We are about to launch a new property listing to the market next week which has the loveliest garden. It makes such a difference to the impression a property makes to prospective buyers as the garden is one of the first things they will see. And we all know how important the first impression is. It can be the difference between buyers wanting to inspect the entire home or driving away to look elsewhere.

A great first impression can also drive the sales price up and reduce the length of time on the market as the best offers almost always come in within the first few weeks on the market. A well cared for garden helps many buyers fall in love with a property, often at first sight. And during these times of uncertainty and lack of travel opportunities, outdoor spaces and gardens at home are more desirable than ever.

Unfortunately, many vendors neglect their garden when selling and before the open home, focusing all their attention on the house itself.

Here are 7 tips to ensure your garden makes a great first impression when selling.

1. Pressure-wash all hard surfaces

People spend so much time cleaning the inside of their homes that they forget areas like driveways, pathways and retaining walls. If you don’t have a high pressure-washer, you can hire one.

2. Let there be light

Pruning back overgrown trees and hedges that are overhanging windows will allow natural light to flood into the home, which is always desirable. Ensure you use the right tool for the job so branches can be cut cleanly, ensuring they remain healthy for new growth to appear in the future.

3. Mulch your garden beds

Spreading mulch over your garden beds is an effective way to prevent weeds from growing and keep moisture in the soil, saving you time during the campaign and keeping the garden looking neat, fresh and tidy and your plants healthy.

4. Mow the lawns

This may seem obvious, but there’s nothing like the smell of freshly cut grass on open day. Keeping the lawn neat and tidy also shows you care about your garden and makes a great first impression.

5. Showcase your garden’s versatility

This comes down to your target buyers. If your target buyer is families with young children, ensure you keep a decent area of lawn so the buyer can imagine the kids and and their family dog running and playing on it. Knowing different elements appeal to different people, a versatile garden will allow buyers to view the garden differently. Some will admire your plants, others will see the perfect spot for a cubby house, vegie garden or pool. If you can showcase the versatile spaces in your garden, from spaces to entertain to lawn area and your raised vegetable gardens, there will be something for all buyers to fall in love with.

6. Invite the outdoors in

If your home, or parts of it, looks out over the garden, ensure you highlight that by opening the blinds on open day so the lines between the indoor and outdoor environments are blurred. It shows seamless indoor/outdoor connectivity, which most buyers love. Another nice touch is to cut some flowers and greenery from your garden and showcase them in a vase inside.

7. Invest in an expert

If you don’t have a green thumb and/or don’t have the time to spend preparing your garden for the sale of your property, don’t be afraid to call in an expert to do it for you. The right expert will also provide you with ideas on how best to showcase your garden to maximise your sales price.