High-quality commercial landscaping has been shown to contribute to 7–12% higher commercial rent premiums. And that’s before counting the benefits of lower maintenance costs, energy savings, reduced vacancy rates and more efficient water usage.
In fact, curb appeal and well-integrated green space matter more than many building owners, developers and facility managers realise.
Landscaping also matters for commercial tenants and office workers, with studies showing measurable benefits across the board.
Let’s look at how you can find the right commercial landscaper to capitalise on all these opportunities and add value to your commercial property.
Curb Appeal Drives Market Appeal
First impressions matter. Before a client, tenant, buyer, or visitor enters your building, they have already formed an opinion based on the exterior.
Strong commercial landscaping improves:
- Street appeal and entry statements
- Pedestrian flow and access
- Shade and comfort
- Outdoor presentation
- The connection between the building and its surroundings
A well-designed landscape creates a professional, cared-for appearance that helps a building stand out in a competitive market. This matters for all commercial property types: offices, retail centres, medical suites, industrial sites, mixed-use developments and strata properties. A neglected frontage can make even a modern building feel poorly maintained.
Better Landscapes Attract Better Tenants
Businesses want properties that reflect their own standards. Premium tenants are often willing to pay more for properties that present well and create a better experience for staff and customers.
This is especially important in Perth, where outdoor areas are used year-round. Offices, retail centres, medical facilities and mixed-use developments all benefit from quality outdoor spaces.
The Financial Benefits of Commercial Landscaping
Landscaping can Increase Property Value
Landscaping’s contribution to perceived property value is well-studied both in Australia and globally.
Here are some statistics that paint a clear picture of commercial landscaping’s ROI:
- US researchers found 7% higher rental rates for commercial offices with quality landscaping.
- Retailers in areas with leafy trees and natural landscapes enjoy 15–20% more sales than those in simple streetscapes.
- UWA researchers found that the humble street tree increased median house prices by almost $17,000 in 2013 (about $23,000 today), suggesting a similar benefit for commercial properties.
- The Building Better Returns report found that 5-star NABERS energy-rated office buildings achieved a 9% value premium, increasing to 12% for Green Star-rated buildings.
- Office workers are happier and more productive when they can interact with nature during the workday.
Bottom line? Commercial landscaping in Perth is a valuable asset – for everyone, but especially owners and landlords.
Improved Occupancy and Tenant Retention
Vacancy and tenant turnover are expensive. Landscaped commercial properties often retain tenants more effectively because the site feels cared for and functional.
Outdoor seating, shaded walkways, planting and clean common areas all improve the day-to-day experience of a property. These details influence how tenants and staff feel about the space and their likelihood to sign a lease extension.
In Perth’s commercial property market, where vacancy rates recently climbed to 17%, a modest investment in commercial landscaping can pay dividends for years in the form of long-term tenants.
Functional Value Beyond Appearance
Shade and Energy Efficiency
Perth summers put pressure on commercial buildings and outdoor areas. Strategic tree planting and shade structures help reduce heat around buildings, car parks and pedestrian zones.
This can make outdoor areas more usable while reducing cooling pressure in surrounding spaces.
Outdoor Spaces Add Practical Amenity
Outdoor environments are now an important part of commercial property design. Landscaped breakout spaces, courtyards and shaded seating areas give staff and visitors more usable space beyond the building footprint.
In practical terms, it means thinking about how people use the space throughout the day, not just to enter and leave the building. Creating welcoming, shaded, well-equipped outdoor environments gives people space for meetings, coffee breaks, lunch or simply a breath of fresh air during a busy day.
Waterwise Landscaping Reduces Long-Term Costs
Water-efficient landscaping is essential in WA. Our limited resources call for smart irrigation and climate-appropriate native plants to help reduce water use.
This has the added benefit of easing maintenance requirements and bringing down water bills for businesses.
Waterwise landscaping incorporates a range of smart and sustainable ideas:
- Efficient reticulation systems
- Climate-appropriate plant selection
- Low-maintenance materials
- Mulching and soil improvement
These choices help commercial landscapes stay healthy through Perth’s harsh summers while reducing ongoing management costs.
Safety and Compliance Matter
Professional landscaping also protects long-term property value by reducing risk.
A capable landscaping company considers:
- Clear pedestrian access
- Safe sightlines near entries and driveways
- Drainage and stormwater flow
- Tree root management near paving
- Lighting coordination
- Maintenance access
Overgrown planting, uneven paving and poor drainage can quickly become safety issues. Well-planned commercial landscaping in Perth projects continues to be safe as the landscape matures.
Should You Work With a Local Perth Commercial Landscaper or a National Company?
Perth’s climate creates unique landscaping challenges. Hot summers, sandy soils and water restrictions all affect how landscapes come together, and how they perform over time.
Everything from the initial landscape design to plant and material selection, earthmoving, construction and irrigation must be carefully considered to meet the site’s requirements.
This is where the local knowledge of an experienced commercial landscaper in Perth is indispensable.
Integrated Design and Construction
Large-scale landscaping projects require strong coordination between design and construction. Waterwise Landscaping follows an integrated Design and Construct approach in commercial landscaping projects.
One experienced team manages the project from concept through to completion.
This streamlines communication, reduces delays and ensures the finished landscape reflects the original design intent.
Commercial Landscaping Is an Investment in Long-Term Value
Your property’s exterior is the face of your investment. A well-designed landscape shows tenants, buyers and visitors that the property is maintained, functional and built for long-term performance.
But high-quality commercial landscaping improves more than appearance. It translates to stronger property values, better rental performance, improved tenant retention and lower long-term maintenance costs.
See What’s Possible in Perth Commercial Landscaping
Waterwise Landscaping has delivered commercial landscape projects across Perth and regional WA since 2007. From mixed-use developments to commercial precincts and estate landscaping, our portfolio demonstrates what thoughtful and sustainable landscaping can achieve.
You can explore our gallery for inspiration or get in touch to learn about our integrated design-and-build commercial landscaping services.
Looking to enhance your commercial property? Partner with Waterwise Landscaping, a trusted commercial landscaper, to create a space that adds real value. Contact us today for a free quote.