12 Outdoor Features That Lower Your Home’s Value

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Your home’s value can be greatly influenced by outdoor features. Homeowners put their heart (and wallets) into creating a paradise, but sometimes even well intentioned additions can lower your property’s value.

Think about spending thousands on a luxury pool or a quirky water feature, then finding out later that it’s scaring away potential buyers. Weird, right? Well, let’s help you avoid some common outdoor features that may look great at first, but could actually hurt your home’s resale value.

Swimming Pools

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Pools might appear to be the most lavish backyard upgrade, but not everyone is ready to jump into pool ownership. Pools can be a huge turn off, particularly for families with small children, because of maintenance, safety concerns and the expense of upkeep. Pools are also less attractive in colder climates, as they aren’t usable for several months out of the year, and buyers don’t want to spend money on something they won’t use year round.

Over-the-Top Landscaping

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Extensive landscaping will not be seen as an asset to some buyers, only a chore. To one person, what might look like an outdoor masterpiece could be a high maintenance headache to another. Most buyers like to buy something that doesn’t feel like a full time job, but something they can maintain easily.

Poorly Maintained Decks or Patios

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Poorly kept decks and patios can frighten buyers away. A home that hasn’t been cared for may have cracked concrete, splintering wood or old designs. Potential buyers might only see dollar signs for repairs instead of a picture of themselves relaxing outdoors.

Too Much Hardscaping

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Some hardscaping, like walkways and retaining walls, can even increase a yard’s functionality, but too much can make a yard feel cold and unwelcoming. Buyers may wish for more natural elements in a yard that’s more green than stone. Mostly, people imagine their dream backyard with a combination of hardscaping and greenery.

Permanent Sports Installations

Hit or miss, basketball courts, tennis courts or putting greens can be; some buyers might find the idea of their own private sports area appealing, and others might just see it as wasted space. Not everyone is into sports, and such features can be limiting on how a potential buyer can see using the yard. They don’t see a flexible outdoor area; they see something they’ll need to tear out.

Outdoor Décor That’s Too Personalized

A potential buyer’s taste in yard décor might be nothing like yours. If the buyer doesn’t like the aesthetic, statues, quirky sculptures and brightly coloured outdoor art, it can be off putting. Personal touches are really nice making a home feel like a home, but when you are selling, neutral spaces tend to attract a larger audience.

DIY Projects Gone Wrong

It could be an outdoor project that sounded like a great weekend plan, but if the end result looks like a DIY disaster, it could hurt your home’s value. Buyers will run from shoddy construction, uneven surfaces, or improperly installed features. Big outdoor projects are better left to the professionals if you’re not an expert.

Outdated Outdoor Kitchens

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Outdoor kitchens are a popular trend, but, like any trend, they can become a thing of the past. An outdoor kitchen that is old or not well maintained can actually be a bit of a liability when she is trying to sell. Rusted grills, appliances that don’t work, or old countertops will give the buyer the feeling that they are inheriting someone else’s problem rather than an outdoor oasis.

Excessive Outdoor Lighting

The right lighting will bring out the beauty of a home, but too much can be overwhelming. Lights that are too bright and shine into windows or over illuminate the yard can make it feel like it’s a stadium, not a cozy outdoor space. Some buyers may worry about light pollution, or feel they’ll need to spend time and money toning it down.

The Yard Is Dominated by Large Structures

Done right, sheds, gazebos or pergolas can be great additions, but if they’re too big or in an awkward location, they can dominate the space. An unattractive, large structure can also restrict the buyer’s ability to see their own backyard dream. Less is more often the case with outdoor buildings.

Artificial Grass

According to SGW Texas, synthetic turf can cut down on lawn maintenance and save water, but you would agree with me that it’s not for everyone. There are those people who love the feel of a real grass playing with their feet and see artificial grass less attractive or even environmentally unfriendly. Artificial grass is not practical for families with children or pets in hot climates as it will get uncomfortably hot.

Unnecessary Water Features

In small size, a fountain can bring charm to the garden, but be prepared for the larger and overdone water features. Buyers may be turned off by maintenance, possible water use issues, and the possibility of leaks or damage. It’s a complex system that needs to be maintained or repaired regularly and can be more of a burden than a relaxing addition, according to Homes & Gardens.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.