Spring has sprung and with that South Africans will once again be heading outdoors. We are known for our sunshine and braais, and this is often a key consideration when buyers and tenants look for properties, according to the Seeff Property Group
While the features and finishes of a property play a key role in the buyer’s decision to put in an offer, the garden and braai facilities are almost universally a decider. A nice garden and outdoor or under-roof braai facilities are strong selling points and adds value and desirability. The pandemic and remote work drove many people to outdoor spaces, as we can see in the exodus to houses with more garden space, where people can enjoy a good lifestyle in a secure setting. It is also one of the reasons for the growth in estates with open spaces.
The garden is usually the first thing that potential home buyers see when they visit a property. An attractive garden immediately sets the tone for the buyer. The garden should be impeccably neat and well maintained. Buyers do not want to have the hassle of having to clean up the yard and garden when they move in. When evaluating two similar homes, the one with an attractive garden will inevitably win the day.
An established and neat garden makes a property more attractive, but it does not have to be landscaped. While landscaping is usually a feature of high-value homes, it is not a prerequisite. Today’s garden centres provide plenty of assistance for novice gardeners. A recent study done in the UK by sellhousefast.uk, incorporating responses from property professionals and landscapers, shows that in addition to a well-kept garden 76% of respondents noted that a good quality patio was also a big
selling point.
In SA we know that a braai patio is an important feature many look for. It is not unusual to find some new apartment developments now have the option of a built-in braai on the patios or communal braai facilities. The UK research found that artificial grass or lawn could, however, be off-putting. According to Seeff’s agents, while this was a trend during Cape Town’s drought, buyers often still prefer real grass, unless they are specifically looking for a low-maintenance garden.
Even in a small complex or apartment, you can still add some greenery to your life. Indoor and container gardening has made a big comeback. If you do not have the floor space for pots, you can always hang them, or consider a vertical garden – another major housing trend.
Bear in mind that different plants thrive in different environments. Consult your local garden centre for suitable plants to grow in your area. According to well-known local gardener Keith Kirsten, who designed late President Nelson Mandela’s garden, planting indigenous ensures sustainability, even during a drier season.
Seeff’s rental agents recommend that if you are investing in a rental or want to rent out your own property and there is a landscaped or attractive garden, you retain a garden service and include the cost in the rental to ensure it is well-maintained.
