What to Consider When Buying a Home With Outdoor Space

Outdoor space can add useful living area and provide opportunities for relaxing, gardening, entertaining, or spending time outside. However, not all outdoor areas offer the same benefits or maintenance requirements. A large yard may require more upkeep than a small patio, while a balcony may provide outdoor space without the responsibilities associated with a garden.

When comparing homes, consider how the outdoor space fits your lifestyle, how much maintenance it may require, and whether there could be ongoing costs.

Compare Different Types of Outdoor Space

Homes can offer several types of outdoor areas, including yards, patios, balconies, decks, gardens, courtyards, and terraces.

Think about how you are most likely to use the space. A backyard may provide room for children, pets, gardening, or entertaining, while a balcony may be more suitable for seating and enjoying outdoor views.

The amount of space is important, but its layout and accessibility can be just as relevant.

Consider Maintenance Requirements

Outdoor areas can require regular maintenance. Lawns may need mowing, gardens may require watering and pruning, and trees may need periodic care.

Consider the condition and size of the landscaping and whether the property has features such as irrigation systems, retaining walls, fences, or extensive garden beds.

A low-maintenance outdoor area may be more practical for someone with limited time, while buyers who enjoy gardening may prefer a property with more space to work with.

Think About Privacy

Privacy can vary significantly between properties.

A backyard surrounded by fencing or established trees may provide greater separation from neighbours, while a balcony or patio in a densely developed area may have less privacy.

Look at neighbouring properties, boundary fences, windows, balconies, and the positioning of outdoor living areas. Also consider whether future development nearby could change the level of privacy.

Assess Usability

An outdoor area should be evaluated based on how practical it is to use.

Consider its size, shape, access, shade, sunlight, seating options, and connection to the interior of the home. A beautiful garden may be less useful if there is limited space for seating, while a smaller patio may work well if it connects directly to the kitchen or living room.

Think about how the space would function throughout different seasons and weather conditions.

Check Drainage and Ground Conditions

Drainage is another important consideration, particularly for yards, gardens, and patios.

Look for areas where water may collect after rainfall, signs of erosion, damaged landscaping, or drainage channels. Poor drainage can affect landscaping and, in some situations, contribute to problems around the home.

Outdoor surfaces should also be checked for cracks, uneven areas, or signs of deterioration.

Consider Ongoing Costs

Outdoor space can come with expenses beyond the initial purchase. Depending on the property, buyers may need to account for lawn care, gardening, irrigation, tree maintenance, pool maintenance, exterior lighting, fencing, or repairs.

If the property has a swimming pool, retaining walls, extensive landscaping, or other specialised features, consider the additional maintenance they may require.

Understanding these costs can help provide a clearer picture of ongoing homeownership expenses.

Think About Pets and Children

If you have children or pets, consider whether the outdoor space is suitable and secure.

Check fencing, gates, access points, surfaces, and the amount of usable space. A smaller enclosed yard may be more practical for some households than a larger but difficult-to-secure area.

Consider how the outdoor space could accommodate your household's needs as they change.

Look Beyond the Outdoor Area

The surrounding environment also matters. Consider nearby roads, neighbouring properties, noise, views, trees, drainage, and access to shared or public spaces.

For apartments and other properties with shared outdoor areas, check what spaces are private and which are shared. There may also be rules regarding gardening, outdoor furniture, pets, or other uses.

Choose Outdoor Space That Fits Your Needs

When comparing homes, think about more than whether a property has a yard, balcony, or patio. Consider outdoor space when buying a home in terms of maintenance, privacy, usability, drainage, accessibility, and ongoing costs.

The right outdoor area depends on how you expect to use it and how much time and money you are comfortable putting into its upkeep. Evaluating these factors alongside the home's interior can help you develop a more complete picture of the property.