Landscaping a rental property can deliver curb appeal and may help you rent open units faster. Less time spent showing vacant properties to tenants means more time to spend on other aspects of the property management role.
Use these five ideas to landscape a rental property the smarter way.
1. Plant spring flowering bulbs
Spring bulbs like tulips or daffodils are one of the best landscaping investments a property manager can make. Plant them in winter and they will come back every year. Spring bulbs look nice when grown underneath trees or along walkways, where they add a pop of colour.
2. Use succulents and native plants for low-water gardening
Low-water gardening, or xeriscaping, is on the rise – especially after the years of drought we faced here in Australia. Succulents and native plants are designed to handle temperate conditions and get by on rainwater. By choosing plants that don’t need a lot of water or fertiliser to thrive, you’ll save time and water. Conserving water is an environmentally-friendly move that will also save you money.
3. Plant annuals in planters near the entrance
Cheery, colourful annuals are the best way to brighten up an entrance. This can set the right tone for a prospective renter who is coming by to check out an open unit. Annuals will grow well all season long, provided you water them. Plucking off dead blooms will encourage more flowers.
4. Add flowering shrubs for spring and summer colour
Large apartment complexes can often look drab. Planting flowering shrubs delivers a pop of colour in spring or summer. Many also brighten the landscape into autumn as their leaves change colours with the season.
Shrubs are perennials, so they will grow larger over time. Make sure the shrub you’ve selected won’t grow too big for the planting spot you’ve chosen.
5. Create a community gathering place with plants
Apartment renters in particular tend to value outdoor living spaces. By using plants to decorate a common area, you can turn it into a community hub that is attractive to new renters. Areas to brighten with plants include swimming pools, dog parks, tennis courts, barbecue areas, roof decks, or other communal areas where people come together.
Be creative and go for something unusual in common areas. You could even try a meditation shade garden with soothing green foliage and meandering paths. Choose something that fits in the space you have, will enrich the lives of tenants, and won’t require significant maintenance from you.
With a little care and attention, a garden makeover can help a rental property command fresh attention from renters who want a nice place to live. By investing in landscaping, you can decrease vacancies and increase tenant satisfaction. This benefits your property management business by tasking time-consuming tasks, like showing apartments, off your desk.
