Curb Appeal 2.0: How Smart Landscaping Can Boost Property Value

Why Low-Maintenance Design Is Becoming a Must-Have for Homeowners and Investors

By Joseph Malerba Real Estate Team | eXp Realty

When most people think of curb appeal, they picture fresh mulch, trimmed shrubs, and a neatly cut lawn. While those details still matter, today's buyers are looking for something more: landscaping that looks great, requires less maintenance, and adds long-term value.

For homeowners, investors, and business owners throughout New London County, smart landscaping has become an important part of maximizing property value and attracting buyers.

As a Top Realtor in New London County and an Experienced and Trusted Local Realtor in Niantic, I've seen firsthand how the right exterior improvements can make a property stand out in a competitive market.

Landscaping Is Now About Value, Not Just Appearance

Today's buyers are increasingly focused on maintenance costs and lifestyle convenience. While a large lawn may look impressive, many buyers prefer outdoor spaces that are attractive without requiring constant upkeep.

Low-maintenance landscaping can offer:

• Reduced watering and maintenance costs

• Less time spent on yard work

• Year-round visual appeal

• Stronger buyer interest

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), landscaping projects consistently rank among the home improvements that offer some of the strongest returns on investment.

Source:
https://www.nar.realtor

The Rise of Low-Maintenance Landscaping

Many homeowners are replacing high-maintenance lawns with landscaping designed to thrive naturally.

Popular features include:

• Native plants and hardy perennials

• Decorative stone and gravel beds

• Defined walkways and hardscaping

• Mulch beds that help retain moisture

These improvements can reduce maintenance while creating a clean, polished appearance that appeals to today's buyers.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that water-efficient landscaping can reduce outdoor water use by up to 50%.

Source:
https://www.epa.gov/watersense

Why First Impressions Matter

Buyers often form an opinion about a property before they ever walk through the front door.

Clean landscaping, defined borders, and attractive outdoor spaces help create a sense of care and pride of ownership. On the other hand, overgrown landscaping can make buyers wonder what other maintenance has been overlooked.

According to the Appraisal Institute, strong curb appeal can increase a property's perceived value by as much as 10%.

Source:
https://www.appraisalinstitute.org

Landscaping for Investment Properties

For real estate investors, curb appeal can directly impact rental demand and resale value.

Simple upgrades such as fresh mulch, trimmed plantings, stone walkways, and low-maintenance garden beds can help:

• Attract higher-quality tenants

• Reduce ongoing maintenance costs

• Improve property marketability

• Increase perceived value

These improvements often deliver strong results without requiring major renovation budgets.

Final Thoughts

In today's real estate market, curb appeal is no longer just about making a property look good—it's about creating long-term value.

Whether you're preparing to sell, improving a rental property, or planning future investments, smart landscaping can help increase appeal while reducing maintenance and operating costs.

The Joseph Malerba Real Estate Team at eXp Realty helps homeowners and investors throughout New London County identify upgrades that maximize property value and marketability. Working with a Top Realtor in New London County can help you make strategic improvements that pay off when it's time to sell.