How Landscaping Adds Value to Your Home — Real Estate Benefits of Good Garden Design

ID Landscaping
4 days ago
3 min read

When it comes to increasing your home’s value, most homeowners think about kitchens, bathrooms or a fresh coat of paint. But one of the most cost-effective and impactful improvements you can make is right outside your door: your landscaping.

In Melbourne’s property market—where lifestyle, street appeal and usable outdoor space are major selling points—well-designed landscaping can add significant value and desirability to your home. Here’s why investing in your garden pays off.

1. How Landscaping Adds Value to Your Home Through Strong Street Appeal

Real estate agents consistently emphasise that buyers form an opinion within seconds of arriving at a property.A beautifully maintained front garden, healthy lawn, lush native planting or a clean modern entry path can dramatically improve your home’s perceived value.

Thoughtful landscaping makes your property stand out in crowded online listings and at open inspections.

Modern house at dusk with large windows, set in lush greenery. A windmill and path are visible. Warm lighting creates a peaceful mood. — The driveway entrance at this landscape design & construction project we completed in Kangaroo Ground. Now on the market, the Real Estate agents (Fletchers Real Estate) have emphasised the landscape in their gallery for the listing.

2. Outdoor Living Spaces That Increase Property Value

Decks, paved entertaining areas, firepits, seating nooks, pergolas and well-designed paths effectively extend your home’s living space. Buyers see these spaces as extra “rooms” - places to entertain, relax, or enjoy the garden.

A carefully planned backyard can transform even a small block into a highly functional outdoor retreat!

An overhead view of a landscaped garden with circular pool and crazy-paved outdoor entertaining area — The crazy-paved entertaining area connects the indoor living space to the pool area. Sold in October 2024, the estate agents Jellis Craig, emphasised this connection between indoors and outdoors in their gallery for the listing.

3. Native and Low-Maintenance Gardens Buyers Love

More homebuyers are looking for sustainable, water-wise gardens that are easy to maintain.

Native and indigenous planting:

Reduces water use
Supports local wildlife
Stays healthier in Melbourne’s climate
Requires less ongoing upkeep

This combination of sustainability and practicality is a major selling point.

A sloping block made accessible by sawn stone stairs leading to a timber boardwalk as you approach the front door - native grasses and flowering plants soften the hardscape elements. — Although this property has not been on the market since 2010, the landscape we designed and built as part of the property's renovations have significantly boosted its appeal. House by the team at Olaver Architecture

4. Quality Landscaping That Reduces Future Costs

Drainage solutions, retaining walls, erosion control, proper soil preparation and WSUD features add real value by preventing future problems.

A buyer is far more confident purchasing a home with professionally constructed outdoor spaces that won’t need costly repairs.

Landscaping works included a dry creek bed to improve the drainage on the property which has reduced future costs for repairs. — This Eltham property had extensive drainage installed as part of the house and landscape renovation. The Dry Creek Bed is critical in diverting stormwater during heavy rain events but also serves as an aesthetic feature, with a chunky timber boardwalk spanning the creek bed as you approach the front door.

5. How Much Value Can Landscaping Add to a Home?

Numerous studies show that professionally designed and maintained landscaping can bump up a home’s overall value by 5–15%.

In competitive markets like Eltham, Research, Montmorency and wider Melbourne, that can translate to tens of thousands of dollars.

Connection between an indoor living space and the outdoor pool area through smart design and landscaping has added value to this home. — Connection between indoors and outdoors can boost the value of your home. Highlighted in this listing photo from Jellis Craig North East, that shows our landscape as a key feature of the property.

Unlock Your Home’s Value With Professional Landscape Design

Whether you’re preparing your home for sale or simply investing in long-term enjoyment, great landscaping is one of the smartest upgrades you can make.

ID Landscaping specialises in residential landscape design and construction, creating functional, sustainable gardens that elevate lifestyle and property value.

Get in touch with our team to discuss your project — and discover how your outdoor space can unlock your home’s full potential.