Step 7: Gardens & Landscaping , The First Impression That Adds 16%

Quick answer

Gardens, courtyards and entry landscaping shape a buyer’s first impression before they enter the property. The strongest pre-sale improvements are usually simple: pruning, weeding, cleaning, repairing, mulching and creating a clear sense of usable outdoor space.

Key takeaways

• Landscaping should improve presentation without creating the impression of complicated future maintenance.
• Healthy lawns, structured planting and tidy garden beds can strengthen street appeal and professional photography.
• Plant selection should reflect the property’s light, soil, climate, scale and likely maintenance requirements.
• Inner-city courtyards and balconies should be presented as functional outdoor living areas rather than filled with decorative clutter.
• Landscaping may support buyer confidence, but percentage-based value increases and fixed returns should never be guaranteed.

A buyer’s experience of a property begins well before the front door opens.

The condition of the lawn, garden beds, pathway, fence and entry can influence whether the home initially feels cared for, inviting and easy to maintain. Even in inner-city areas where outdoor space is limited, a thoughtfully presented courtyard, balcony or narrow side passage can help buyers understand the lifestyle the property offers.

For Sydney sellers, landscaping is therefore not simply decorative. It is part of the complete presentation strategy, working alongside the façade, lighting, paintwork, cleaning and professional photography.

The objective is not to create an elaborate garden immediately before sale. It is to clarify the outdoor space, remove visible neglect and give buyers confidence that the property has been prepared with care.

In neighbourhoods such as Paddington, Surry Hills, Redfern and Darlinghurst, this may mean restoring order to a compact terrace garden. In an apartment, it may involve turning an underused balcony or courtyard into a convincing outdoor living area.

The strongest results usually come from disciplined editing rather than excessive spending.

Why Landscaping Matters Before a Sale

Outdoor areas influence several parts of the buyer experience.

A neat front garden can strengthen the approach from the street. A clean courtyard can make the floor plan feel more usable. Healthy planting may soften hard surfaces and create privacy, while thoughtful maintenance can reduce the impression that substantial work is waiting after settlement.

Landscaping may also support:

• Stronger first impressions from the street.
• More appealing exterior photography.
• A clearer transition between indoor and outdoor areas.
• Greater confidence in the property’s general maintenance.
• A better sense of privacy and enclosure.
• A more convincing outdoor entertaining or relaxation area.
• Less visual clutter around the façade and entry.

However, landscaping should not be presented as guaranteeing a specific percentage increase in value.

The effect on the final sale result will depend on the property, local buyer expectations, market conditions, competing stock, campaign quality and whether the work genuinely improves the space.

A well-prepared garden can strengthen the way a property is perceived. It cannot independently determine the sale price.

Start With Structure, Not Decoration

Before buying new plants or decorative accessories, assess the existing garden as a complete space.

Look at:

• The view from the street.
• The path to the front door.
• Sightlines from the main living areas.
• Boundaries, fences and gates.
• Existing trees and established plants.
• Lawn condition.
• Drainage and uneven surfaces.
• Privacy from neighbouring properties.
• Outdoor furniture and storage.
• Areas of excessive shade or direct sun.
• How the garden will appear in listing photographs.

This initial review helps distinguish between cosmetic improvements and issues that need professional attention.

A tired garden may not need redesigning. It may simply require pruning, weeding, cleaning, lawn repair and a clearer arrangement of existing features.

1. Restore the Lawn Before Replacing It

A healthy lawn can bring colour, softness and visual order to a garden. A dry or heavily worn lawn, by contrast, may make the outdoor area appear smaller and less maintained.

Before replacing turf, determine why the lawn is struggling.

Common causes include:

• Insufficient sunlight.
• Compacted soil.
• Poor drainage.
• Pet damage.
• Irregular watering.
• Inappropriate grass selection.
• Heavy foot traffic.
• Root competition from nearby trees.
• Pest or fungal problems.

Where the lawn is fundamentally suitable, improvement may involve aeration, top-dressing, targeted patching, fertilising and a consistent watering schedule.

