Make Your Outdoor Space a Selling Point on Cape Cod

Photo by Mike Crane Photography, Architecture by Hutker Architects 

When preparing your Cape Cod home for sale, the kitchen and bathrooms tend to take center stage. But increasingly, it’s the outdoor space that makes the most lasting impression on today’s buyers. In a market where lifestyle is everything, a thoughtfully designed and move-in-ready outdoor area can serve as a powerful selling feature and directly increase your home’s value.

In fact, outdoor upgrades in Cape Cod can deliver a return on investment ranging from 65% to 100%, depending on quality, materials, and how the space is presented.

Buyers shopping in towns like Falmouth, Dennis, Orleans, and Barnstable are drawn to homes that offer more than just square footage. They want places where they can relax, entertain, and enjoy coastal living from the moment they move in. A well-staged backyard or patio can make a home feel significantly more valuable, especially when it feels turnkey.

The tone of your outdoor space begins with the surfaces underfoot. Upgraded decking—whether in cedar, composite, or high-quality stained wood—immediately signals craftsmanship and care. Buyers notice the difference. And it pays off, often delivering up to 90% ROI, particularly when the flooring is well-maintained and seamlessly integrated into the rest of the home.

Lighting is another subtle but impactful element. 

A combination of soft overhead string lights, pathway markers, or concealed landscape lighting can transform your outdoor space from functional to atmospheric. It also helps define zones, guiding the eye and encouraging buyers to imagine how they might use the space.

Fire features—whether a gas fire pit, built-in fireplace wall, or even a portable chiminea—can add a sense of luxury and comfort. These upgrades tend to return 60% to 80% of their investment and serve as focal points that show up beautifully in photos and walkthroughs.

Simple staging choices make a difference.

Photo by Dan Cutrona, Architecture by A3 Architecture

All-weather seating, accent pillows, a durable outdoor rug, and a few planters can take your deck or patio from empty to inviting. It shows care, intention, and emotional appeal—three things buyers are always looking for.

Another key benefit of outdoor upgrades? They photograph extremely well. In a world where buyers start their home search online, well-composed images of a glowing backyard or warm firelit patio can give your listing a competitive edge.

Photo by Read McKendree, Architecture by LDa

For Cape Cod sellers, investing in outdoor space is about more than aesthetics. It’s about creating an experience buyers connect with. A home that feels welcoming both inside and out is one that commands stronger offers and sells more quickly.

If you’re getting ready to list your home and want to understand which improvements will provide the best return, the LaBarge Real Estate team can help. We know what Cape buyers are looking for—and how to help you highlight those features in a way that drives value.