Australian homebuyers aren’t just shopping for bedrooms and bathrooms – they’re shopping for kerb appeal – and they’re willing to pay tens of thousands more for it.
New research from Money.com.au reveals Australian homebuyers are willing to pay an extra $21,860 on average for a property with manicured lawns or high-quality landscaping.
To put the ‘green premium’ into perspective, it’s equivalent to about 10 weeks’ pay for the average full-time Australian worker, based on weekly earnings of $2051, according to ABS figures.
MORE NEWS
Councils ban popular lawn after alarming 90C reading
Viral ‘lawn rule’ sparks Aussie neighbourhood wars
Aus man wins ‘world’s ugliest lawn’ title
According to the nationally representative survey, Tasmanians are willing to pay the most for pristine lawns or landscaping, at $24,890, followed by homebuyers in New South Wales ($22,980), Western Australia ($22,440) and South Australia ($21,920).
Homebuyers in the ACT ($21,050), Victoria ($20,900) and Queensland ($20,850) were willing to pay the least for manicured lawns.
Source: Money.com.au
Money.com.au’s Property Expert, Nick Burgess, says landscaping can have an outsized impact on perceived property value.
“There’s been a surge in ‘lawn porn’ content online, where perfectly manicured lawns rack up millions of views. That’s feeding into buyer expectations around what the Aussie backyard should look like,” he says.
“Lush, well-maintained lawns and gardens can translate into real dollars for property sellers. Homebuyers often form an emotional connection with outdoor spaces.
“They picture their kids or pets playing there, hosting barbecues or even a game of backyard cricket on the grass.”
MORE NEWS: ‘Is it true?’: Bizarre mowing ban sparks confusion
Lawn enthusiast Harry O’Brien. Picture: Alan Barber
Burgess adds that lawns are increasingly becoming a “status symbol,” particularly in a competitive market where street appeal can significantly influence a buyer’s initial impression. For owner-occupiers, a finished outdoor space with a neat lawn means less work upon moving in, making them more inclined to stretch their budget.
He also notes a trend of homeowners using equity to fund landscaping upgrades as a final touch after renovations.
The research found that Baby Boomers are willing to pay the steepest ‘lawn premium’, at $23,580, followed by Millennials ($22,870), Gen Z ($20,800) and Gen X ($18,950).
Burgess says older homebuyers are often in a better cash or equity position to pay more for move-in-ready homes that require little to no yard maintenance.
The nation’s turf obsession has even spilt into the crime pages.
In March, a Ross Island resident in Queensland shocked online followers when alerting others about his recent lawn theft.
MORE NEWS: ‘Made them vomit’: Investor grim find in $430k renovator
A Russell Island resident in Queensland recently reported the theft of his new lawn. Source: Facebook
Sharing an image to a local community Facebook page, the homeowner lamented, “Thief alert. Someone has stolen my new grass from 7 woodland cct they would have to be close to the street or in the street, any information would be great to pass onto the police.”
The unusual theft left locals visibly shocked, with one commenting, “That about as low as you can get.”
Lawn expert and owner of Greenfingers Lawns and Hydroseeding Ben O’Brien says lawns are a status symbol.
“When I think of people stealing grass this doesn’t come to mind,” another says.
Ben O’Brien, a lawn expert and owner of Greenfingers Lawns and Hydroseeding, confirms Australia’s deep-seated love for all things green.
While he believes the $21,860 national cost appeared steep and likely encompasses extensive landscaping, he has observed a notable uptick in lawn obsession since the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw more people seeking at-home hobbies.
“Lawn people are generally people who love the outdoors,” O’Brien said.
“But I think ultimately, lawns are a status symbol. You want to have the best lawn on your street.”
English (US) · 