5 Backyard ‘Upgrades’ That Lower Your Home’s Value

Designing a backyard you truly love is no easy task. Before you invest time and money into transforming your outdoor space, it’s important to understand what adds real value to your property—and what could potentially hurt it. A well-designed and well-maintained backyard can significantly increase your home’s appeal, while poor choices might make it harder to sell.

To help you avoid costly and irreversible mistakes, we spoke to a pro who shared their top dos and don’ts when it comes to outdoor features, along with smart, value-boosting alternatives that can help you create a backyard oasis you can enjoy—and that buyers will love.

Too Much Concrete

Concrete should be used sparingly in a backyard. Not only is it unappealing, but it can also cause major drainage issues. “It creates heat islands that make the space unusable during summer months and contributes to water runoff problems that smart buyers immediately recognize as future headaches,” says Ivana Agustina, head of project management at ShrubHub, an award-winning online landscape design service.

Instead, mix in hardscaping and greenery for a functional patio area. The greenery will allow for proper drainage, along with creating visual interest. “This approach can increase property value by up to 12% compared to all-concrete yards,” says Agustina.

Vegetation Overgrowth

There’s a difference between lush vegetation and having an overgrown jungle of mismatched plants. Overgrown, mismatched greenery can signal a lack of property maintenance, which may turn potential buyers away. It is also important to avoid untamed bushes and trees planted too close to the house.

Instead, Agustina suggests choosing low-maintenance, native plants that can be arranged in a coherent design. “Clean edges, defined plant beds, and a few statement plants make a much stronger impression than dozens of random species competing for attention,” she says.

Misplaced Fire Features

It’s common to have an outdoor fireplace to enjoy during the chilly months, but placement is everything. Placing a fire feature too close to the house, greenery, or on the property line can pose a safety hazard that buyers may consider and factor into lower offers, says Agustina.

When adding a fire feature to your backyard, Agustina recommends positioning the feature at least 10 feet away from any structure or overhanging branches, and to keep wind patterns in mind. “A properly designed fire pit area with comfortable seating and appropriate safety features can increase your property value by up to 15%,” she says.

DIY Water Features

Poorly constructed and installed water features can be a red flag to potential buyers, as they signal the need for expensive maintenance and a potential breeding ground for insects. It’s common for prospective buyers to request that water features be removed before selling to avoid the costly repair fees.

If you want a water fixture in your backyard, invest in a timeless fountain that is professionally installed with a recirculating water system. “Modern, clean-lined water features with minimal maintenance requirements can actually add value, while DIY ponds often subtract thousands from offers,” Agustina says.

Personal Décor

Personalizing your backyard is expected while you’re living there, but it’s best to avoid investing too much in permanent features that may be difficult to remove before selling your home. “Specialized features like built-in trampolines, elaborate themed areas, or permanent structures designed for very specific uses are the equivalent of loud wallpaper – they limit buyer interest and drive down offers,” says Agustina.

To increase your home’s value, consider focusing on more versatile personalization like a well-designed patio, quality outdoor lighting, and evergreen landscaping that will create your very own oasis and increase your home’s value when you decide you’re ready to sell it.