Our backyards are important extensions of our homes, and customizing them to align with our lifestyles can be a fantastic way to make the most of the space. Whether that's with a purpose-built outdoor building or a place for the kids to play, the possibilities are almost endless.
However, if you're thinking of selling in the near future, you may want to rethink certain backyard features before you invest, as they could put off potential buyers down the line. Instead, it may be better to consider back- and front-yard improvements that have more universal appeal, as well as being easy to maintain.
To find out more, I turned to property experts for their insights. Below, you'll find five garden features that could decrease the value of your home – and alternatives to opt for instead.
1. Big backyard conversions
Installing a home gym or office in your backyard may seem like a great use of the space, but Zach Fertig, co-owner of Property Leads advises against it. 'These upgrades hurt value because they limit the yard's general usability,' he explains, reminding homeowners that potential buyers may not have the same lifestyle as them.
Such conversions can shrink play space, feel too niche, and sometimes even violate zoning rules if done without permits, he warns – 'In general, buyers prefer a flexible blank slate over a highly specific setup.'
Instead, Zach recommends keeping the space multipurpose. 'If you want to make changes to the yard, use temporary structures so you don't restrict future use. There are portable sheds that can double as storage or a hobby room, allowing you adaptability without reducing the yard's appeal.'
2. Large play areas
While a backyard play area encourages kids to get out in the fresh air, large structures, such as treehouses or permanent sports courts, are probably best avoided if you plan on selling anytime soon.
'These large installations can crowd the space and alienate buyers who don't have children or prefer a more open layout,' says Zach.
Leah Robinson-Christian, an associate broker at Engel & Völkers Atlanta, also lists jungle gyms and built-in trampolines as examples to steer clear of. 'Big structures eat up yard space, making the backyard feel smaller and less versatile,' she says.
What's more, she says older equipment can look worn out, be hard to remove, or pose safety risks, turning into a liability rather than a selling point.
Instead of committing to a built-in feature, opt for something less permanent. For instance, Zach suggests using portable sports nets or foldable playsets that can easily be cleared to maintain versatility and broaden buyer interest.
You can shop for foldable soccer goals at Amazon – these ones from Theresduet are highly rated.
3. Excessive hardscaping
Backyard paving or other hardscaping can be a low-maintenance solution for covering ground, but too much can do more harm than good, especially if it's impermeable.
Jacob Naig, owner and real estate investor and agent, says that while turning a yard into a giant concrete or asphalt pad may be perfect for a basketball lover, it restricts drainage, destroys green space, and can create a stark setting.
His advice is to look for permeable pavers and plant strategically – for instance, you could replace a solid slab with interlocking bricks, with open spaces filled with thyme. Not only will this be better for backyard drainage, but it will be beneficial for pollinators, too. Plus, it looks much more interesting.
4. Poorly-installed outdoor features
Zach says, 'If you're going to make changes to your backyard, stick with professionally installed upgrades that match your home's overall style. Things like makeshift patios or DIY pergola builds can scare off buyers concerned about hidden costs or code violations.'
On a similar note, Jacob advises against water features that have been installed without the help of experts, warning that issues such as pump problems or leaking liners can lead to mosquitoes, and even structural damage.
'I once consulted on a house with a so-called 'meditation pond' that drained half its water overnight, bowing the deck edging and requiring a $5,000 repair – even more than it had ever added to the resale price,' he says.
To play it safer, opt for small water features in containers, rather than garden ponds. 'A freestanding stone or ceramic fountain can provide the soothing sound so many of us are looking for, with none of the plumbing headaches,' Jacob says.
5. Above-ground pools
Casey Gaddy, a realtor and The Gaddy Group senior agent at Keller Williams Empower, adds above-ground backyard pools to our list. 'An above-ground pool might feel like an asset, but to many buyers, it's more of a liability than a luxury,' he says.
'They are often seen as temporary, unattractive, and high maintenance and can really detract from a home's appearance and even take up valuable yard space,' he continues.
'On top of that, they can raise liability concerns, increase insurance premiums, and when adding in the cost to maintain a pool, you might be hard pressed to find a buyer eager to want to take that on. It's a chore, a risk, or even a reason to walk away.'
