The ROI of Landscaping: How Much Curb Appeal Impacts Home Value

When it comes to boosting a home’s market value, landscaping often ranks among the most cost-effective improvements. While kitchen remodels and bathroom upgrades tend to draw attention, the exterior presentation of a home—the first impression for potential buyers—can play an equally important role. For homeowners considering how to increase their home's resale value, understanding how landscaping affects home value is a practical and often underestimated strategy.

This article explores the connection between landscaping and return on investment (ROI), examines how much curb appeal can impact property appraisals, and highlights considerations specific to Old Lyme, CT, real estate.

A buyer’s perception of a home begins before they ever step inside. Curb appeal, defined by landscaping quality, lawn condition, and exterior upkeep, shapes that perception instantly. According to multiple studies, homes with strong curb appeal can sell for 7% to 14% more than similar properties with less appealing exteriors.

Landscaping projects tend to deliver a particularly strong ROI because they combine relatively moderate costs with high visual impact. Even basic upgrades such as mulching, trimming, and adding fresh plantings can influence how long a property stays on the market and the price it ultimately commands.

In real estate markets like Old Lyme, where coastal charm and outdoor living are key lifestyle factors, the appearance of the yard, garden, and surrounding landscape can make a home stand out in a competitive field.

How does landscaping affect home value in quantifiable terms? While results vary by region and project type, national research provides clear benchmarks:

Beyond the numbers, well-planned landscaping enhances property desirability. Buyers often interpret well-maintained outdoor areas as signs of overall home care. A cohesive design that complements the home’s architecture can further elevate that impression.

In Old Lyme, CT, real estate, landscaping plays an especially notable role due to the area’s distinct character. Homes here often emphasize natural surroundings and coastal elements, from shaded lots and stone walls to gardens that blend native plants with functional outdoor spaces.

Buyers seeking homes in Old Lyme are typically drawn to properties that reflect a balance between structure and nature. Landscaping that enhances, rather than overpowers, the setting tends to appeal most. Features like gravel pathways, subtle lighting, and outdoor seating areas can support this goal without excessive maintenance demands.

Additionally, Old Lyme’s four-season climate allows for diverse landscaping possibilities. Homeowners who invest in year-round plantings—evergreens for winter color, spring bulbs, and hardy perennials—maintain consistent appeal across seasons. This kind of foresight can set a property apart when inventory levels are high and buyers are comparing multiple homes.

Not every landscaping project yields the same return. The most successful investments usually share two characteristics: they enhance both aesthetics and function. Below are several strategic upgrades that deliver strong results.

An even, well-kept lawn remains one of the strongest contributors to curb appeal. Overseeding, aerating, and fertilizing can restore worn areas and make a dramatic visual difference.

Enhancing the walkway or entry area with pavers, lighting, or new plantings can guide attention toward the home’s architectural features. These changes are affordable and have a direct impact on first impressions.

Using native plants supports the local ecosystem and reduces upkeep needs. In Old Lyme, this might include species such as mountain laurel, black-eyed Susan, or ornamental grasses well-suited to coastal soil conditions.

Patios, decks, and fire pit areas provide functional extensions of interior living space. These features have grown increasingly valuable as buyers prioritize flexible outdoor areas for entertaining or relaxation.

For larger properties, hiring a landscape designer or installing an irrigation system can help maintain consistent curb appeal over time. While these investments cost more upfront, they protect previous improvements and signal long-term property care.

While landscaping’s financial benefits are measurable, its psychological influence on buyers is equally important. People tend to make initial home-buying decisions emotionally, often within seconds of arriving.

A tidy, thoughtfully arranged yard creates a sense of order and calm, leading potential buyers to assume the rest of the property is equally well-maintained. Conversely, neglected landscaping can trigger concerns about underlying maintenance issues—even when none exist.

For sellers, this means landscaping acts as both a visual and psychological investment, helping buyers connect with the property on an instinctive level.

When planning landscaping improvements, it’s essential to balance spending with expected return. Overly elaborate designs or expensive materials may not always produce proportional gains. A home’s location, market tier, and style should guide the scope of any project.

For example, in Old Lyme, a modestly priced property may not justify the same landscape investment as a luxury waterfront home. However, curb appeal remains universally influential. Clean lines, trimmed hedges, and clear walkways communicate care and attention at any price point.

Homeowners considering resale within one to three years should focus on visible, high-impact upgrades that improve first impressions rather than large structural projects that take time to mature.

Ultimately, landscaping should be part of a larger strategy to maximize home value. Consulting with a local expert who understands how different features resonate in the Old Lyme market can help homeowners make informed decisions.

An experienced agent can provide feedback on buyer preferences, recommend trusted local landscapers, and advise on which exterior improvements align with current market trends.

Tammy Tinnerello brings a calm, strategic approach to every real estate transaction, consistently staying one step ahead to anticipate client needs. She markets Connecticut properties with exceptional precision and professionalism. Whether assisting first-time buyers, helping homeowners downsize, or guiding investors toward promising opportunities, Tammy approaches each goal with focus and dedication.

Her clients benefit from her strong communication skills and commitment to delivering exceptional service at every stage of the process. Tammy’s motivation is straightforward: she takes genuine satisfaction in helping people achieve their real estate objectives.

If you're looking to buy or sell a home or have any questions about the Old Lyme, CT real estate market, contact Tammy Tinnerello today.