How Landscaping Adds Value to Your Property

Luke Robertson • 20 October 2025

When people think about adding value to a home, they usually envision kitchen remodels, bathroom upgrades or fresh paint. But one of the most powerful—and often under-appreciated—ways to increase your property’s worth lies outside, in your landscape. A well-designed garden, outdoor living spaces, and smart use of planting don’t just look beautiful—they pay off.



1. The Value of First Impressions & Street Appeal

The very first impression a potential buyer (or passerby) gets of your home often comes from the exterior - your front section and entryway. This “street appeal” can influence how people perceive the rest of the house before they even step inside.



And the stats are here to prove it:


  • Local studies suggest that good landscaping and strong street appeal can add up to 10% additional value to a property. (archipro.co.nz+1)


  • Internationally, research shows that professionally landscaped homes command a price premium, with increases often in the range of 5 % to 15 % of the property value. (ArchEyes+2Brookslandscapes+2)



Because first impressions are critical, investing in front gardens, proper lighting, and tidy entrance landscaping is one of the simplest and highest-impact ways to boost perceived value.



2. Functional Outdoor Spaces = Usable Value

A beautiful landscape is great, but a livable one is even better. A great landscape design turns your outdoor area into living, outdoor rooms that extend your home and lifestyle. These spaces help potential buyers picture themselves living there - entertaining friends, relaxing after work, and embracing an easy, sociable outdoor lifestyle.


  • Entertaining space: patios, decks, dining areas, fire pits, or outdoor kitchens create a natural invitation to sip, relax, and socialise - selling not just a home, but a way of life.


  • Flow and circulation: well-planned layouts guide movement naturally, making the garden feel intuitive, cohesive, and welcoming.


  • Privacy and retreat: strategic use of hedges, planting, screens and fences help define space and add a sense of sanctuary.


  • Lighting and ambiance: thoughtful lighting extends usability into the evening, adds mood, highlights features, and improves safety.


  • Integration with nature: lush, layered planting brings the garden to life with texture, colour, and seasonal interest, enhancing the overall sensory experience.


By designing with both beauty and utility in mind, you transform “just a garden” into a true asset.



3. Additional Benefits – That Buyers Notice!

The benefits of landscaping can vary from person to person, but a well thought-out design considers the specific features that certain buyers value, especially those who are environmentally conscious and looking to get the most out of their outdoor space. The best part? You get to enjoy those benefits yourself in the meantime!


a) Reduced maintenance

Planting choices tailored to site conditions promote low maintenance landscapes, delivering long-term savings that add value for prospective owners.


b) Environmental control and mitigation

Well designed planting can significantly influence the microclimate, providing wind protection, allowing winter sun in, or offering shade in summer exactly where it's needed. For buyers, these climate responsive landscapes represent a long-term benefit, enhancing both liveability and enjoyment of the property.


c) Wellness appeal

Spending time in green spaces can significantly improve mental and emotional wellbeing. Natural elements like trees, water and lush planting have been shown to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and enhance mood.


d) Ecological factors

Today’s buyers are paying greater attention to the environmental impact of a property. Eco-friendly landscaping - using native plants, supporting pollinators, and reducing water use shows that your landscape is in tune with sustainable living.


e) Site resilience & drainage

A well planned design takes into account specific site conditions, especially soil type, quality, and drainage. In Canterbury, where soil can range from stony to wet or boggy, these factors pose unique challenges for landscaping, particularly planting. Choosing resilient plants and design solutions that suit these conditions demonstrates thoughtful, long term planning and ensures the landscape functions effectively, qualities that can resonate strongly with buyers.



4. What Value does Landscaping Investments Provide

While every site is different, certain landscape upgrades tend to deliver strong returns:

 

Landscape Upgrade Why It Delivers Value
Front section / entrance Boosts street appeal, immediate buyer impact
Outdoor living / dining areas Expands usable square metres of the home
Decks / patios / paving Durable surfaces that connect indoors and outdoors
Mature trees & specimen planting Adds scale, shade, permanence
Quality fencing, screening, hedges Offers privacy and structure
Landscape lighting Extends use after dark, highlighting key features and improving safety
Low-maintenance planting Reduces time and cost spent in the garden
Irrigation / drainage systems Adds performance and reduces risk of soil issues

5. Tips for Getting the Best Return from Your Landscape Investment

As a guide to your landscaping that maximises value, here are practical tips:


  • Set clear goals & budget
    Decide whether your priority is long term enjoyment, resale, or both. That helps focus where to invest and how fast.


  • Plan in phases
    You don’t need to do everything at once. Start with high impact zones (front section, main entertaining areas), then expand out.



  • A simple garden tidy-up
    A cue-to-care can make a big difference, especially if you’re short on time or budget. Sprucing up the space with weeding, trimming, and adding a few well-chosen plants can help your existing landscape shine. A cared-for garden sends a clear message to buyers - that the previous owners valued and enjoyed the outdoor space, making the property feel welcoming and well-loved.


Landscaping as a Smart Investment

A thoughtfully designed landscape is far more than an attractive garden: it’s an investment in your property’s future. From amplifying street appeal and creating usable outdoor rooms, to offering environmental benefits and lower long-term costs, a high-quality landscape delivers value that prospective buyers can see and you can enjoy.


At Epic Landscape Design, we focus on crafting landscapes that blend beauty, functionality and long term resilience. Whether you are planning to stay and enjoy or preparing to sell, our tailored design approach helps ensure your outdoor space becomes a standout asset.


If you’d like help with a customised landscape design or want to explore how much value we can add to your property, get in touch with us today.

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Introducing Three New Landscape Design Packages

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