Although we’ve experienced a few spectacular storms of late, the recent drought is still clearly etched in our memories and much of South Africa continues to face water scarcity and unpredictable rainfall patterns. Add to that sharply rising utility costs and it’s easy to understand why many home buyers are shifting their priorities when it comes to gardens and they're looking at outdoor spaces through a very different lens.
“Instead, smart, thoughtful and sustainable landscaping is emerging as a significant value booster, especially among eco-conscious buyers, busy professionals and expats seeking low-maintenance living with gardens that require far less time and water to look beautiful.”
Enter eco-smart selling, where features like indigenous gardens, rainwater tanks and greywater systems do more than conserve resources; they actively increase your home’s market appeal.
“Water restrictions, municipal price hikes and the memory of Cape Town’s 2018 “Day Zero” crisis have made water-wise living not just desirable, but essential and buyers are increasingly aware of how landscaping choices affect both their carbon footprint and their long-term costs.
“The fact of the matter is that when you sell your home these days, showcasing environmentally responsible outdoor design can set your home apart, especially in a competitive market. For many, a sustainable garden is no longer a niche preference, it signifies a well-maintained, future-proof property.”
By integrating indigenous planting, water-saving technology and smart design, you create an outdoor space that not only looks great but also tells a compelling story - one of thoughtful ownership, resilience, and long-term liveability.
There are numerous viable options to consider in this regard, but according to McKirby, there are three key features make the best eco-sense when it comes to outdoor water savvy:
1. Indigenous Gardens
An indigenous garden is made up of plants native to the region, like aloes, Cape honeysuckle (Tecomaria capensis), wild garlic (Tulbaghia violacea), and spekboom (Portulacaria afra). These plants are naturally adapted to local climate and soil conditions, making them more drought-tolerant and less reliant on fertilisers or pesticides.
They generally have lower water and maintenance needs and support pollinators like birds, butterflies and bees, which is an eco-friendly bonus.
Tips for showcasing:
- Label key plants with attractive, weatherproof signage to educate visitors during open homes.
- Include your indigenous garden in listing photos, especially when in bloom.
- Create a simple brochure or handout outlining the plant species and their environmental benefits - this resonates strongly with eco-minded buyers.
2. Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater tanks were once seen as optional extras, but in today’s climate, they’re increasingly considered essential. Capturing rain from your roof reduces reliance on municipal water for gardens, toilets and even laundry, thereby saving money and helping the environment.
When it comes to selling a home, this feature shows buyers forward thinking and off-grid potential as well as lower utility costs which is always appealing, especially for long-term investors.
Tips for showcasing:
- Clean and maintain your tank before listing. A well-kept tank looks professional, while a dirty or unused one may appear neglected and make potential buyers wonder about the level of maintenance in general.
- Position your tank in a discreet but accessible location—hidden behind screening or painted to blend into the garden.
- Include stats in your marketing: tank size, average annual rainfall in your area and how much water can be saved.
3. Greywater systems
Greywater systems repurpose lightly used water from baths, showers and washing machines to irrigate the garden. This efficient reuse of water is not only environmentally friendly, it also signals to buyers that your home is part of a sustainable solution - one that reduces water bills and increases garden health.
Tips for showcasing:
- Ensure the system is clearly explained - many buyers are unfamiliar but intrigued.
- Provide a small info sheet or link to an explainer video during viewings.
- Emphasise the low-maintenance nature of the system, particularly for busy or absentee buyers.
McKirby cautions that even the most efficient system won’t add value if buyers don’t understand or notice it’s installed on your property, so it’s essential to ensure that your sustainable upgrades get the recognition they deserve:
Highlight it in your listing description: Use phrases like “low-maintenance indigenous garden,” “eco-conscious design,” or “fully integrated rainwater system” to catch attention online. Make sure your agent understands the appeal.
Use visuals to tell the story: Professional photos and short videos showing your rainwater tank, lush native plants, or greywater irrigation can demonstrate the home’s sustainability in action.
Include cost and maintenance info: Provide a simple one-page breakdown showing how much water is saved annually or how little upkeep is required. This helps turn a “nice feature” into a quantifiable value-add.
Partner with the right agent: Not all estate agents are well-versed in sustainability. Choose one who understands how to market eco-conscious homes to the right audience, including international buyers.
In a country where water scarcity, high utility bills and climate challenges are a reality and part of daily life, turning your outdoor space into an eco-smart showcase isn’t just a good idea, it’s a strategic move.
“By presenting your home as environmentally responsible and cost-effective, you’ll not only stand out in the marketplace, you’ll also attract a new generation of buyers - those who care about the planet, about long-term value and about living with purpose,” says McKirby.
Selling a home can be challenging, but avoiding common pitfalls can make a big difference, says Kim Peacock of RE/MAX. Her key advice includes:
-
Don’t wait for the “perfect time” – Market timing is unpredictable; focus on showcasing your home at its best now.
-
Choose the right agent – Skilled agents provide marketing reach, negotiation expertise, and ensure safety during viewings.
-
Avoid overpricing – Use market-related data to set a competitive price and attract serious buyers.
-
Presentation matters – Simple touches like fresh paint, decluttered spaces, and greenery can make a strong impression.
-
Legal compliance – Ensure building plans, title deeds, and extensions are in order to prevent delays.
-
Safety during viewings – Agents pre-qualify buyers and supervise showings to reduce risk.
As Peacock emphasises: “The right strategy, price, and partner equals the fastest path to a successful sale.”
Want all the latest property news and curated hot property listings sent directly to your inbox? Register for Property24’s Hot Properties, Lifestyle and Weekly Property Trends newsletters or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
