What to do with your investment property’s garden

People judge a book by its cover and prospective tenants often judge a property by its garden before stepping inside. Today we’re discussing what to do with your investment property’s garden. But spoiler alert: a low-maintenance garden will keep everyone happy.

The importance of a good garden

A good garden can make a big difference to the appeal of an investment property. If it’s a house with a reasonably sized yard and your ideal tenants are a family, a well-maintained garden will be an integral drawcard. Additionally, a good garden space can help you attract better tenants who are keen to remain in the property long-term as their family grows.

Low-maintenance gardens are key

Consumer Affairs Victoria stipulates that tenants are responsible for keeping gardens tidy unless otherwise stated in the contract. Tenants will generally be more committed to keeping their garden neat if the maintenance is manageable. This works in your favour, as it ensures your rental property is looked after so you get the best out of your investment in terms of rental income and capital gains.

How low maintenance should you go?

While it may be tempting to get rid of trees and plants and add hard landscaping for easy maintenance, this can make a property much hotter to live in. This obviously isn’t ideal for properties in warmer climates and will consequently discourage tenants to rent long-term.

Here are some helpful low maintenance garden tips:

Create a shaded outdoor space

A simple shaded paved pergola with a space for a BBQ (and a power/gas point) will make your home stand out in the rental market. No one says no to a shaded outdoor space that’s easy to manage in all weather conditions.

Choose water-wise, low-maintenance and native plants

A better long-term solution than a bare garden is to visit your local nursery and ask the knowledgeable staff about the best trees. You also want to choose water-wise and native plants. This is a win-win situation in terms of time and money for both you and your tenants, as native plants require less water and last longer in tough climates.

In the Wyndham region, excellent native plant options include the hardy Kangaroo Paw, eucalyptus (don’t worry, there are smaller varieties), the iconic wattle, and grevilleas, the queen of low-maintenance plants.

Focus on kerb appeal

Don’t underestimate the importance of kerb appeal. A refreshed and well-maintained letterbox, front door, driveway and fence is another way to sustain your property’s value.

Leave space

If you have the space, a raised bed in your low maintenance garden for tenants to plant and grow their own vegetables and flowers may just entice the right tenant through your door.

Invest in reticulation

Reticulation is a magical word in today’s rental market and is particularly appealing in a family home. The benefits of reticulation with a timer go both ways, as it means both you and your tenants can rest easy knowing your property’s lawn is being constantly well-maintained. Investing in a hardy lawn type goes hand-in-hand with reticulation.

Should you provide gardening services?

Now, some landlords prefer to include gardening and mowing services with rent for peace of mind and to subsequently avoid unnecessary tension with tenants. However, you may decide to just have a professional visit once a quarter instead to maintain hedges or manicured garden beds.

With the Wyndham region’s largest property management division, we have established relationships with the best local tradespeople. Our team is always happy to help arrange gardening services for you and offer advice on how you can make the most of your rental property.