Just look at The Block. Still considered by some to be the pre-eminent source of renovation knowledge in Australia, this year’s contestants had massive budgets to blow on landscaping.
And for the right property – like a Macedon Ranges luxe tree change retreat – it’s worth spending big.
“Landscaping, for the most part, is a fairly expensive pursuit, but it’s an investment that can add a surprisingly large amount of value to your home,” reports Domain.
So where to start and what will it cost?
Some of the pricier pursuits include driveways. A concrete one could set you back up to $180 per square metre, and paving could be triple that. Gravel is cheapest if you’re prepared to maintain it.
Retaining walls can instantly improve the layout and use of a sloped yard. Prices start around $400 per square metre for sleeper pine walls – plus excavation.
Block or stone could be double that. Not surprisingly, the higher the wall, the higher the cost.
Ok. So you want to revamp your yard but don’t have the dollars for the major structural stuff?
Here are some hacks that you could try over the summer holidays.
- Define an outdoor entertaining area with ‘deco’ gravel (decomposed gravel). You need a bit of hard yakka to level a space, then make sure it’s well drained, and then shovel on the deco for around $75 per square metre.
- Add potted plants for impact and screening. Bunnings has options to suit a range of budgets, or join the circular economy on Gumtree.
- Do a DIY floating deck. Approach this with caution and a good understanding of council regulations and structural building. That might scare you off, but it’s pretty simple to build a low deck at ground level to give instant sophistication to your yard. Chuck on some floral print bean bags for an Insta-worthy outdoor lounge and drinks area.
Looking for a new canvas for your creation? View our current listings for sale or check our listings for rent.
Got the house Insta-worthy and ready to sell? Book a valuation or talk to us about selling.
