Street or kerb appeal has a huge impact on how buyers and tenants see a home.
A neat, well-planned front garden tells people the property has been looked after, and in Australia, where sun, drought, heavy rain and tricky soils all play a part, thoughtful landscaping makes an even bigger difference.
If you're looking to freshen things up, let us give you a few landscaping tips and updates you can make to your home's exterior that will lift both its look and feel.
Why does poor street appeal hurt my property value?
When the front-of-house landscaping of a property looks patchy or a bit unloved, people assume the rest of the home will be hard work too, which can turn buyers or tenants off quickly.
Common landscaping issues that reduce street appeal include:
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Patchy or sunburnt lawns
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Garden beds with no clear structure
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Faded, leaning or weathered fences
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Sloped blocks that look unstable or messy
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Old or failing retaining walls
No matter where you live, a neglected frontage often means higher water use and extra costs in the future.
What quick landscaping upgrades make the biggest impact?
Small landscaping changes can make a big difference, especially upgrades that help your garden handle local conditions. Let’s take a look at three upgrades that deliver the biggest impact.
1. Garden edging instantly transforms your front yard.
Good garden edging instantly gives your front yard clean lines and a more organised feel, while also helping your plants stay neat through sudden downpours or long dry spells.
Steel garden edging is very effective in Australian conditions because it sits securely in reactive clay or sandy soils. It also creates modern and well-defined borders that keep mulch contained, help prevent grass or weeds from creeping in, and make native or drought-tolerant plant zones look tidy and intentional.
Edging is perfect for defining pebble or crushed-rock areas, native garden beds such as lomandra, grevillea or westringia, simple pathways to the front door, raised beds for herbs or small ornamentals, and small feature zones with pots or sculptural plants.
Straightcurve weathering steel develops a natural protective patina over time, giving your garden a warm, earthy finish that suits everything from coastal homes to modern builds.
2. Modern, low-maintenance fencing lifts the look of your home.
Fencing in Australia deals with a lot, from harsh UV to coastal winds and summer storms. Installing a fresh, low-maintenance fence instantly lifts your front landscaping and reassures buyers that they won’t be facing replacements anytime soon.
High-quality fencing stands up to strong sun without fading, adds privacy and protection from the street, and works well for rental properties due to its durability.
The Permasteel Deluxe range is a standout choice because it offers natural timber-look colours with double-sided panels that keep both sides looking good. Its steel construction won’t warp, rot or bow like timber, and its modern style suits most Australian homes. These fences are especially popular in high-sun regions where low upkeep is a must.
3. Retaining walls add structure and stability to your garden.
Many Australian homes sit on sloping land, making retaining walls one of the first things visitors notice. Upgrading retaining walls gives the front yard a stable, polished look while also helping manage erosion during heavy rainfall.
Modern retaining wall systems offer easy installation options, whether you prefer modular interlocking blocks, timber-look sleepers or concrete solutions, making DIY assembly simpler for homeowners.
These walls are strong enough for local soil conditions and can be used for terracing, creating raised garden beds or highlighting planting areas, which can improve the look of your front garden drastically.
What can I expect after improving my property’s street appeal?
Landscaping the front of your home can lift the value of your property and help speed up a sale or lease. It also creates a low-maintenance look that buyers appreciate, helps your garden cope better with heat, rain and soil movement, and makes the home feel welcoming and move-in ready.
Even small changes, particularly when combined with native plants, quality mulch and clearly defined garden zones, can make your front yard feel fresh and well-cared-for.
Is investing in street appeal really worth it?
Improving your home’s street appeal doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Simple landscaping ideas like adding neat garden edging, installing durable fencing or upgrading your retaining walls can completely transform the way your property is perceived.
In Australia’s varied climates, choosing materials and designs that withstand our environment ensures your garden looks polished all year round while staying low-maintenance.
Whether you’re selling, leasing or just want to enjoy a more inviting outdoor space, investing in landscaping for your home's front lawn pays off.