5 Backyard Improvements That Add Value (and 5 That Don’t)
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Kelsey Morrison Former HomeLight EditorClose
Kelsey Morrison Former HomeLight EditorKelsey Morrison worked as an editor for HomeLight's Resource Centers. She has seven years of editorial experience in the real estate and lifestyle spaces. She previously worked as a commerce editor for World of Good Brands (eHow.com and Cuteness.com) and as an associate editor for Livabl.com. Kelsey holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, and lives in a small mountain town in Southern California.
It’s common knowledge that curb appeal adds resale value; a recent HomeLight survey found that buyers will pay 7% more for a home with an eye-catching exterior. And while painting the front door and replacing the mailbox are worthwhile improvements, the same attention should be paid to sprucing up the backyard.
Whether you’re getting your house ready to list or just purchased a fixer-upper, you might be curious about backyard improvements that add value. We spoke to two seasoned real estate professionals to find out which projects boost a home’s asking price, and which ones turn buyers away.
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Exactly how much value do backyard improvements add?
Because real estate is hyper-local, it’s impossible to put a specific dollar amount on the value of backyard improvements. An in-ground pool in Florida might raise the price of your home by $20,000 but could subtract value if you live in Michigan, where the summers are relatively short.
Generally speaking, professional landscaping can boost your home’s resale value by 15%–20%, according to the American Society of Landscape Architects. For a house worth $400,000, that could amount to an extra $80,000 in your pocket.
“Any sort of outdoor space that you can entertain on adds a decent amount of tangible value from a homebuyer’s and an appraiser’s perspective,” says Michael Azzam, a top-performing agent in Cleveland, Ohio, who sells properties 52% faster than his peers.
While a complete return on investment isn’t guaranteed, a well-designed outdoor space can speed up your home sale and potentially fetch a higher price. The key is to avoid overspending and focus on improvements that add value and enjoyment, both financial and personal.
If you’re looking for a local perspective on backyard improvements that add value, an experienced real estate agent can provide you with estimates. Let HomeLight’s Agent Matching Tool connect you with top professionals in your area who sell homes faster and for more money.
5 backyard improvements that add value to a home
Want to spruce up your space and boost your home’s appeal? Here are five backyard improvements that can add value to your property and make it the envy of the neighborhood:
1. Patios
There’s no better way to define an outdoor space than to install a patio. Whether you choose to lay down pavers or pour a concrete slab, a patio can be used for outdoor dining, lounging, or cooking.
The cost recovery estimate of a new outdoor patio is 95%, according to the National Association of REALTORS®’ (NAR) 2023 Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features. While the cost of installing a patio varies depending on the size, materials used, and labor, Azzam considers it a worthwhile investment.
“With a patio or deck, you’ll see appraisals have a positive adjustment in the $3,000–$5,000 range, at least in my market,” he explains.
2. Decks
Consider adding or replacing a deck to expand your usable outdoor space and boost your backyard’s value. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2023 Cost vs. Value Report, a wood deck addition ($17,000) recoups 50% of its cost, while a composite deck addition ($23,500) recoups 40% of its cost.
Sam Barbieri, a top real estate agent in Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, with over 20 years of experience, says that today’s buyers value building materials that require little to no upkeep. “The more maintenance-free, the better,” he adds.
3. Outdoor kitchens
If you expect to stay in your home for a few years and enjoy outdoor entertaining, an outdoor kitchen could add significant value. According to NAR’s remodeling report, an outdoor kitchen recoups 100% of its cost when it comes time to sell. A Zillow analysis of nearly 1 million home sales in 2023 also found that listings with outdoor kitchens sold for 1.7% more than expected.
Consider adding an inset grill, a durable countertop, a prep sink, and a compact refrigerator. Don’t forget to add storage — and, if you really want to go all out, a built-in pizza oven. Zillow research pegged the price premium of a pizza oven at 1.9%.
4. Privacy fences
While less exciting than a high-end outdoor kitchen, a privacy fence provides several practical benefits. It can be used to define your property line, keep kids and pets safe, discourage looky-loos, and make your outdoor space more attractive.
“Fences, specifically privacy fences, will typically add some value,” says Azzam. “You’ll see those in the $5,000 range in terms of positive adjustment and appraisal.”
In today’s market of high home prices and interest rates, an unfenced property might be a dealbreaker for some buyers, particularly those with children or pets. The hassle and expense of installing a fence after moving in can be a deterrent for these buyers.
5. Low-maintenance irrigation
If you want to save time, water, and potentially even some money on your summertime bills, installing an irrigation system can be a value-adding upgrade. According to NAR, this outdoor project boasts an 83% cost recovery. While we wouldn’t encourage you to shell out $5,000 on a new system right before you sell, if you’re looking to add one anyway, it can be a hands-off way to keep your backyard looking lush.
5 backyard improvements that could hurt your home’s value
Before you break ground, be aware that some improvements can actually decrease your home’s value. Here are five backyard features that might deter potential buyers and leave your wallet feeling a little lighter.
1. Above-ground pools
“Above-ground pools can affect a home’s value if it compromises the yard space,” explains Azzam. “In some of the well-developed areas in our market, the lot sizes aren’t that large and an above-ground pool can sometimes have a stranglehold on the total amount of yard space.”
