Many homeowners spend money on outdoor projects believing they’ll boost resale value, but some landscaping choices actually decrease a home’s appeal. Real estate professionals consistently warn against certain features that buyers avoid, often seeing them as liabilities rather than assets. Here’s what to skip if you want a better return on investment.
High-Maintenance Gardens: A Turnoff for Buyers
Intricate gardens, rare plants, and elaborate designs can intimidate potential buyers. While beautiful, these yards suggest a significant time and money commitment that many don’t want. Realtor JoLynn Tarantino notes that buyers often see high-maintenance landscaping as a burden, not a benefit. Real estate investor Andy Saintilus agrees, pointing out that features like large gardens, topiary, or water fountains can quickly become liabilities.
The key takeaway: Keep landscaping simple, easy to maintain, and attractive year-round.
Unusual Features: Confusing Buyers, Lowering Offers
Giant fountains and koi ponds are prime examples of landscaping features that don’t pay off. Tarantino frequently sees sellers who’ve invested heavily in these elements, only to find buyers uninterested in the upkeep. These features don’t add value; they create a problem for the next owner, who must factor removal costs into their counter-offer.
Artificial Turf and Plants: Unnatural and Unappealing
Artificial landscaping, including turf and plants, rarely delivers a return. While backyard turf might be acceptable, it often looks unnatural in front yards. Saintilus emphasizes that installation costs are high, and the result feels…off.
Why this matters: Buyers expect real grass. Artificial alternatives can signal a lack of care or a failed attempt to avoid maintenance, neither of which inspires confidence.
Oversized or Underdeveloped Spaces: Finding the Balance
Landscaping can fail by going too far in either direction. An enormous patio or hardscaped area leaves little yard space, while a bare lawn offers no outdoor living area. Tarantino advises finding a balance between these extremes, ensuring usability and visual appeal.
Above-Ground Pools: A Quick Fix with Poor Resale Value
Above-ground pools are cheap and easy to install, but they rarely add value. Buyers often see them as liabilities, especially if poorly maintained. While concrete pools can increase property value, above-ground options don’t offer the same benefit.
Overly Personalized Projects: Alienating Potential Buyers
Highly customized landscaping reflects your taste, not necessarily what buyers want. Saintilus points out that features like horse statues or exotic, non-native plants can be expensive to install and maintain, yet they rarely recoup costs. Buyers may see these as unnecessary expenses or a hassle to remove.
The bottom line: Landscaping should be timeless, not trendy. Avoid features that cater to niche interests or require specialized care.
Ultimately, successful landscaping focuses on low-maintenance appeal, not elaborate statements. Potential buyers want a move-in ready space, not a project waiting to happen.
