How Outdoor Lighting Increases Your Home’s Value
Why strategic lighting is one of the smartest upgrades for curb appeal, security, and resale potential
Outdoor lighting often falls low on a homeowner’s upgrade priority list—until it’s experienced firsthand. But if you’re thinking about long-term property value, this is one investment you shouldn’t overlook.
Whether you're planning to sell in the next few years or just want to make smart, lasting upgrades, professional outdoor lighting is one of the most impactful ways to increase your home’s value and desirability.
Real Estate Trends Say Lighting Adds Curb Appeal—and Value
According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 90% of homebuyers rank exterior lighting as either “essential” or “desirable.” It’s consistently listed as one of the top features buyers look for in a home—especially in higher-end markets like Northern Colorado.
In fact, a 2023 Forbes article highlighted outdoor lighting as one of the most in-demand exterior upgrades for today’s homeowners. As design trends shift toward lifestyle-focused, outdoor living environments, lighting plays a central role in shaping the experience—and the impression it leaves.
A well-lit property doesn’t just look better in photos or in person. It suggests care, quality, and pride of ownership—three things that increase perceived value in a competitive market.
Top Ways Outdoor Lighting Adds to Your Home’s Market Value
1. Enhanced Curb Appeal, Day and Night
Professional landscape lighting highlights architectural features, mature trees, textures, and entryways—elements that make a home feel refined and memorable. This becomes especially important during evening showings or real estate photography.
Buyers form impressions within seconds. A beautifully lit walkway or warm glow across stonework gives your home a “finished” feel that sets it apart.
2. Increased Safety and Security
Motion-activated lighting, illuminated paths, and well-lit entry points help reduce accidents and deter intruders—key selling points for families or security-conscious buyers. According to Realtor.com, homes with effective security lighting may see a 1–3% bump in market value, depending on the area.
And in regions like ours—where snowy winters and long evenings are the norm—effective lighting isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a functional asset.
3. Extended Outdoor Living and Lifestyle Appeal
Modern buyers are drawn to homes that blur the line between indoor and outdoor living. Decks, patios, and backyards become much more usable (and appealing) with the right lighting.
A well-lit fire pit, ambient string lighting, or moonlighting over a seating area helps prospective buyers imagine themselves living there—hosting, relaxing, and enjoying their investment.
Think Beyond DIY: Why Professional Lighting Makes the Difference
Off-the-shelf solar lights and budget floodlights rarely add lasting value. In fact, they can detract from your home’s look if poorly installed or mismatched.
High-quality fixtures, professional placement, and a design strategy that considers viewing angles, color temperature, and focal points create lighting that adds value—not just visibility. Systems like those we install at Lindquist Outdoor Lighting are built to last, designed to evolve, and backed by service you can trust.
The Bottom Line: Lighting Is a Long-Term Investment
Outdoor lighting is one of the few exterior upgrades that supports beauty, safety, and value all at once. It helps your home stand out in the short term—and increases its resale potential down the road.
Whether you plan to sell in five months or five years, the value of smart, well-executed lighting is undeniable. And in today’s competitive market, it could be what tips the scales in your favor.
Want to see how outdoor lighting could increase your home’s value?
Let’s walk your property together and design a system that enhances curb appeal, security, and lifestyle. Schedule your consultation with Lindquist Outdoor Lighting today.
