3 Things You Can Do to Your Backyard to Boost Your Home's Value by $10K or More

Remember when an open kitchen and spa-like bathrooms were the ultimate selling points for a home? Well, times have changed—and in 2024, it’s all about the backyard. Zillow has dubbed backyard upgrades the “new luxury for homebuyers” in a recent report, where they’re now featured in one out of every five listings. Naturally, this has to do with the fact that the pandemic forced us to rethink our outdoor spaces, transforming them into extensions of our homes. “Six of the top 10 features that help homes sell for more are outdoor features, signaling that the pandemic-era demand for functional outdoor space remains,” says Zillow’s Economic Research Scientist, Treh Manhertz.

So below, three features that will be sure to boost your home's ROI (and keep you lounging in luxury all summer long).

Fact: Outdoor TVs are a total game-changer for backyard entertainment. According to Zillow, homes with outdoor TVs can fetch a 3.1 percent higher sale price than expected, adding about $10,749 to the typical U.S. home's value. And these TVs aren’t just limited to ones you can mount on covered outdoor areas—there are new options cropping up that are designed to withstand various weather conditions, including materials that are water-resistant, anti-glare and temperature-regulated. Take it from the pop-up design featured above, which has evolved to accommodate open outdoor spaces. You can now disguise an outdoor TV as storage space on your patio or deck—and pair it with cozy seating and a fire pit. Perfect for hosting movie nights, watching sports, or just enjoying a Love Island marathon under the stars.

Outdoor showers are becoming increasingly popular, especially for homes near the beach or with pools. They offer a luxurious and convenient way to rinse off after a swim or a day in the sun, and Zillow’s data shows that homes with outdoor showers sell for 2.6 percent more than expected. And again, these are more than just ugly wooden shower huts that look like an outhouse. The latest iterations showcase high-end materials—like stainless steel, teak wood and natural stone—which are durable and weather-resistant. Add to that the fact that these outdoor showers can be integrated into your backyard with a privacy screen made of bamboo or lush greenery. The overall aesthetic is about creating a spa-like retreat that enhances the overall appeal of your home.

This year, we saw beverage stations reign supreme in the kitchen category—so it comes as no surprise that they’d be trending in the backyard. Whether it’s a built-in bar or a stylish outdoor fridge setup, Zillow’s research indicates that homes with beverage centers sell for 2.4 percent more. Again, these centers typically use materials like stainless steel and bluestone, a type of sandstone that’s rust-resistant and easy to clean, and weatherproof cabinetry. (On that note, bluestone patios can also raise ROI by 2.3 percent). The setup also involves a built-in counter with a mini-fridge, wine cooler and ample storage for barware. This addition not only makes it easy to host parties and get-togethers without constantly running inside for refreshments, but it can be custom-tailored to fit minimalist and eclectic design styles. 

Aside from the top three features mentioned above, the report found that other backyard enhancements—like bluestone patios, pizza ovens and she sheds—can also boost your home’s value. Naturally, these features are also trending because they cater to buyers' desires for functional, enjoyable outdoor living spaces. While bluestone patios offer a durable and sleek foundation for outdoor areas, pizza ovens add a unique, social cooking element. And of course, she sheds (which are basically the new man cave) can provide a cozy personal retreat when you need a minute. As Manhertz explains, "Homeowners are rethinking how their outdoor space could serve as an extension of their home," reflecting a shift towards versatile, comfortable designs that make entertaining a dream.