Outdoor living, social lifestyles and entertaining are the epitome of the Australian way of life, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that this is what most homeowners are looking for when it comes to the outdoor space.
If you are looking to sell, showcasing your property’s ability to entertain friends and family outdoors really sells the alfresco lifestyle dream. And what better way to do that than with an outdoor kitchen!
AND transforming your backyard into a resort-like setting that includes an outdoor kitchen will set your listing apart from others in your neighbourhood—and increase your home’s resale value.
Outdoor kitchens can vary a great deal … from simple BBQ areas to fully-equipped outdoor cooking and dining areas that don’t require you to go inside at all. It’s the latter kind that will get you the most significant return when the time comes to sell your home.
As to how they add value to your home, there are a few reasons why and how outdoor kitchens are an intelligent outdoor property project…
Outdoor living is in!
We love to live, entertain, and relax outdoors. It’s hard to place a value on this, but it’s easy to see how an outdoor kitchen can enhance your at-home lifestyle. Getting together with friends and family to celebrate with good food is integral to our lifestyle. An outdoor kitchen means no one is left inside, and everyone’s involved in one place. Bringing people together in a beautiful atmosphere is genuinely priceless. And everyone needs a space to throw their first house-warming party!
Functionality first
When it comes to choosing an outdoor kitchen, be sure to consider the functionality of the space. This will ensure you add as much value as possible to the home (without overestimating the market value!) A fridge is an appliance people often think about leaving out since there is already one inside, but do you really want to be in and out of the house when you’re preparing food? A small bar fridge is a great compromise you will be grateful you included come Summertime! You also need to think about benchtops, the BBQ, prep areas, storage, plumbing, heating, electrical points, lighting, accessibility, storage, ventilation, shelter, safety, dining, and seating, plus more!
Add more usable space
More space is a plus in any home, and if it’s useable, flexible space, it holds even greater value. A covered outdoor kitchen creates an additional ‘room’ and space for cooking and entertaining. With the bonus of using it all year round, a covered outdoor kitchen can be an extension of your interior living area providing more useable space in the home.
Sell your home in Spring or Summer and watch buyers’ eyes light up when they step into your outdoor space. Imagining themselves at the BBQ entertaining their friends while sipping on an ice-cold drink will have them making an offer before you know it!
Ideal for every season
While sunny days and balmy summer nights are bliss, our mild Australian winters are just as ideal when it comes to outdoor living. There’s always the option to include heating, which will add ambience and appeal to future buyers who value a functional space for year-round use.
More than a kitchen
Outdoor living is more than a kitchen or alfresco area. While a luxe kitchen looks stunning on its own, the overall value it adds can be enhanced when you combine it with landscaped gardens, exceptional outdoor furniture, built-in seating, plus other vital elements such as lighting, heating, and cooling.
Ready to invest in your outdoor kitchen? Whether or not you plan to sell your home now or in the future, making this addition to your backyard will provide you and your family with the perfect place to prepare family meals, entertain guests and enjoy spending more time outdoors.
Donna Etchells - McGrath Estate Agents 