New turf may be appropriate when the existing lawn is too damaged to recover within the campaign timeframe. The variety should be chosen according to sunlight, soil, climate and expected use rather than appearance alone.

Kikuyu can establish quickly and tolerate wear in suitable sunny conditions, but it is vigorous and may require regular control. In shaded or compact gardens, another variety may be more appropriate.

Sellers should seek advice from a turf supplier or landscaper where the conditions are uncertain.

2. Use Planting to Create Form and Balance

The best planting schemes usually have a clear structure.

A crowded assortment of unrelated plants can make a garden feel smaller and more difficult to maintain. Repetition, consistent foliage and a limited number of plant types often create a calmer presentation.

Planting can be used to:

• Frame the entrance.
• Soften fences and hard boundaries.
• Add privacy without blocking too much light.
• Direct attention towards an attractive feature.
• Screen bins, utilities or less appealing views.
• Establish visual depth in a compact garden.
• Connect the outdoor palette with the home’s architecture.

Larger-leaf plants can provide an immediate sense of volume in some settings, but they are not automatically more valuable than smaller species. Their suitability depends on mature size, root behaviour, water requirements and the scale of the garden.

A plant that looks attractive on installation day may become unsuitable if it quickly overwhelms the path, blocks windows or requires constant pruning.

The aim is to make the garden feel established without making it appear burdensome.

3. Choose Plants for the Site, Not the Trend

Plant selection should be guided by the conditions of the property.

Consider:

• Hours of direct sunlight.
• Wind exposure.
• Soil type and drainage.
• Available root space.
• Proximity to paving and buildings.
• Mature plant dimensions.
• Water requirements.
• Coastal exposure where applicable.
• Existing irrigation.
• The amount of maintenance likely to be required.

Australian native species can be excellent choices because many are well suited to local conditions and can provide habitat value. However, “native” does not automatically mean maintenance-free or appropriate for every position.

Depending on the site, plants such as Lomandra, Westringia, Grevillea and selected Lilly Pilly varieties may be useful. The final choice should account for mature height, pruning needs, light levels and local growing conditions.

In small courtyards or balconies, compact varieties and well-scaled pots are usually more effective than large plants that restrict movement.

Sellers should avoid filling an empty garden with inexpensive plants that will appear sparse, stressed or mismatched by the time photography begins.

4. Pruning Can Reveal the Property

Overgrown planting can hide the qualities sellers most want buyers to notice.

Heavy foliage may obscure:

• Windows.
• Architectural detail.
• House numbers.
• Entry lighting.
• The front door.
• Paths and steps.
• Courtyard dimensions.
• Views from inside the home.

Selective pruning can restore balance, improve light and make the façade more visible. It can also help established plants look deliberate rather than neglected.

The objective is not to strip the garden bare.

Over-pruning immediately before sale can leave trees and shrubs looking damaged or expose unattractive boundaries that were previously screened. Work should be undertaken early enough for the garden to settle before photography.

Large trees require particular care. They may contribute shade, privacy, character and habitat, and their removal may require council approval. Trees can also be affected by heritage, environmental or strata controls.

Before removing or substantially pruning a mature tree, owners should seek current guidance from the relevant council, strata scheme and a qualified arborist where appropriate.

5. Mulch Gives Garden Beds a Finished Appearance

Fresh mulch can help garden beds look defined and cared for while supporting moisture retention and weed suppression.

The best product depends on the setting.

Options may include:

• Composted organic mulch.
• Pine bark.
• Hardwood chips.
• Leaf mulch.
• Gravel or stone in suitable contemporary landscapes.
• Fine decorative bark for smaller beds.

Bright red bark can create strong contrast, but it is not universally appropriate. In some gardens, the colour may dominate the photography or look artificial against a traditional façade.

Natural brown or dark-toned mulch often produces a quieter result and allows the planting to remain the focus.

Before applying mulch:

• Remove weeds.
• Clear fallen leaves and rubbish.
• Define the bed edges.
• Check that soil is not piled against walls or timber.
• Avoid covering drainage points.
• Keep mulch away from plant stems and tree trunks.
• Confirm that termite inspection zones remain visible where required.

