Does A Fence Affect The Value Of Your Home?

Looking for ways to make your home more appealing and boost the market value of your property? One of the options you should be looking at is adding a fence to your home. Unlike what a lot of homeowners think, the sole purpose of a fence is not to improve security.

A fence can help you attract certain types of home buyers, highlight specific features of your home, help you avoid disputes with neighbors and make your yard more usable. Adding a fence to your home is one of the very ways to improve its market value, says Stringer Property Management.

How does a fence do all of these? Below are what homeowners say:

"First off, it enhances curb appeal, making the home look more attractive and well-maintained. It also increases security by marking property boundaries and deterring unwanted visitors, which is a big plus for potential buyers. Privacy is another significant benefit, especially in urban or suburban areas where houses are close together. Families with pets or young children often see a fenced yard as a must-have for safety reasons. However, the material and condition of the fence play a crucial role. A well-crafted, sturdy fence made of quality materials like wood or metal adds more value than a poorly maintained or cheaply made barrier."
- John Cammidge, Handyman John

"Fences added monetary value to the property, reflected in the sale price. For its intended purpose, the right type of fence must also be attractive and color-coordinated with the structures on the property. If you are putting up a fence to keep a small dog in, you have more choices than a fence that keeps a horse from leaning over it to eat the grass on the other side. As long as you choose a fence that will hold up and is attractive on your property, the fence will increase the value of your home."
- Michael McCune, Content Creator, Mike's Mountain Adventures

1. Safety and security

These are the most obvious reasons to add a fence to your home. The fence does not need to be high or sturdy to act as a deterrent to intruders. Even a low fence will make a burglar think twice before approaching your home. Having a fence around your home will also make it more secure. Home buyers with small children or pets will feel more comfortable with a perimeter fence around the property.

2. Privacy

By providing a secluded space that is safe from the prying eyes of passersby and nosey neighbors, a privacy fence will let you get more out of your yard. These fences do not have to go around the entire perimeter; they need to hide some areas of your home from the view of outsiders. Privacy fences are a huge attraction for buyers who like to entertain or spend more time outdoors.

3. Enhanced curb appeal

Some fences serve a practical purpose, while others perform an aesthetic goal. For instance, a wrought iron or picket fence will not improve the privacy of your home. But these types of fences will boost the value of your home because of the ambience they create around the property. If you combine them well with your landscaping, these types of fences will radically improve your curb appeal.

4. Clearly-defined boundaries

A fence helps to prevent accidental or intentional trespassing. If you have had past trouble with neighbors about the boundaries of your land, adding a fence around the property can help you avoid future conflicts. You may also install a privacy fence at the back of your home if there are unappealing scenes you want to hide from view.

5. Weed control

If your home borders a forest or natural grassland, a fence can limit the encroachment of weeds into your property. That also works if your neighbor doesn’t maintain their yard; a privacy fence will restrain weed transfer from the neighbor’s property. With a fence, you can maintain your yard in good condition, despite what is happening to your neighbor’s lawn.

If your goal is to improve your home’s curb appeal and market value, what kind of fence should you add to the property?

Wood is the number one fencing option for homeowners. It is a great choice for decorative and privacy fencing. One of the top benefits of wood fences is how they complement the landscaping. Wood is available in several varieties and at different price points. If well-maintained, a wood fence can last up to 20 years. Expect to recoup 50% of your investment when you install a wood fence.

The best thing about metal fences is the range of available designs. Metal fences can be used for security or to add visual appeal to your home, but they do not work well as privacy fencing. They add an air of sophistication to your home. The durability of a metal fence depends on the type of metal - wrought iron or aluminum. Metal fences typically last 25 - 30 years. 

C. Vinyl fence

Vinyl fences have become hugely popular; in the last two decades, they have seen massive adoption because of the modern vibes they add to a home. Vinyl fences are a favorite because of their lower cost and versatility. These don’t need a lot of maintenance like wood or wrought iron fences. Moreover, they can be adapted to fit any style of home. 

D. Masonry fence

If you are looking to radically improve the value of your home, a masonry fence is the way to go. Masonry fences are made from concrete, stone, brick or stucco and are the longest-lasting fences. They require little to no maintenance since they are almost completely resistant to weather and pests. But they cost a lot of money, and installing them takes time.

What kind of fence is best for your home? A lot depends on the characteristics of your neighborhood. When installing a fence you want it to improve the appearance of your home without diminishing the overall appeal of your neighborhood. Keep this in mind when choosing a fence.