Does a fence affect the value of a property? Will placing a fence around your home make any difference to its market value? These are questions homeowners want answers to before installing a fence around their home. You are probably reading this because you are one such homeowner. If you need to find the answers to all of your queries, keep reading.
Will a fence improve the value of your home?
The answer is YES and MAYBE.
The answer is YES because the physical appearance of your home makes a lot of difference to how it is valued. Since a fence can improve the home’s curb appeal, it can also boost its value. The American Society of Landscape Architects has even determined that a fence can increase your property’s value by 20%. But this depends on several factors.
The answer to the question is MAYBE because a lot depends on the type of property you have, the location, and what kind of fence you put around the home. As Castle Management Company explains, to fully assess the potential impact of a fence around your home, you must know its functions and if those functions are something that will benefit your home.
Benefits of fencing your home
There are four crucial benefits that a fence will provide for your home. Some types of fences will give you all four benefits, while others will only give you a few of the benefits.
1. Security and Safety
Fences are typically associated with security and safety. Even if it’s a picket fence, it is a psychological barrier that keeps trespassers out of a property. If your home is in an area with a high risk of intruders or wild animals, a security fence will be vital. A security fence also helps to keep small children and pets safely within the grounds. Lastly, if you have an aggressive dog, a security fence will keep it from harassing passersby.
2. Privacy
A privacy fence, particularly around the sides and backyard, will let you use the outdoor areas in ways you could not achieve without one. You can lounge, share intimate moments with loved ones or entertain friends in your yard without worrying about nosy neighbors and strangers. A privacy fence can also help you block unsightly scenes around the home from view. Even if it is partial– does not enclose the entire property – a privacy fence can still serve these functions.
3. Curb appeal
A fence can be a great way to improve the home’s curb appeal. Picket or aluminum fences have lovely designs and can help you make the best first impression on people viewing your home for the first time. You may also get this effect with a wood or vinyl fence. Note that if you plan to install a fence mainly for its aesthetics, your fence must be able to complement and blend with the landscaping around your home.
4. Boundaries
A fence can also serve to outline the boundaries of your property. If you have had past difficulties with neighbors concerning where their property lines end and yours begin, it is a decent idea to install a fence around your home. A good fence is a valuable addition if your home is on a large expanse of land. A fence will also serve you well if you own animals that like to wander or run free – horses, for instance.
The value a fence adds to your home does not entirely depend on how many of these benefits it provides. When you assess whether it is a good idea to add a fence, what kind of fence to add, and how much value you can expect from the installation, it would be best to consider other factors.
Other factors that determine the value of your fence
In addition to the above, the following factors play a role in deciding how much value you can expect to get from adding a fence to your home.
A. The cost of your fence
A more expensive fence will naturally add more value to your home. The fence cost will depend on the perimeter of your property, the height of the fence, and the fencing material. A cheap fence can devalue your home, but an expensive one will not necessarily improve your home’s value to a point where you can recoup all of your investment.
B. The neighborhood
The neighborhood’s characteristic plays a crucial role. If other homes are without fences, installing a fence around your home will distort the neighborhood’s aesthetics. Also, the HOA may have specific rules for adding a fence to your property.
C. Maintenance
Lastly, before installing a fence around your home, know the cost of maintaining the specific fencing material you choose. The cost and effort of maintaining a fence are among the things buyers will think of when assessing if the fence is an asset or liability.
