In a state where outdoor living isn’t just a lifestyle choice but practically a necessity, a well-designed patio is one of the smartest investments you can make in your property. Real estate agents across Perth consistently tell us that a quality outdoor entertaining area is among the top three features buyers look for — alongside a modern kitchen and updated bathrooms.
But how much value does a patio actually add? And how do you maximise your return? Here’s what we’ve learned from building patios across the Perth Hills and Swan Valley for over 15 years.
The Numbers: What a Patio Is Worth
Industry data from the Real Estate Institute of WA suggests that a quality outdoor entertaining area can add between 5% and 12% to your property’s value, depending on the size, quality, and how well it integrates with the home.
For a home valued at $600,000 in suburbs like Darlington, Helena Valley, or Henley Brook, that’s a potential increase of $30,000 to $72,000. When a well-designed patio typically costs between $8,000 and $25,000 to build, the return on investment is compelling.
A customer in Kalamunda told us their real estate agent valued their property $45,000 higher after we installed a 6x8m gable patio with integrated lighting and a ceiling fan. Their total build cost was around $14,000.
What Buyers Actually Want
Not all patios are created equal when it comes to adding value. Based on what we see selling well across the Perth market, here’s what makes the biggest impact:
Generous size. A patio needs to comfortably fit a dining table for six to eight people plus room to move. That typically means a minimum of 5x4m, though 6x5m or larger is ideal. We frequently build 6x4m and 8x5m patios for customers in Midland, Glen Forrest, and Parkerville.
Seamless connection to the house. The best patios feel like an extension of your indoor living space. A flat roof or gable patio attached to the rear of the home with wide sliding door access scores much higher with buyers than a freestanding structure out in the yard.
Quality materials and finish. A Colorbond patio with quality guttering, downpipes, and clean finishing details signals to buyers that the whole property has been cared for. We always colour-match the patio to the home’s existing roofline — our customers in Mundaring and Stoneville often request Colorbond Woodland Grey or Basalt to complement the bushland setting.
Lighting is the single easiest way to elevate a patio from “nice” to “wow.” We always recommend at least downlights in the ceiling and one or two outdoor-rated power points. A customer in Ellenbrook added LED strip lighting along the perimeter of their patio ceiling and it completely transformed the space for evening entertaining.
Patio Styles That Add the Most Value
Gable patios tend to add the most value because of their visual impact. The pitched roofline creates a sense of volume and lets hot air rise away from the living area, making them more comfortable in summer. We’ve built stunning gable patios for homes in Helena Valley, Darlington, and The Vines that genuinely transformed the properties.
Flat roof patios are the more affordable option and work beautifully on modern homes. They’re particularly popular in newer estates like Ellenbrook, Henley Brook, and Brabham where the contemporary home designs suit a clean, minimalist patio line.
Don’t Forget Carports
While not as glamorous as an entertaining patio, a well-built carport also adds meaningful value — especially in areas where street parking is tight or where summer sun damage to vehicles is a genuine concern. We’ve built gable and skillion carports across Midland, Middle Swan, Guildford, and throughout the hills that provide essential vehicle protection and improve street appeal.
Getting the Best Return
Our advice after 15 years of patio construction across Western Australia: invest in quality over quantity. A smaller, well-built patio using proper Colorbond steel and professional installation will add more value than a larger, cheaper structure that shows its age within a few years.
We offer free on-site consultations and CAD design so you can see exactly how your patio will look before we start. Whether you’re in Mundaring or Bullsbrook, Parkerville or Midland — we’d love to show you what’s possible.