potential buyers, to practical backyard lighting that will ensure potential buyers feel safe and secure, click or scroll through this gallery to discover 10 backyard features that could decrease your home’s value – and 10 that could increase it...

Unsightly backyard items

Tired and outdated backyard furniture or play equipment can negatively affect your property's visual value. After all, if your backyard is filled with rusty or rotten chairs, broken backyard storage, or a greenhouse that has seen better days, no prospective buyer will see that as attractive or appealing – and they could end up walking away, without making an offer on your home.

If budget is an issue, consider a backyard upcycling project that will transform old into new with a lick of paint.

Broken fencing

Backyard fencing doesn't come cheap and panels that have been left unprotected from the elements will soon become worn, algae-covered, and dilapidated.

Broken fences spoil the framing of a backyard, cause privacy problems, and annoy neighbors, so your fencing needs to satisfy any potential new owners, who will be responsible for the upkeep of these boundary markers further down the line.

Destructive or invasive plants

A backyard with unruly plants, left to grow out of control, will take more than a touch of weekend weeding to shape up. What's more, if those plants are invasive or can cause damage to properties, the environment, and even humans, then professionals may be required to remove them.

Japanese Knotweed, for example, is considered to be an aggressive species in most of the UK, Europe, North America, and parts of Oceania. There are other invasive plants that you might not have considered, too, such as English ivy, bamboo, and rhododendron.

A dead lawn

Did you know that a nice lawn is a top priority for many homeowners? When buying a house, people like to imagine their children or pets running around on the grass outside, or hosting BBQ gatherings with family and friends. 

So, if your backyard boasts a lawn, it's vital to keep it in tip-top shape, or buyers may move on to pastures new. Another thing to consider is that many house-hunters prefer a lawn to a patio, so if you're considering installing a paved area, but might be moving in the near future, it might be worth holding off.

Artificial grass

Artificial grass may seem like an easy alternative to real grass, with no mowing or watering required, but research shows that artificial grass isn't very appealing to buyers.

For starters, fake grass is generally made from polyethylene, which is a type of plastic. This can lead to microplastics being emitted into the ground. So, potential buyers could be deterred by the costs associated with removing artificial grass and the damaging effects it can have on the environment.

A swimming pool

A swimming pool is often on the exclusive home buyers' wish list, but this ultimate backyard leisure feature comes with a luxury label for good reason. Many buyers will see a swimming pool as a huge expense that isn't worth the investment or upkeep.

So, unless your property value is high-end too, perhaps the space could have better uses, so don't splash the cash.

A water feature

Love them or hate them, ponds and fountains are a common backyard feature. They create visual interest, which can differ based on personal taste, from natural to more ornamental. However, shelling out for a small pool of water has its cons.

The downside of owning a pond is that it costs money to maintain. Plus, buyers with children or pets may see a water feature as a safety issue.

Huge trees

Ornamental and mid-sized trees in the backyard can be a real asset, as they create beautiful natural and mottled backyard shade. But left to grow too big, and they can eventually become a concern for prospective buyers.

Large trees will need an expensive tree surgeon to keep them healthy and safe. Plus, if planted too close to the house, a large tree's roots can become a danger to property foundations and may invalidate your home insurance policy.

High-maintenance planting

A backyard filled with beautiful blooms may look incredible at country estates but remember, these perfectly designed beds are well cared for, often by an army of gardeners with an endless water supply.

Most homeowners prefer low-maintenance backyards that can be enjoyed without lifting many green fingers. So, if your backyard is bursting with colorful plants and shrubs, it may be wise to tone down the thirsty floral displays when it's time to sell up.

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Neglected hot tubs

A hot tub can be a real asset to a backyard during the summer months, but the bubbly plunge pools take up a lot of space in small backyards, require time for upkeep and the chemicals can be costly.

When upkeep is not carried out, a hot tub can soon become an eyesore and a potential health hazard that can prove expensive to remove or repair.

