WITH 1.27 acres of landscaped gardens at her Kingswood Estate home, Penny Pearson knew that spring was the right time to put her home on the market.
WITH 1.27 acres of landscaped gardens at her Kingswood Estate home, Penny Pearson knew that spring was the right time to put her home on the market.
Featuring an orchard of citrus trees, ornamental grapevines and beds of colourful lavender and roses just about to bloom, the 71-year-old said the season “shows it off to its best advantage.”
Over the past 12 years she and her late husband Tony have spent countless hours growing and developing the sprawling gardens and although now looking to downsize, Mrs Pearson said she hoped the blooming, vibrant garden would prove a drawcard for buyers.
“This is the time when everything comes to life again. It’s simply the best time to present it.”
In the competitive, spring real estate market, an eye-catching garden can draw buyers’ attention and add value to a property.
Davidson, Cameron, McCulloch and Co residential property specialist Kathy Keating, who will oversee the Dangar Cr property’s auction today, said established gardens, although difficult to put a price on, were definitely a good selling point.
“A lot of owners will wait until spring when gardens are looking their best to list their property,” Mrs Keating said.
For busy, time-poor people, a completed garden also offers new home-owners more time spend on other things.
“For new owners, established gardens means there’s just maintenance. They won’t have to spend hours working on a new garden.”
The Tamworth agent said the “wow” factor of an established garden often made a particular property more saleable and made potential buyers sit up and take notice.
First National Real Estate Meers and Shelton principal Liz Shelton agreed, saying buyers would often make an emotional or impulsive decision based on the overall look of a property.
“Some buyers know before they get to the front door,” Ms Shelton said.
“People do appreciate a lovely garden.
“A well-presented garden speeds up the time it takes to sell the property.”
A recent study of residents in nine countries, including Australia, Britain and the United States, found that Aussies valued their gardens and “green space” more than other lifestyle features, such as living near shops or cultural venues.
The Husqvarna Global Garden Report 2012, compiled by research firm Kairos Future, found that 65 per cent of Australians surveyed were prepared to pay more to have a garden, or live near a park.
The other side of the coin is the types of plants and features, while attracting some buyers, may turn a property from desirable to a burden.
“Very fussy, labour-intensive gardens can limit potential buyers due to the time they will need to spend,” Ms Shelton said.
Native plants and freshwater tanks are among the more
environmentally-friendly features that can have a positive influence on buyers who want to reduce their carbon footprint.
But what if your backyard is bare?
It doesn’t matter, Ms Shelton said. There are little things every seller can do to enhance their home’s selling appeal, no matter what the state of your backyard.
“Re-mulch your garden area, tidy up your lawns and pop some potted colour around the front door,” she said.