Landscaping Ideas to Make Exteriors Rent-Ready and Increase Rental Rates
First impressions count in today’s highly competitive rental market. A well-kept exterior plays an integral part in drawing in potential tenants; an appealing landscape adds curb appeal and justifies higher rental costs. Property managers can further maximize value by employing landscaping strategies that are both visually pleasing and functional.
Maintaining a lush lawn is crucial for creating a rent-ready exterior. Regular mowing, trimming, and fertilization are essential for maintaining its health. Considering local climate when choosing grass varieties and installing water-saving irrigation systems like smart sprinklers or drip irrigation can maintain the lawn’s appearance while saving money.
Trees and shrubs enhance property aesthetics, reduce energy costs, and add stability. Native species are recommended for their minimal care and long-lasting growth. Group plants with similar watering and light needs for effective maintenance management. Select native species for local conditions and group plants together for a more cohesive look.
Flower beds enhance a home’s exterior by attracting attention to key areas. Low-maintenance flower beds can be created by selecting perennial plants that bloom year-round, requiring minimal care. Mulch helps retain moisture, prevents weed growth, and gives flowerbeds a finished appearance.
Outdoor lighting adds both aesthetics and safety benefits to any property’s exterior, providing highlights for architectural features, lighting up walkways, and creating an inviting ambiance. Solar-powered lights offer an eco-friendly option while still providing sufficient illumination. Motion sensor lights may even increase security in less visible locations.
Creating functional outdoor living areas in rental properties can increase value. Renters desire more than just a simple home with a living room; they want space to unwind and entertain. Outdoor furniture and fixtures should be made from durable, weather-resistant materials, requiring minimal upkeep. This ensures tenants receive exactly what they came for.
Landscaping can help tenants achieve private outdoor spaces. Planting hedges or fences creates natural barriers that enhance privacy without making outdoor areas feel enclosed and less inviting; making outdoor areas feel intimate, which makes an appealing selling point when searching for potential tenants.
Renters today are becoming more environmentally aware, so incorporating eco-friendly practices into landscaping can attract them. Rain gardens can help control stormwater runoff native plants save water consumption while composting areas help create compost for reuse. These practices not only benefit the environment, but they may reduce long-term maintenance costs too.
Regular landscaping maintenance is crucial for maintaining a functional and attractive landscape. This includes pruning, weeding, fertilizing, and cleaning outdoor spaces. Regular inspections for signs of wear or damage, such as overgrown plants or broken sprinklers, can prevent minor issues from becoming major ones.
Landscaping a property can increase its rental rates and appeal by creating rent-ready exteriors. Property managers can attract tenants by prioritizing areas like lawn care, landscaping, trees, shrubs, flower beds, outdoor lighting fixtures, functional living spaces, and privacy enhancement. Regular maintenance ensures these features remain in good condition.