Most homeowners spend plenty of time (and money) on making their properties appealing and attractive to potential buyers. But what about what’s outside your front gate? How does the neighbourhood around you affect the value of your house?
The truth is, the surrounding suburb is a very big factor for those deciding to purchase a new home. Everyone wants to live in amongst a safe, happy and pleasant community, and it is a very big selling point for many buyers.
But of course you are probably thinking - realistically, what can I do about improving my street or neighbourhood? The truth is, there is plenty you are able to achieve. You just need to think outside the square.
Working bees
Whether it’s bringing a local playground back to life, or planting some trees in a reserve, by sprucing up some of the shared spaces you can really help ensure the neighbourhood looks fresh, inviting and cared for. A definite selling point where buyers are concerned! (And it won’t hurt your time living there either).
Petition your local council
Your local council will have a certain amount of money set aside for parks and recreational activities - so why not ask them to spend some of it in the suburb you live in. If you don’t put your hand up - they could potentially pass you by, so have a chat to your local councillor, or head along to a board meeting so you can submit a plan for how they could enhance a particular area.
Read more: Your DIY to-dos: Updating the exterior of your home this summer
Don’t be a NIMBY
What’s a nimby? It stands for ‘not in my backyard’ - and while most people want access to fun, exciting and new developments, often they object to them being too close and want them built somewhere else so as to not bother their day-to-day life. But the thing is, developments usually bring more people and money to an area, and this type of demand then helps to increase the value of property in a neighbourhood.
So before you start complaining about something new coming to your local area, consider how it could actually enhance the appeal of your home.
Hold a summer street party
Want to get to know your neighbours and help create a feeling of friendliness? Hold a street party! This kind of event can really foster a real sense of community, a definite plus when the time comes to sell your home.
It could become an annual event, and would be a nice bonus for potential buyers viewing your property - definitely worth a mention in the marketing material!
Talk to local schools and community groups
Schools and community groups are often kept afloat by volunteers, and they always appreciate a helping hand - think along the lines of painting a mural on the side of the entry to the primary school, or fundraising for equipment for the playgroup. These seemingly small gestures are often a lasting legacy in disguise, and if it helps everyone in the community to stay active and involved in each others lives, then that is always a good thing.
Start something unique
From setting up a tool library (where everyone can share their garden/DIY equipment) to a real life tiny book library on the corner of a park (where everyone can donate and borrow books) there are so many wonderful ideas that can really help to bring a community to life. It just takes one person to initiate something, and the rest will follow.
All of these things mentioned above may seem like a lot of effort to go to just to help increase the value of your home - but the added bonus is that they are all things that will make your time living at your property more enjoyable too. And whether you sell in a year’s time, or ten, you will also benefit from whatever you decide to get involved in.
Neighbourhoods help sell properties - so why not make yours a better one.
--------------------------------
Ready to put your house on the market now? Check that you have taken care of everything you need to by downloading our FREE guide below.