Mulch should complete the garden, not conceal defects or create moisture problems around the building.

6. Maintain the Garden Throughout the Campaign

A garden prepared for photography must remain presentable until the campaign is complete.

Depending on weather and campaign length, ongoing work may include:

• Regular watering.
• Lawn mowing and edging.
• Removing fallen leaves.
• Deadheading flowers.
• Weeding garden beds.
• Sweeping paths and courtyards.
• Cleaning outdoor furniture.
• Removing cobwebs.
• Checking pots for stressed plants.
• Clearing drains after heavy rain.
• Replacing damaged or declining plants.
• Collecting pet waste before inspections.

Watering should be adjusted to rainfall, plant type and any local restrictions. Excess watering can be as damaging as neglect, particularly where drainage is poor.

The agent, owner and gardener should agree on who is responsible for campaign maintenance. This is especially important when the home is vacant or when the owner has already moved.

A garden should look as considered at the final inspection as it did in the listing photographs.

Courtyards Should Feel Like Usable Rooms

In many inner-Sydney properties, the most valuable outdoor area is not a conventional garden but a courtyard.

A compact courtyard can feel generous when its function is immediately clear. It can feel smaller when crowded with oversized furniture, numerous pots, bicycles, storage containers or unused household items.

Before styling a courtyard:

1. Remove unnecessary objects. 2. Pressure-clean or wash appropriate surfaces. 3. Repair loose decking, cracked pavers and unstable steps. 4. Review drainage and visible staining. 5. Use furniture that suits the scale of the area. 6. Retain clear walking space. 7. Introduce planting around the edges rather than through the centre. 8. Consider privacy without blocking all available light. 9. Check that doors open freely. 10. Ensure outdoor lighting is functional.

A simple table and chairs may help buyers understand the space as a place for dining. A bench, compact lounge or reading chair may be more appropriate where the courtyard is narrow.

The styling should demonstrate a believable use rather than trying to make the area serve several functions at once.

Balconies Need Restraint

Balconies often become storage areas during everyday life. Before sale, they should be returned to their primary purpose.

Remove:

• Drying racks.
• Excess pots.
• Cleaning supplies.
• Empty planters.
• Rusted furniture.
• Stored boxes.
• Unused exercise equipment.
• Damaged outdoor rugs.
• Personal items that interrupt the view.

A compact balcony may need only one chair, a small table and one or two healthy plants.

The presentation should preserve access, light and outlook. Tall screening plants may improve privacy, but they can also obstruct views or make the balcony feel enclosed.

Owners in strata properties should confirm whether pots, screens, lighting, flooring or other additions are permitted under the scheme’s by-laws.

Paths, Paving and Decks Frame the Garden

Outdoor surfaces often occupy more visual space than the planting itself.

Dirty paving, flaking coatings, loose boards or dark organic staining can weaken an otherwise well-maintained garden.

Depending on the surface, preparation may involve:

• Sweeping and washing paths.
• Removing weeds from joints.
• Treating appropriate stains.
• Replacing unstable pavers.
• Repairing loose or damaged deck boards.
• Cleaning sandstone carefully.
• Re-oiling suitable timber.
• Checking steps and handrails.
• Clearing drainage channels.
• Removing slippery organic build-up.

Cleaning methods should suit the material. Excessive pressure can damage sandstone, timber, mortar, paint and older paving.

Where the correct treatment is uncertain, seek advice from an experienced contractor rather than using the strongest available cleaning method.

Keep the Entry Clear and Legible

The path from the kerb to the front door should feel safe, direct and welcoming.

Check that:

• The house number is visible.
• The gate opens properly.
• Paths are clear.
• Steps are stable.
• Garden beds do not obstruct access.
• Bins are screened or removed for inspections.
• Hoses and tools are stored.
• Entry lighting works.
• The doorbell and intercom operate.
• Plants do not brush heavily against visitors.
• The letterbox is clean and secure.

The entrance should not require buyers to navigate around overgrown shrubs, stored items or uneven surfaces.

