Do you think developers should offer a rebate for landscaping?

A recent suggestion from Turf Australia president Anthony Muscat is for developers to offer a landscaping package or rebate to their home buyers. Is this something that you would look for?

Following the lead of large-scale developers Lend Lease, Peet and Newland Developers, who offer rebates for the inclusion of turf in their home developments, Muscat said that a high return on investment for the environment and as a purchase is the driving factor behind the inclusion of lawn.

Mirvac and Stockland are among those who encourage the installation of lawn.

While Property Observer has previously examined the questionable added value achievable by adding turf, the concept of a rebate may make the idea more attractive to home buyers.

“More people should be taking advantage of these landscaping rebates. The value of turf is starting to be reflected more in the home development and real estate industry – and rightly so, when you consider how much it gives back to the environment, not to mention the value it can add to your home,” Muscat said.

“The natural benefits of turf are exceptional – it helps reduce soil erosion; improves drainage assistance; helps reduce ambient noise, heat and pollution, including a reduction of the ‘heat island’ effect around built up urban areas. Turf also adds aesthetic value, quality of living and provides a great space for family."

According to the director of national landscaping company The Gardenmakers, David Bambridge, those who offer this rebate can save homebuyers 30% to 40% in landscaping fees.

"I’ve found that there is an increasing demand by consumers for well designed and installed turf and green spaces in larger developments - particularly in commercial and civil projects. This demand is also at a high level in medium and high-density residential projects that I’ve worked on,” Bambridge said.

Developers can minimise the price and the effort required, due to the nature of buying in bulk for lawn and turf, and the requirement of bringing in a landscaper individually.

Landscape NSW & ACT Association representative Joanne Auilina noted that they also encourage home and landscaping developers to incorporate appropriate lawns for the climate - something that individual home owners don't always consider.

“We’re seeing that more developers are recognising the wide range of landscaping benefits that turf offers and it’s becoming more of a front-of-mind consideration, especially with residential property developers. Landscapers at the LNA are strong advocates of the movement,” she said.

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