How Playground Infrastructure Helps Improve Real Estate Sales

Real estate is never predictable. A once sought-after community may lose its gleam after a few years when another shiny development arises nearby. A school’s subpar testing scores may drive families out of the neighborhood, leading to a surplus of homes. Or the fluctuating mortgage rates can either ramp up or lessen the demand as well. 

Improving landscape, decluttering and staging, investing in high-quality photography, and monitoring similarly priced listings are all ways to improve real estate sales. But no matter the lengths you go to, there will always be some volatility within the market. 

Luring potential homebuyers with attractive amenities is one way to drive sales and create differentiation within the market. Playgrounds are a relatively straightforward addition to a community that can improve sales. Keep reading to learn how an outdoor play space can accelerate and boost real estate sales.  

Attract Key Homebuyers

If you’re a real estate developer or commercial real estate agent, building a playground may seem like a bonus instead of a primary feature. You may be putting off the new community’s outdoor areas until more homes are built and sold. However, playgrounds can serve as a great marketing tool for prospecting — attracting key homebuyers that fit within your intended demographic. 

Families are consistently one of the top demographic profiles for real estate agents because they drive demand, leading to steady population growth and property value appreciation. They also become investment hotspots, as areas for kids become long-term investment properties. Infrastructures surrounding the community, like grocery stores, pharmacies, and daycare centers, will boom when families are present. 

That said, the challenge for many real estate developers is getting families to their properties. A modern, well-designed outdoor playground can entice families to check out your new community. Playgrounds are a top amenity for many families, and even an up-and-coming part of town that prioritizes outdoor spaces for children can have a leg up on well-established parts of town. 

If a real estate agent knows about a new townhome or condominium community that includes a playground, they may be more inclined to show it to a family — even if some of the community’s other features don’t perfectly match the family’s preferences. The family may be willing to put some of their other preferences aside, such as home or lot size, if a community playground is present. Even so, increased foot traffic can lead to more property sales and eventually a thriving community of families. 

Increase Neighborhood Appeal and Property Values

A well-maintained, up-to-date outdoor play space with commercial playground equipment attracts more than children. These types of dedicated play areas attract family homebuyers seeking safe, strong communities. A playground is a visual representation that the neighborhood is welcoming to kids, showing potential homebuyers that this area is family-friendly. Moreover, a playground can help foster community ties, making it easier for new families and their kids to adapt to their new home. 

With this, playgrounds are also known to increase property values. Home prices can increase as much as 8 to 20% when a playground, outdoor park, or similar vicinity is nearby. Why? To start, families can expect an increased quality of life when green spaces are within proximity. Children will have the opportunity to meet up with their peers and engage in physical activity, without the need for parents to drive them. This added convenience factor is another advantage to neighborhood outdoor spaces. 

Lastly, parks and playgrounds are much prettier to look at than an empty lot or another row of homes. Communities that carve out dedicated space for outdoor recreation can enhance a neighborhood’s overall curb appeal. Residents will feel like they have an expanded living space, one that goes beyond their own four walls and lot and extends into the shared community area. 

Invest in Well-Being 

Finally, a neighborhood playground is an investment in residents’ well-being. Playgrounds and outdoor play spaces are designed to improve children’s physical, mental, and social health. These types of spaces are seen as vital parts of a community, a “third space” that brings together residents regularly. 

Well-being may not be top of mind for real estate developers, but it should be in today’s market. Developers can attract discerning buyers who place high value on their own livelihood as well as their children’s overall wellness. Playgrounds are breeding grounds for building social ties, while also promoting physical fitness and cognitive development. And outdoor spaces in general can lead to healthier, happier residents who spend quality time together. 

Homebuyers are seeking developments that prioritize all aspects of wellness. In addition to playgrounds, buyers are looking for residential areas with swimming pools, gyms, community centers, saunas, and yoga or meditation rooms. Once deemed luxury additions, these wellness-focused amenities are becoming more and more mainstream for new buildings and neighborhoods. That said, playgrounds are one of the easiest additions that can have an immediate return on investment. 

As community hubs, playgrounds can foster organic friendships and create a sense of community pride and belonging. Residents become invested in the playground, volunteering to plant flowers around the park’s perimeter or choosing to host their kid’s birthday party there instead of elsewhere. Keeping families engaged and happy can lead to strong community developments, increase neighborhood cohesion, and generate demand for the housing market.