Your Santa Clara rental property’s backyard is one of its most attractive features. But designing a functional, attractive one is very different from creating your dream backyard. The latter will help you maximize your rental rates and increase your property’s value, while the former may not achieve either.
In place of financing an extravagant backyard for a rental property, it is recommended to create an appealing, low-maintenance yard that tenants will appreciate and consider easy to maintain.
How much landscaping is too much?
Going overboard with the landscaping is among the biggest mistakes you can make as a rental property owner. Spending at most 10 percent of the property’s value in landscaping is not recommended, according to industry experts. Going much higher is unnecessary unless doing so will yield a tangible benefit. A home with an extensively landscaped yard will not incur as much extra rent as you think. In fact, overdoing it on the landscaping may put off prospective tenants due to all the additional upkeep required from them.
To keep your property attractive and profitable, you should aim for backyard upgrades that offer the highest returns. The first step to a beautiful backyard isn’t even an upgrade at all. Rather, put your energy into improving the quality of what already exists. A green, neatly trimmed lawn and well-cared-for greenery will add instant appeal and help boost the value of your property. If your property’s lawn is looking a bit sparse or bare, reseeding or adding some sod is one of the quickest ways to get your property’s backyard to live up to expectations.
Improve the property’s backyard affordably
Outdoor lights and spaces for socializing are two other relatively affordable backyard upgrades. As opposed to making elaborate planter beds filled with flowers, look into upgrading your property’s yard with features that could be used by your tenant for meetings or celebrations at night. These modifications are not only cost-effective but also add significant value to your property.
Adding a simple patio (or deck) may seem like much of an update, but it may really increase the property’s value by offering a rental home with a ready-made space for guests to congregate. A patio or deck, in contrast to other backyard additions, actually increases property values, making it an expense to consider for your rental property.
Incorporating outdoor lighting is one of the most budget-friendly backyard upgrades, and it has benefits beyond simple appearance. Backyard lighting, such as motion-sensing or energy-efficient lighting fixtures, provides an extra layer of protection and is practical for renters. Adding outdoor lighting to your rental property will enhance the home’s curb appeal after dark and complement any outdoor gathering space.
No matter the improvements you choose for your Santa Clara rental property’s backyard, recognizing which ones give the best return on your investment is a vital element of successful property management. Attracting the type of renters you want while also improving your property values is possible with an emphasis on high-quality features and a low-maintenance design. The ability to shape a backyard that tenants would adore and that will enhance your property’s appeal is yours as a property owner.
At Real Property Management Southern Utah, we help in planning a backyard design that maximizes the value of every dollar spent. If you want to know how to make your Santa Clara property more appealing to tenants, we can tell you which upgrades bring in more money in rent. If you need further details, please contact us online or call us at 435-673-4242.
Originally Published on Dec 13, 2019
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