How your neighbourhood can impact your property sale

Is your property not selling? The state of your neighbourhood and local crime rates could be a likely explanation. 

Before prospective buyers even enter your home, they've already formed an opinion about your neighbourhood and street. In an era plagued by service delivery woes, buyers have become hyper-aware of their surroundings as they search for their dream property, notes the Seeff Property Group.

Why Is Neighbourhood Upkeep Important?

Seeff emphasises that the overall atmosphere and upkeep of your neighbourhood or residential complex play a massive role in captivating a buyer’s interest and dictating the price they're willing to pay. The state of your neighbourhood is directly tied to how much value buyers perceive your property to have.

A neighbourhood's upkeep - or lack thereof - also influences the area's security and desirability. A poorly maintained neighbourhood can quickly become an unchecked playground for negligent and criminal activity. Few buyers will look twice at a property in this type of neighbourhood.

Conversely, a clean, well-maintained neighbourhood makes people want to live there more. Thus, the more valuable your property becomes. So, if you've been eyeing those rising crime rates and falling property values, remember that the state of the neighbourhood could be the driving factor. Could it be time to do something about it? 

Tips to Improve Your Neighbourhood

Firstly, it's imperative that property owners and residents maintain clean and unobstructed pavement areas. If you own vacant land, the obligation to keep it tidy also extends to you. 

• Be a conscientious neighbour. Regular upkeep and occasional repainting not only enhance your property's value but also have a ripple effect on the neighbourhood. A poorly maintained home adversely affects not just its own marketability but that of the surrounding properties as well.
  
  
• Participate in community initiatives. Given the widespread service delivery challenges and growing concerns in green belt areas, engagement with neighbourhood organisations and participation in clean-up activities are more essential than ever, urges Seeff Property Group. Organising neighbourhood clean-up initiatives can also be both rewarding and effective, as this is an opportunity for physical exercise and community building.
  
  
• Be proactive about infrastructure deficiencies. It's advisable to liaise with your local councillor or engage with community advocacy groups to stimulate improvements and expedite service delivery. 
  
  
• Consider approaching local businesses for sponsorship. If your neighbourhood suffers from neglect and poor upkeep, it may be worth speaking to local businesses that could fund repairs and improvements. After all, a well-maintained neighbourhood increases the value and appeal for everyone involved and could also lead to growth for the businesses.

If you’re serious about improving your neighbourhood and property appeal, explore our blog on affordable landscaping tips. As we head into spring and summer, a gorgeous garden will attract prospective buyers. You might also be interested in the best scents for selling your home.