As a landlord, you’re always looking for ways to make your property stand out in a competitive rental market. While interior features like spacious rooms, modern appliances, and clean finishes are important, outdoor spaces, especially gardens, can be a major selling point for potential tenants. A well-maintained and thoughtfully designed garden not only enhances the curb appeal of your property but also offers tenants additional space for relaxation, gardening, and entertaining.
In this blog, we’ll discuss various ways landlords can maximise their garden spaces to attract tenants and secure long-term leases.
Table of Contents
1. Create an Inviting First Impression
First impressions matter, and your garden plays a crucial role in how tenants perceive your property. A tidy, well-kept garden can make the difference between a potential tenant walking away or staying to view the rest of the house.
Start by maintaining a neat lawn, trimming hedges, and removing any weeds. Consider adding some easy-to-care-for plants, such as shrubs, flowers, or ornamental grasses, that add colour and texture. A few strategically placed potted plants near the entrance can further brighten up the space.
2. Create Functional Outdoor Living Areas
A garden isn’t just for show, it’s an extension of the home, and it should be as functional as it is beautiful. Tenants are more likely to be attracted to a property that offers an outdoor space they can enjoy.
A small patio or deck with a table and chairs can give tenants a perfect spot for outdoor meals or entertaining guests. Make sure there’s some shade, either from a tree, umbrella, or awning, so the space can be enjoyed throughout the day.
Plus, incorporating a hammock, a couple of lounge chairs, or a bench provides a space where tenants can relax, read a book, or enjoy the fresh air. If you’re renting to families, creating a safe play area for children will appeal to potential tenants. A small patch of grass with some play equipment (like a swing or sandbox) can make your property stand out for families looking for more than just a roof over their heads.
3. Incorporate Sustainable Features
Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important consideration for many renters, and a garden that incorporates eco-friendly features can be a huge selling point.
Installing a rainwater collection system for irrigation not only conserves water but also helps tenants save on their utility bills. Or opt for native plants that require less water and are better suited to the local climate. This reduces maintenance costs and makes your garden more sustainable.
Providing space for a compost bin can encourage eco-conscious tenants to recycle garden waste, which adds appeal for those who care about sustainability.
4. Offer Low Maintenance Garden Solutions
Not all tenants are keen gardeners, so it’s important to create a space that’s both attractive and low-maintenance. A garden that requires minimal upkeep will be more appealing to tenants who may not have the time or interest in regular garden care.
Instead of expansive lawns that require mowing, consider creating gravel or mulch garden beds with ornamental plants that are easy to maintain. Incorporating stone pathways, patios, or decking can add structure to your garden while reducing the need for regular upkeep. Hardscaping elements are also great for enhancing the overall design. Installing a drip irrigation system will also ensure that plants get the right amount of water without the need for tenants to manage it manually.
5. Emphasise Privacy
Many tenants value privacy in their outdoor space, especially if they plan to use the garden for relaxation or entertaining. If your garden is overlooked by neighbouring properties, consider adding elements that can create a more secluded environment, such as:
- Fencing: A tall, sturdy fence or trellis can help block out views from neighbouring properties and create a more private space.
- Hedging or Trees: Planting a row of fast-growing shrubs, trees, or tall plants along the boundary of your garden can help create a natural privacy screen.
- Screens and Pergolas: If your garden is smaller, installing a trellis or pergola can add a sense of enclosure without taking up too much space.
6. Highlight the Potential for Gardening
Some tenants love the idea of growing their own vegetables, herbs, or flowers. If your garden has the potential for a small vegetable plot or raised garden beds, highlight this feature to attract tenants who want to get their hands dirty and grow their own food. You can either include a ready-made garden area or leave it open for tenants to create their own space. Raised beds are particularly popular as they’re easy to manage and can be incorporated into a smaller garden.
7. Lighting for Evening Ambience
Many tenants enjoy spending time outdoors in the evening, whether it’s for dining, relaxing, or entertaining. Incorporating outdoor lighting in your garden can create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Twinkling string lights draped over trees, fences, or a pergola can create a magical feel. Solar lights are a cost-effective and eco-friendly option for illuminating pathways or garden beds. Highlighting interesting garden features, such as a water fountain, tree, or sculpture, can add ambiance to your outdoor space after dark.
8. Ensure Pet-Friendly Spaces
If you’re renting to pet owners, make sure your garden offers enough space for tenants to bring their dogs or cats outdoors. A secure garden with fencing or gates will be important for pet owners, as will areas where pets can roam freely. A patch of grass or a small fenced-off dog run can be an attractive feature for pet-friendly tenants.
Incorporating these garden enhancements can make a significant difference in how your property is perceived by potential tenants. An attractive, functional, and low-maintenance outdoor space not only adds value to your property but can also make it stand out in a crowded rental market. Whether your tenants are looking for a peaceful retreat, a space to entertain, or a spot for gardening, a well-planned garden can be the key to securing long-term tenants and maximising rental income.
While you’re giving your garden a makeover, don’t forget about protecting your property with the right insurance coverage. CIA Landlords offer affordable landlord insurance policies to ensure your property is protected.