Backyard ideas that add value...

Avoid the previous backyard faux pas and you'll soon sell your home, or avoid any costly mistakes.

These next ideas are all desirable features that anyone would love to see in a backyard, from clever storage ideas to a gorgeous design...

An outdoor kitchen

There's nothing better than inviting friends and family around during the summer months to enjoy a barbeque in the backyard. So, an outdoor kitchen is a highly desirable feature for many.

From basic DIY backyard projects with cupboards for utensils to top-of-the-range bespoke units fitted to water and electric mains (like this one from Grillo), this lifestyle-enhancing backyard feature will entice those who love to entertain outdoors. 

A well-kept lawn

More than half of Brits say a lawn would make them more likely to buy a property. So, keeping yours looking lush and neat, with regular mowing and watering, will do wonders for your home's curb appeal and price tag.

It's best to water your lawn in the early morning before the sun hits its peak. The cooler temperatures in the morning mean that the water is less likely to evaporate before your lawn can absorb it. Plus, watering in the morning allows the grass to dry before nightfall. Wet grass at night can create dark, damp conditions in which diseases thrive.

Relaxing spaces

Leisure zones with inviting and well-kept furniture will show buyers what their possible backyard could offer them in due course.

Whether you want to add a comfy sofa, a dining table and chairs, or even an egg chair, creating an outdoor living space will increase your home's footprint and ensure any potential buyers see your backyard at its very best. 

An outdoor room

Offering endless possibilities, gorgeous backyard rooms have become a top outdoor asset.

From a backyard gym to a home office or even a guest suite, an outdoor room that's beautiful as well as functional can add value to your house and make it stand out from the crowd, within a very condensed property market.

Backyard storage

Attractive, practical, and secure backyard storage will keep your outdoor space in order. A traditional shed – like this one from Forest – is a safe choice to ensure an uncluttered and tidy backyard. Just remember to ensure your shed has a working lock, to deter pests and thieves.

If space is tight, opt for a more compact backyard storage solution, such as a potting table with drawers or shelves for essentials.

Practical backyard lighting

Landscape backyard lighting can set an outdoor space apart. As well as providing ambiance, good-quality outdoor lighting will enable you to come and go with ease and safety – something that won't be overlooked by prospective buyers.

Don't go overboard, or you'll risk turning your backyard into an airport runway. Instead, softly enhance walkways and features to create a pretty outdoor oasis. Remember, patio and porch lighting, as well as driveway lights, are essential when it comes to creating a practical home. Take a look at Lime Lace.

Landscape a design

Investing in landscape backyard design is always money well spent. A professional with experience will get the best out of your outdoor space and could even come up with a design that will add value to your home.

A beautifully landscaped backyard will show potential buyers how they could live in the property. Since we all lead busy lives, think about a low-maintenance space with lots of useable areas for dining, relaxing, and entertaining.

Robust flooring

Good-quality hard landscaping will show prospective buyers that your patio or terrace will stand the test of time. Outdoor tiles need less maintenance than wooden decking, as they won't rot. However, they will need sealing and regular cleaning, to remove any grime and mold.

Maintenance is vital, too, whatever the material, to prevent cracks that can lead to weed growth and trip hazards.

Plenty of privacy

An overlooked backyard is never desirable. Homeowners want to be assured that when they are relaxing or hosting in their backyard, they can do so in total privacy. The key is to ensure your fencing, walls or hedges are neat, tidy, and in one piece.

You could consider creating zones for privacy, without making your backyard feel cluttered. Screens, pergolas, or foliage, for example, can make an outdoor space feel more intimate while aiding with overlooking.

High-security features

Home security is a high priority for everyone, especially when looking for a new home. An unsecured or exposed backyard can leave a property vulnerable to damage or intruders. Therefore, an unsafe backyard could be an instant turn-off for many.

Consider installing security sensor lighting or a smart camera, as well as ensuring your backyard gate, fencing, and garage door are secure.

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