A clear arrival sequence allows the façade, front door and garden to work together as one composed first impression.

Exterior Lighting Extends the Presentation

Garden and entry lighting can help outdoor areas remain attractive when buyers inspect later in the day or drive past after dark.

Useful lighting may include:

• A functional front-door light.
• Subtle illumination along steps.
• Wall lighting in a courtyard.
• Low-level lighting around a deck.
• Carefully placed light near an attractive tree or architectural feature.

The effect should be understated.

Too many fittings, exposed cables or harsh upward lighting can make a garden feel commercial. Outdoor electrical work should be properly rated for exterior use and installed by an appropriately licensed electrician where required.

Solar lights may be suitable for minor decorative use, but damaged, uneven or weak fittings should be removed rather than left throughout the campaign.

Privacy Should Not Eliminate Light

Outdoor areas often require a balance between privacy and openness.

Screening may be created through:

• Existing hedges.
• Trellises.
• Climbing plants.
• Slatted screens.
• Carefully positioned pots.
• Compact trees.
• Pergolas or awnings where suitable and approved.

However, screening should not make the garden or adjoining rooms unnecessarily dark.

In compact terraces and apartments, light can be one of the property’s most important features. Sellers should consider how each plant or screen affects the interior as well as the outdoor space.

Permanent structures, screens and some forms of planting may require strata, planning or neighbour consideration. Current requirements should be checked before work begins.

Avoid Creating a High-Maintenance Impression

An impressive garden can become a disadvantage if buyers believe it will require constant attention.

Signs of potential maintenance burden may include:

• Numerous small pots.
• Complex irrigation systems without instructions.
• Fast-growing plants in confined spaces.
• Extensive hedges.
• Large areas of thirsty lawn.
• Water features in poor condition.
• Delicate plants already showing stress.
• Elaborate garden structures needing repair.
• Dense planting close to the building.
• Overly complicated lighting controls.

Pre-sale landscaping should generally simplify the garden.

Healthy, well-scaled planting and clearly defined areas are more persuasive than a large quantity of decorative material.

Where irrigation is installed, ensure it is working and that operating instructions are available. Leaks, exposed pipes and broken sprinklers should be addressed before inspections.

How Much Should Sellers Spend?

There is no reliable rule that every seller should spend a fixed percentage of the property’s value on landscaping.

A suitable budget depends on:

• The current condition of the outdoor areas.
• The significance of the garden to the property.
• Whether the home is occupied or vacant.
• The likely buyer audience.
• The campaign timetable.
• Existing plants and structures.
• Contractor availability.
• Whether repairs or approvals are required.
• The wider pre-sale preparation budget.

For some properties, a modest amount spent on cleaning, pruning, mowing and mulch may be enough.

For others, damaged turf, unsafe paving, failed drainage or a neglected courtyard may justify more substantial work.

Before approving major landscaping, sellers should compare the expected presentation benefit with other priorities such as paintwork, flooring, cleaning, lighting or repairs.

The most visible problem should usually be addressed first.

Preparing the Garden for Photography

Outdoor photography requires careful timing.

Arrange the final garden preparation so that:

• The lawn is mown but not scalped.
• Edges are sharp.
• Leaves and garden waste have been removed.
• Plants are watered without leaving wet paving.
• Hoses and tools are stored.
• Outdoor furniture is clean and correctly positioned.
• Cushions are dry and in good condition.
• Pots are evenly arranged.
• Bins are removed from view.
• Pool equipment is stored where relevant.
• Lights are working for twilight photography.
• Vehicles do not block the façade or driveway.
• The garden appears healthy from both inside and outside the home.

The photographer should be able to capture the garden without needing to work around clutter or unfinished maintenance.

Watering immediately before photography can leave visible hoses, puddles or dark marks on paving, so timing matters.

