A new fence is usually installed for practical reasons. You might want more privacy, better security, a safer yard for pets and children, or simply a more attractive boundary around your home. But does fencing add value to property when it comes time to sell?
The short answer is that a good fence can contribute to your property value, but there is no guarantee that you will recover the full installation cost when you sell.
A well-designed fence can improve kerb appeal, make outdoor areas more practical and create a stronger first impression for prospective buyers. On the other hand, an expensive fence that does not suit the house, surrounding neighbourhood, or the needs of buyers will not necessarily translate into a higher market value.
Here is what homeowners should consider before viewing fencing purely as an investment.
Does Fencing Add Value to Property?
Fencing can add value to a property, although it is better viewed as one part of the overall presentation and functionality of a home, rather than an improvement with a guaranteed return on investment.
Location, land size, the condition of the house and the local property market have a much greater influence on a home’s value.
However, fencing can make all the difference to how a property feels when buyers arrive – contributing to that all-important first impression. A sturdy fence surrounding a well-presented home can create a sense that the property has been looked after, while a damaged or poorly maintained fence can have the opposite effect.
A new fence can be particularly worthwhile where it:
- Replaces an old or damaged boundary fence
- Improves the property’s street presentation
- Provides additional security
- Creates greater privacy from neighbours or the road
- Provides a secure yard for children or pets
- Complements the architectural style of the house
A valuer is unlikely to simply add the cost of a new fence to the property’s market value. Fencing is generally considered as part of the property’s overall presentation and features.
How Can a Good Fence Boost Your Home’s Value?
The right fence can influence property value in several ways:
Improved Kerb Appeal:
The front fence is one of the first things prospective buyers notice.
A beautiful fence that complements the home’s architecture, landscaping, driveway and exterior colours can significantly boost appeal and create a more refined look.
Increased Privacy:
Privacy is an important consideration for many buyers – especially where houses are close together, the home fronts a busy street, or outdoor entertaining areas face neighbouring properties.
Privacy fences or slat fencing can make a yard feel more comfortable and usable without completely closing off the property. It can also establish a clearly defined boundary, helping to prevent ambiguity about land ownership and potential disputes.
The spacing and design of the slats can also balance privacy with airflow and natural light, helping the outdoor space feel private without becoming boxed in.
Improved Security and Safety:
Security features can also make a home more attractive to buyers.
Fencing and gates provide a clearer separation between public and private land, along with an additional layer of security. They can help deter unwanted access by creating a physical barrier, while electric gates give homeowners greater control over who enters the property. For families and pet owners, a fenced yard also offers peace of mind.
For homeowners primarily concerned with security, heavy-duty security fencing may seem like the obvious choice, but it’s not always necessary for a residential property.
This type of fencing can be more expensive (especially if made with steel) and may feel overly imposing. In most cases, a high-quality aluminium fence will provide adequate security. Aluminium fencing is strong and durable, yet malleable, so it can beshaped into a range of designs to complement the property and surrounding streetscape.
Outdoor Areas Feel More Complete:
Fencing can help to define how outdoor areas are used. For example, it can separate a pool area, create a private courtyard, or frame landscaping – as well as establishing clear boundaries.
Even when fencing doesn’t directly translate into a measurable increase in market value, a well-finished outdoor space can improve the home’s overall appeal and help buyers picture themselves living there.
When Does a Fence Add the Most Value?
Not every new fence will have the same impact. Fencing is more likely to add value when it addresses a clear need or improves an aspect of the property that buyers are likely to notice.
For example, replacing a visibly deteriorated fence before selling will typically have a greater impact than replacing a perfectly functional fence simply because you prefer a different style or want to create a more defined space for your dog.
While the new fence may improve the property for you, it may not provide the same value to prospective buyers.
What is the Best Fencing for Property Value?
There is no single type of fence that adds the most value to every home. The best fencing for property value is usually fencing that suits the architectural style of the house, meets a practical need and remains attractive without excessive upkeep.
The biggest factors that influence the value of a fence include:
Condition:
A well-maintained fence presents better than one with damaged panels, leaning posts, peeling finishes, or broken gates.
