A garden that sells: tips for your outdoor space
When buyers view a home, attention often goes first to the living room and kitchen. Yet the outdoor space is a decisive factor for many people. A well-kept garden or a cosy balcony can be just the thing that turns hesitation into an offer.
Why the outdoor space matters
Especially in urban areas such as Amsterdam, Utrecht and Rotterdam, private outdoor space is scarce. Buyers see a garden or balcony as an extension of the home. A well-kept outdoor space shows that the home has been cared for.
Start by tidying up
Remove broken flowerpots, old garden furniture and scattered toys. Tidy the shed so buyers can properly gauge the space. An empty, clean garden looks bigger immediately.
Maintaining plants and lawn
Mow the lawn, prune hedges and shrubs, and remove weeds between the tiles. Place a few flowering plants in pots by the front door and on the patio. That adds colour and creates a well-kept impression, without needing to redo the whole garden.
Let the patio speak for itself
Clean the patio with a pressure washer or a brush. Set out a simple table with chairs, so buyers can see how the space can be used. With a few cushions and a string of lights, the garden also gets a warm look in photos.
Balcony or roof terrace
Even a small balcony can radiate a lot of atmosphere. Put out a bistro set and a few plants. For a roof terrace it pays to also pay attention to the flooring finish and the boundary. For apartments, buyers also look at the owners' association rules on the use of outdoor spaces. Read more about that in our article on buying an apartment.
The right moment for photos
The photos in your property listing determine the first impression. A garden looks best in soft light and in a season when something is blooming. Selling in winter? Then it can be smart to have photos of the garden taken in summer in advance. Our selling agents plan the photography for the best moment.
Small investments, big effect
A fresh coat of stain on the fence, clean patio tiles or a new gate are small expenses with a big effect. Large garden projects just before selling usually aren't necessary. In our article on increasing home value you can read which investments do pay off.
State the practical information
Buyers want to know which direction the garden faces, how deep it is, and whether there's a back access. Make sure that information is in the property description. That way the buyer sees at a glance what the outdoor space offers.
Ready to sell?
Want to know what your home, including garden or balcony, is worth? Request a free valuation or get in touch with one of our agents.
Attention to the front too
The first impression starts right at the front door. A clean front door, a new doormat, a well-kept front garden and a legible house number create an inviting entrance. The front façade is also often the first thing buyers see on the main photo of your listing. Small improvements, such as painting window frames or cleaning windows, make a big difference here.
Seasonal tips
In spring and summer the garden is in bloom and easy to present with atmosphere. In autumn it's mainly important to remove leaves and keep the garden tidy. In winter, good outdoor lighting works well: a few light points show how the garden can be used in the evening too. That way the outdoor space shows its best side in every season.