A new survey by TurfMutt Foundation found that 76% of Americans rate a spacious yard as the most important part of their home. The survey also discovered that 72% would put it at the top of their wish lists when shopping for a new home.
The pandemic has had an enormous impact on the way we live and socialize. The home has become our fortress and prospective home buyers are changing their needs list to support a lifestyle that centres around the home. 24% of homeowners surveyed said they were spending more time outdoors now than they had before the pandemic.
“What we are seeing with Americans is greater reliance on the backyard as an extension of the home. It’s not just a place that looks pretty—it’s a place to live and do daily activities such as working, dining, and relaxing,” says Kris Kiser told Builder Online. “They’ve discovered that ‘backyarding’ is a better way to live, and there’s no turning back.”
Another phenomenon is the yard office space. As more Americans work from home on a part-time or full-time basis, many are using their yards as an alternative office space. 58% of respondents said they used their yards as office spaces when the weather allowed.
84% of homeowners who have yards plan to invest in these spaces in 2022. Of those, 67% plan to invest in plants, 39% will work on their lawns, and 23% will do some hard landscaping. 19% are putting up a fence, 15% are buying a shed and 10% are installing a pool.