Design:
An attractive, well-designed fence that matches the home’s style is more likely to improve its overall appeal.
Material choice:
Durable, low-maintenance materials, such as aluminium, are often more appealing to buyers than traditional timber, which requires ongoing maintenance. If you want the aesthetic of natural wood without the maintnence, opt for a wood-look fence (typically manufactured from aluminium).
Neighbourhood standards:
Look at neighbouring properties and consider the market in your local area. A fence that is more expensive or more elaborate than those in neighbouring properties may not deliver a comparable return and may result in over-capitalising on the property. Equally, a modern fence for a character property in a heritage area will look out of place.
Installation quality:
Professional installation helps ensure posts, panels and gates are properly aligned and that the finished product looks smart.
Practicality:
Privacy, security and usable outdoor space are genuine considerations for buyers. A fence that solves one or more of these problems can strengthen the appeal of your property.
Here are a few considerations:
- Aluminium fencing: a strong option for homeowners looking for durability and minimal maintenance requirements. It can be manufactured in a wide range of fence styles – from modern louvres and blades, to picket, Hamptons and ornate wrought-iron-look designs. Unlike a traditional wood fence, aluminium does not require regular sanding, staining or painting. This makes it appealing for buyers who want a good fence without inheriting another maintenance job.
- Slat fencing:works particularly well where homeowners want to combine privacy with contemporary styling. Different slat spacing allows the fence to provide greater screening or a more open appearance, depending on the property. For modern Perth homes, a carefully chosen slat fence can complement landscaping and exterior finishes while providing useful privacy and security.
- Picket fencing and heritage-style fencing: can create strong aesthetic appeal on traditional homes. While a timber fence offers a natural appearance, it also comes with ongoing maintenance considerations. Timber is affected by weather and moisutre and can require regular sanding, repainting or refinishing.
Does a Fence Offer a Good Return on Investment?
It can, but homeowners should be cautious about expecting a dollar-for-dollar return.
The installation cost of a new fence can vary substantially depending on the material, property size, fence height, design, gate requirements and site conditions. A homeowner spending thousands of dollars on fencing should not assume the home’s market value will increase by the same amount.
Instead, the value of a fence extends beyond its potential impact on resale value. You benefit from the fence while living in the home, through greater privacy, security, or a more functional outdoor space. When it comes time to sell, a well-maintained fence can also contribute to the overall presentation of your property.
In a competitive real estate market, good presentation can help a property appeal to more buyers and potentially encourage a faster sale.
So, Does a Fence Add Value to a House?
In many cases, yes, but the value a fence adds will depend on the property and the local market.
A quality fence can contribute to the overall appeal of your home, by improving kerb appeal, security, and the practical use of your yard. It’s most likely to add value when it meets buyer expectations.
The key is not simply installing a new fence, but choosing the right fence for your property.
At Fencemakers, we offer a broad range of made-to-measure fencing for Perth properties, allowing homeowners to choose a design that meets their requirements.
Explore our range or get in touch with the team to discuss the right fencing solution for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I replace my fence before selling my house?
Not always. If your existing fence is structurally sound, neat and suits the property, replacing it purely for resale may not be worthwhile. Repairs, cleaning or repainting could be enough to improve its presentation before putting the property on the market.
Does fence colour affect property appeal?
Yes. Fence colour can influence how well the fencing works with the home’s exterior, landscaping and surrounding properties. Neutral or complementary colours can create a more cohesive look, while a colour that clashes with the house can make the home draw attention for the wrong reasons.
Is front fencing more important than side or rear fencing for home value?
Yes, front fencing usually has a greater impact on property appeal, because it is one of the first features prospective buyers see and helps to form their first impression. Side and rear fencing is still important for privacy and security, but is generally less influential on first impressions.
Are automatic gates worth adding before selling?
Automatic driveway gates can be attractive to buyers who value convenience and security, particularly on larger properties or busy roads. However, they come with a higher upfront cost, so installing them solely to increase the sale price will not always deliver a return.