Preserve Preserve
What should we do about the garden?
This is a question that more often arises when the home owner needs to vacate the family property that has pristine landscaped gardens or you have just purchased an investment property that similarly has a well-established and cared for garden.
All of a sudden it’s going on the rental market and having worked extensively in real estate sales I tend to value gardens extremely highly when it comes to the aesthetic value to future buyers or appealing to prospective tenants, either way your property is worth considerably more with a beautifully presented landscaped garden area.
The financial investment, energy and time spent creating this environment can never be understated, as this is not something easily replaced or replicated.
Whether you are planning on returning to the property or it is intended as an investment preserving this enjoyable and creative space is an investment well worth considering.
Under normal leasing terms a tenant is responsible for mowing, weeding and watering…that’s it!
You may get extremely lucky and find a tenant that is happy to enjoy pottering around cutting fruit trees, growing veggies and pruning roses, however generally speaking this is a rarity and fair enough. Its more often a disincentive for prospects to be expected to invest their time, energy and money into something that ultimately is for the landlords benefit.
Generally I recommend a seasonal cutback, slash and prune when there are established trees and hedges attached as this is generally sufficient to maintain the condition of the yard area. When it comes to more elaborate botanic landscaping, including regular garden maintenance into the rental price should be a major consideration.
Incorporating this will not only make your property far more appealing to busy professionals it will likely attract a higher price. Costs are usually a tax deduction, along with the additional benefit of preserving your overall capital value whilst offering you, the tenants and the property manager considerable peace of mind.