While Barbieri agrees that above-ground pools can “detract buyers and hurt value,” he also notes that the designs “have come a long way.” Just a couple of years ago, Architectural Digest declared, “The Aboveground Pool Is Chic Now,” citing the rising popularity of stock tanks and container pools. If your above-ground pool is more of an eyesore than a design feature, however, you might consider removing it before listing your home for sale.
2. Eclectic landscaping
Azzam cautions against adopting a “unique gardening style” if you’re looking to increase your home’s value. A Japanese rock garden might suit your personal style, but families with kids might prefer a grassy lawn for playtime. Opt for versatile designs that most buyers will appreciate, and skip the permanent features that cater to a niche audience.
Azzam recalls listing a home owned by backyard beekeepers: “The sellers had massive beehives in the backyard, and it was safe to an extent, but buyers were afraid to go back there.”
3. DIY projects
You might consider yourself a jack of all trades who can learn anything from YouTube, but your home’s potential buyers may take a look at your work and decide it’s not up to their standards. “If you’re adding a fire pit or any kind of major improvement, it’s important to have it done by a licensed contractor,” says Barbieri.
Unpermitted work can result in a lower sales price and present safety issues. In some cases, it may have to be removed or corrected before the deal is closed. Making your own concrete planters is one thing, but deciding to build your own deck is quite another.
4. Artificial turf
Artificial turf might seem like a low-maintenance alternative to natural grass, but it doesn’t hold up over time and poses environmental concerns. Fake grass is expensive to install, gets hot underfoot, and often presents drainage issues. Plus, depending on quality, it can look less appealing than a well-maintained lawn.
If you live in a drought-prone area, ditch the artificial turf and consider landscaping with native, water-wise plants and hardscape elements like rock groundcover or stone pavers. Your home’s new owners will appreciate the savings on their water bill and won’t have to worry about replacing it in 8–10 years.
5. Too much concrete
Concrete slab patios are common in many parts of the country, especially in warmer climates. While a new patio has the potential to recoup 95% of its original cost, according to NAR, a poorly maintained patio with cracks, discoloration, and weeds can quickly turn away homebuyers.
Removing a concrete patio is expensive and labor-intensive, but you can give yours a DIY makeover with a pressure washer, concrete cleaner, and concrete sealer. Or, if it’s in really rough shape, cover it with interlocking deck tiles, like this patterned option from IKEA. To highlight your patio’s potential, add colorful potted plants, outdoor rugs, bistro lights, and a cozy seating area.
Budget-friendly backyard improvements for selling your home
Transforming your backyard into a space buyers will love doesn’t have to break the bank. Ahead, we’ll outline some low-cost improvements that will add value and visual appeal to your outdoor space.
- Add statement lighting: “Bistro lights are still very much a thing and an inexpensive way to add value to your home and make it more enjoyable later in the evening,” says Barbieri. Exterior uplighting (sometimes called landscape lighting) can add visual impact and impress buyers when viewing the home after dark.
- Lay down fresh mulch: “Just edge out some flower beds and throw some mulch down and I think you’ll be surprised by how much nicer your yard will look,” notes Azzam. According to a recent HomeLight Top Agent Insights Report, a landscaping upgrade can add over $7,000 to your home’s value.
- Create a fire pit seating area: “I think fire pits are timeless,” says Barbieri, who recommends purchasing an inexpensive model from a big-box store and “staging it with chairs that are oriented to face each other.” Azzam agrees that a well-staged fire pit area “can highlight the potential of your backyard for other homebuyers.”
- Clean up the lawn: “Something that drives me crazy is when a house is ready to sell, and the grass in the yard is just overgrown,” says Azzam. “Spend the extra $30–$40 on a landscaper to get your yard in top shape so it’s ready for marketing.”
- Stage with lawn games: “Find an opportunity to make your outdoor space a little more family-friendly by creating a designated space for lawn games,” says Azzam. Whether it’s bocce ball, cornhole, or a giant version of Connect Four, staging a family fun zone is a great way to make your listing stand out.
Connect with a Top Agent
We’ve crunched the numbers on local housing market data to connect clients with top-performing agents in their area, who statistically sell homes faster and for more money than average agents.
Backyard improvements can yield a faster and more profitable home sale
“I think more and more people are spending time in their outdoor spaces,” says Barbieri. “Low-maintenance features and quality construction on the exterior will not only make your home more valuable, but also more saleable.”
Remember, first impressions matter. A well-kept and inviting backyard can be the deciding factor for potential buyers. By implementing these backyard improvements and budget-friendly strategies, you can showcase the potential of your outdoor space and ensure your home stands out from the competition.
Allow HomeLight to connect you with top-performing real estate agents in your area who can suggest value-adding outdoor upgrades. It takes less than two minutes to get matched with seasoned professionals who meet your selling needs. You can also use HomeLight’s free Home Value Estimator tool to get a ballpark figure of how much your home may be worth in its current state. It asks seven specific questions about your property to deliver a more precise value range.
By strategically improving your backyard, you can transform it from an underutilized space into a valuable asset that attracts buyers and boosts your home’s selling potential.
Header Image Source: (Unsplash / Arcwind)
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