If you’re trying to promote your property to prospective buyers or tenants, are you making the most of your outdoor space?
Spring is truly sprung, with the sunshine tempting us out into our outdoor spaces. We can just picture our summer, peppered with alfresco lunches, lazy summer barbeques with friends, or a quiet morning cuppas in the sunshine – so it’s no surprise that an outdoor space can be a major selling point for property buyers and tenants.
However, for many of us living in Edinburgh, outdoor space is communal, limited in size, and often a bit unloved. So, whether you’re a landlord looking to attract tenants and improve the value of your rental property, you want to boost your home’s curbside appeal ahead of putting your property up for sale, or you’re a tenant looking to make a space feel like home, our team are here to help.
Read on for our top tips to help you make the most of your outdoor space this summer!
1. No flower beds doesn’t mean no plants
Often, we see gardens or balconies that are just sad little stretches of concrete. But, you don’t need pristine flowerbeds to have plants! You can still grow all kinds of bushes, shrubs, grasses and flowers in pots and planters.
If you don’t have the budget for new pots, then just use what you have. Plants can be grown in old buckets, plastic containers, paint tins, whatever you have to hand. For maximum visual appeal, vary the height, size, and even materials of the containers you choose, and pick plants in similarly tiered heights.
2. Grow up
Vertical planters are a great option for small outdoor spaces — they dramatically increase the amount of planting space available. As an added benefit, they can add interest and colour to a bare wall, helping to personalise your space, and they can be easier to maintain.
If you rent your property, then a sturdy repurposed wooden pallet is a great way to grow vertically without having to attach things to a wall – just be sure to add timber ‘feet’ for balance, or use stakes pushed into grass.
If it’s your own space, or you have your landlord’s permission, then the sky’s your limit for your vertical planting creativity!
3. Embrace multifunctional folding furniture
Furniture that folds is a great choice for a small outdoor garden, terrace or balcony — buy chairs and a table that can be folded up and put away to reduce cluttering and bring back a sense of space. Think about how you can get the most from your furniture – for example, use a side table as a stool or bench when you have visitors. Moveable furniture can also be multi-purpose; bring it indoors for extra seating when needed.
With a huge range of styles, shapes and sizes on offer, you’ll be sure to find the right fit for your space. Online marketplaces can often offer great bargains if you don’t have the budget to buy new.
4. Create a sense of privacy
Outdoor space is often overlooked in Edinburgh but you can easily create an illusion of peace and privacy – and you don’t have to break the bank to do it, either.
Reed, willow or bamboo screens offer a fast, simple solution – they’re lightweight, easy to install, and easy to store when not in use. While these types of screens have a limited lifespan, they can be handy for use in a rental property or if you’re working to a budget.
You can also use your plants to provide some privacy – a few well-arranged large pot plants look beautiful while screening your space. For more height, look for a trellis or a trelllis planter. If you choose evergreen climbing plants, they can provide colour and privacy right through the winter, too. If you have the space, consider a garden arch or pergola to create a secluded seating area, and cover them with evergreen climbers.
5. Inject some personality
A space with some character is always more attractive than a bland and unloved space. But, before you get started, consider whether this is a space for you to enjoy, or if you want it to appeal to a range prospective tenants or home-buyers.
Simple touches like cushions, an outdoor rug, and a string of fairy lights can easily add atmosphere – your colour choices can bring warmth and vibrancy, a calm serenity, or chic elegance. A well-placed mirror can help make a small space feel larger, or a dull space feel brighter.
Maximise potential by using all your space – but don’t overdo it with clutter!
Professional guidance for landlords and sellers
If you’re taking the first steps to get your property ready for sale, or if you’re a landlord looking to increase your property’s rental yield, then it could pay to chat to our friendly team of experts.
At Home In Edinburgh offers an award-winning service, focussed on your needs, to get you the best possible results.
So, come and have an informal chat with us! Call into our Marchmont office, give us a call on 0131 229 4001 or email us at [email protected].