There are many aspects of a home that can make a great first impression on buyers as they discover your home for the first time. Although curb appeal and interior features play a significant role in making a good impact, the outdoor living space has become a key factor in captivating potential buyers in recent years. A recent study on Outdoor Living Trends highlighted the significance of a usable exterior area for homeowners, revealing that 60% of experts consider having a functional and inviting outdoor space as very important to homeowners.

As summer is now upon us, outdoor areas might be what sways buyers into putting in an offer. With the allure of warm weather, longer days, and the desire for outdoor entertainment on your side, we’ll explore how you can leverage this year’s outdoor trends in order to sell your home faster.

Indoor Outdoor Living Spaces: the Biggest Trend of 2023

Indoor-outdoor living areas are about blending your interior rooms with the outdoors, creating a seamless transition that maximizes livable spaces. This concept is set to be the biggest trend for outdoor living this year, so incorporating it into your exteriors could really help to draw in potential buyers.

Ways to incorporate this trend:

• Consider adding some comfortable outdoor furniture such as a sofa and a rug. This can help achieve all the comforts of being indoors whilst creating a space to enjoy the natural surroundings. 
• A covered patio costs as little as $100 for sailcloth over the space or around $2,500 for a basic pergola. Both will seamlessly blend your interiors with your outdoor area. It will also make the space more functional and livable for longer periods of the year. 

An Emphasis on Privacy

The outdoor areas of your home have the potential to be a relaxing place you can unwind and retreat in after a long day. It seems that privacy has become an important aspect of this space this year, as 44% of experts say that it’s what homeowners are aiming for in their exteriors. When showcasing your outdoor space to viewers, they’re sure to appreciate a relaxing sanctuary where they can shut themselves off from the rest of the world and reconnect with nature.

Ways to incorporate this trend:

• Make sure there’s plenty of foliage covering any spaces neighbors or passers-by can see through to your outdoor area. Strategically planting trees, shrubs, or installing trellises can create a natural barrier and enhance privacy.
• Adding a fence is one of the most effective ways to make the space feel more private.  Potential buyers, especially with pets and children, often value the sense of seclusion and security that a fence provides. Fences are a big investment, with an average cost of $4,500 for installing a wood fence, so although it could make a difference when it comes to selling your home, consider your budget first.

Minimalistic Outdoor Spaces

Minimalism is the trending design style for outdoor spaces this year. Having a contemporary space clear of any clutter can help visitors view the space as a blank canvas they can style according to their own personal preferences. A recent study found that 96% of real estate experts state that sellers should have their homes professionally decluttered before viewings.

Ways to incorporate this trend:

• Carry out a thorough declutter before showcasing your home or hire a professional to do so for around $450. This will create a clean and inviting environment where potential buyers can easily imagine themselves living without being distracted by personal items.
• Neutral colors are the safest bet when it comes to appealing to a wide range of people, so try and remove anything that is very bold, bright or has a loud pattern. 

A Place to Work From Home

With the shift towards remote work becoming a lasting trend for a lot of people, it comes as no surprise that creating a dedicated workspace is still a desired aspect of outdoor living areas. In fact, 29% of experts say that having a designated work area outdoors will be one of the biggest trends this year. 

Ways to incorporate this trend:

• Comfortable seating options will help buyers imagine themselves working in your outdoor area.
• Plenty of shade is crucial for a WFH space, so make sure it’s in a covered area or underneath some foliage. 
• Ensure there’s good connectivity in the space by having it close to the house.

Give the Home Buyers What They Want

No matter the market, when it comes to selling, it’s all about supplying the buyer with what they demand. As the significance of outdoor spaces in the home continues to hold strong, prioritizing improvements in this area can make a lasting impression on potential buyers. Improving your outdoor space not only enhances the way your home is perceived, but it can also increase its value by expanding the living spaces to include functional outdoor areas.  

When selling your home, it’s crucial to give home buyers what they are looking for. By understanding and leveraging these top outdoor trends, you can create captivating spaces that resonate with their desires, ultimately leading to a faster and more successful home sale.