5 Tips to Refresh Your Outdoors and Increase Property Value

Increase Your Property Value: 5 Outdoor Refresh Tips

The first impression is the last impression, and a good first impression can work wonders, especially in real estate. If you want to sell or rent out your house, the first impression of your house, which refers to the outdoors, matters a lot. A well-maintained and upgraded outdoors catches the eyes of the buyers and renters and increases the value of the property. Here are five ways to give a fresh look to the outdoors and make your home stand out in Dubai’s competitive real estate market.

Enhance Curb Appeal with Landscaping

According to a study, a properly landscaped property can provide 100% ROI once the deal is closed. If your yard is nothing more than a lawn, consider planting trees and shrubs to add some interest. You can also add paved stone walkways and other hardscapes that complement the landscape. Make sure to:

• Trim overgrown plants and bushes to improve the property's appearance and allow more natural light to enter the home.
• Add a pop of colour with flowers that complement your home's exterior.
• Instal a new lawn or sod if the existing grass is patchy or worn out.
• Edge the flower beds and walkways to create a clean and polished look.

Beyond making sure that the place looks great, you should also think about how it will look in the long run. Choose plants and features that are easy to maintain. Even better, select those that require minimal to zero maintenance. Although most buyers and renters appreciate attractive and mature landscaping, many are still put off by having to take care of an elaborately designed yard filled with high-maintenance plants. Hence, your best option is to choose low-maintenance landscaping options such as:

• Pick plants native to the area as they are more likely to survive the conditions.
• Minimise using tropical plants and water-wasting features like artificial ponds and fountains.
• Add mulch or gravel to your planting beds to retain moisture.

Remember that the landscape must be attractive and low maintenance to appeal to most renters and home buyers.

Create an Inviting Outdoor Living Space

A comfortable and aesthetically pleasing outdoor living space can capture the attention of buyers or tenants. It appeals to people who tend to stay home on their days off work and those seeking vacation rentals. Installing a deck on the house's upper floors provides a beautiful neighbourhood view. If you have a deck in the yard, you can add a barbecue area and a dining table. Adding a deck can help you recover up to 90% of the remodelling costs and provide 77% ROI once the property has been sold. Here is how you can enhance the appeal of the deck:

• Select durable and comfortable furniture that can withstand Dubai's climate.
• Choose teak or weather-resistant fabrics that can endure the heat and humidity.
• Add colourful accents with pillows, throws, and cushions to create a welcoming and personalised ambience.
• Incorporate potted plants and greenery to bring life and freshness to the space.
• Instal a pergola or awning to provide shade and protection from the sun.

A deck extends the living space and allows inhabitants to enjoy the great outdoors fully. Consider extending it to accommodate guest entertainment if you already have a small deck. If it is near the living room or kitchen, match the outdoor design with materials that complement the interior wall colours and flooring. You can also blend the outdoor space with the indoor area with double sliding doors made of glass to create a more extensive and airier space.

Instal a Water Feature

The sound of flowing water can create a relaxing and serene atmosphere, while the visual element adds beauty and interest to your landscape. A small, understated fountain may be suitable for a compact garden, while a larger, more elaborate water feature might be better suited for a spacious yard. Place the water feature where it can be easily seen and enjoyed, but it should not obstruct the walkways or driveways. Some of the water features that increase the value of the property are:

Tiered Fountain: A small tiered fountain with water spraying on top and flowing down the sides creates a calming sound and makes your space look more elegant. 

Water Wall: A water wall features an infinite loop of water powered by electricity and is available with glass, stone, or metal surfaces.

Pool Water Features: If you have a swimming pool, you can have water features like waterfalls and hot tubs. 

Add a Fresh Coat of Paint

In Dubai, the house's exterior is exposed to harsh weather, which may spoil its appearance. High-quality, climate-resistant paint can improve your property's curb appeal and overall value. A colour that complements your home's exterior and surroundings can create an inviting and visually appealing facade. Consider using different colours for each floor for multi-story homes to add depth and character. To complete the look, remember to paint the trim, shutters, and doors. Here are some of the colour schemes to apply outdoors in your house:

• Cream and lime green
• Beige and cream with a light blue door
• Slate blue and off-white
• Light blue with a coral front door
• All-neutral palette with hits of black

Improve Outdoor Safety with Maintenance and Repairs

Apart from aesthetics, functionality, and convenience, safety is another major factor that affects the decisions of potential renters and home buyers. To prepare your property for the market, you must ensure all maintenance and repairs have been dealt with. While this isn't an update, maintenance and repairs that answer safety concerns can save money and help boost rental property income. Among the things you need to look out for include:

• Broken fence boards
• Nails that are sticking out
• Jagged rafters on the patio
• Broken concrete on the walkways
• Damaged eaves
• Worn-out door frames

If your prospects spot one or more of these issues, you can bet they would negotiate for a lower rate or forgo your property altogether. Good renters look for good landlords, and better home buyers seek properties that won't require too much effort. So, safety concerns must be addressed before advertising the place for rent or sale.

Conclusion

These are the tried and tested ways to increase the value of your property. It doesn't require renovation of a home to increase its value completely. Small changes can make a big difference. These tips will help you enhance the overall curb appeal of your home and make it more marketable and profitable.  

Check out our blog on Maximising Your Home's Value Using 7 Strategies.