A Practical Pre-Sale Garden Checklist

Before the first inspection, confirm that:

• The lawn is healthy, mown and edged.
• Garden beds are weeded.
• Mulch is neat and appropriate to the property.
• Overgrown shrubs have been selectively pruned.
• Mature trees have been professionally assessed where necessary.
• Paths, decks and paving are clean and stable.
• Drainage points are clear.
• Dead or declining plants have been removed or replaced.
• Pots are clean and proportionate to the space.
• Courtyards and balconies have a clear function.
• Outdoor furniture is clean and in good condition.
• Fences, gates and letterboxes are presentable.
• Entry and garden lighting is operational.
• Bins, tools and hoses are out of sight.
• A maintenance plan is in place for the complete campaign.

Landscaping Should Support the Home

The most successful pre-sale gardens do not compete with the property.

They frame the façade, clarify the outdoor areas and help buyers imagine how they might use the space. A healthy lawn, restrained planting and clean courtyard may achieve more than an expensive redesign completed immediately before sale.

The right approach may be as simple as pruning, weeding and refreshing the mulch. In another property, repairing the lawn, restaining the deck or simplifying an overcrowded courtyard may be the more important task.

Transport access and neighbourhood amenities may already contribute to buyer interest in suburbs such as Redfern, Surry Hills and Darlinghurst. Landscaping does not create or guarantee that demand. It helps the property meet buyers with a stronger, more coherent first impression once they arrive.

Space Property Agency can review gardens, courtyards and entry presentation as part of a broader pre-sale preparation strategy, helping owners prioritise work that is proportionate to the property and campaign.

Where pay-at-settlement or deferred-payment arrangements may be available, sellers should request current information and carefully review the provider’s eligibility requirements, fees and repayment terms before proceeding.

Suite 13, Level 5, 35 Buckingham St, Surry Hills NSW 2010

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Frequently asked questions

How much should I spend on the garden before selling?

There is no fixed percentage that suits every property. The budget should reflect the garden’s condition, its importance to the home and the wider pre-sale priorities. Cleaning, pruning, lawn repair and mulch may deliver a meaningful improvement without requiring major landscaping.

What is the best grass for a quick sale in Sydney?

The best variety depends on sunlight, soil, drainage and expected use. Kikuyu may establish quickly in sunny areas and tolerate wear, but it grows vigorously and is not ideal for every garden. Ask a turf supplier or landscaper to assess the site before ordering.

Can landscaping improve the presentation of an apartment?

Yes. A clean, well-scaled courtyard or balcony can help buyers understand the property’s outdoor lifestyle. The strongest presentation usually comes from removing clutter, choosing proportionate furniture and using a limited number of healthy plants.

Should I remove old trees before selling?

Not automatically. Mature trees may provide shade, privacy, character and environmental value. Removal or substantial pruning may also require council, strata or other approval. Seek guidance from a qualified arborist and the relevant authority before proceeding.

How important is outdoor lighting?

Working entry and courtyard lighting can improve safety and help outdoor areas remain attractive later in the day. The lighting should be restrained, suitable for exterior use and professionally installed where fixed electrical work is involved.

Which plants are considered hardy for Sydney gardens?

Species such as selected Lomandra, Westringia, Grevillea and Lilly Pilly varieties may suit many Sydney gardens. Their suitability still depends on light, soil, water, mature size and local conditions, so plant selection should be site-specific.

Can I complete the landscaping myself?

Many sellers can handle weeding, sweeping, basic planting, mulching and light maintenance. Tree work, drainage, retaining walls, paving, structural landscaping and some turf installations may require qualified contractors, approvals or specialist advice.

Is red bark better than dark or natural mulch?

Not necessarily. Red bark creates strong contrast but can dominate some gardens and photographs. Natural brown or darker mulch may produce a quieter finish. The best choice should complement the façade, soil, planting and overall style of the property.

Does proximity to Sydney Metro make landscaping more valuable?

Transport access may support buyer interest, but it does not determine the value of landscaping or guarantee a price premium. A well-presented garden or courtyard helps the property compete on presentation, regardless of the source of local demand.

What should I do if I do not want to spend heavily on landscaping?

Focus on the basics: mow and edge the lawn, weed the beds, prune carefully, clean the paths, remove clutter and arrange existing furniture and pots more effectively. A tidy, coherent garden is usually more valuable to the presentation than an expensive but rushed redesign.