By Joseph Wong

In many Malaysian landed homes, there is a small and often overlooked slice of potential waiting just outside the back door. Tucked behind the house, a typical 5ft by 20ft strip of land, commonly referred to as the backyard or rear setback is frequently dismissed as dead space. Left to nature’s devices, these narrow stretches become overgrown with weeds, serve as accidental dumping grounds or are hastily cemented over to avoid maintenance.

But as urban living becomes more compact and property values continue to rise, a few homeowners are starting to realise that even the smallest parcel of land counts. With a little creativity and planning, this neglected backyard space can be transformed into a functional, aesthetic and value-boosting extension of the home.

Part of the problem lies in perception. These narrow back lanes are rarely accessible from the front of the house and many property owners see them as more trouble than they are worth. The tropical climate makes maintenance a hassle with regular trimming, cleaning or pest control required. But with the right vision, these tiny strips of land can offer utility, beauty and even serenity. And more importantly, they present an affordable way to upgrade your home without purchasing more property.

A private retreat 

Imagine having your own private sanctuary just steps away from the kitchen. By adding timber decking or eco-friendly composite flooring, installing a weatherproof awning or pergola and placing a few comfy outdoor chairs or a hammock, the space can be transformed into a serene patio perfect for evening tea or quiet reading. Add in some solar lighting and creeping vines and that empty eyesore can easily be transformed into a charming hideaway that adds lifestyle value. Maintenance can be kept at a minimum as well since the timber decking or composite flooring will prevent the growth of unwanted weeds. And by selecting fruit bearing plants like passion fruit, owners can even enjoy the tangy delight as an additional treat.

Herb wall and vegetable patch

With the rising cost of fresh produce and a growing interest in self-sustainability, backyard gardening is seeing a revival. The narrow backyard strip can be turned into a productive herb or vegetable garden especially for those with the proverbial green thumbs. Vertical planters or wall-mounted grow systems can maximise vertical space, ideal for growing chilies, lemongrass, mint or even tomatoes.

Raised garden beds or repurposed containers make for low-maintenance solutions. And with the area getting ample light and rain, it is an ideal micro-farm for the home chef. 

Tropical courtyard garden

Landscaped courtyard gardens, even if they are tiny ones, are beginning to take root especially with so many online garden enthusiasts offering free advice on social media platforms. Not to mention, when neighbours peek over the wall to see how their counterpart’s tiny strip has turned into a mini tropical paradise would make one envious and trigger the Keeping up with the Joneses effect. 

With the clever use of bamboo, ferns and water features, a backyard can become a visual focal point from within the house. Floor-to-ceiling windows or sliding doors that open into the mini courtyard can enhance natural light and improve cross-ventilation while giving the illusion of a bigger indoor space.

Boosting property value

While many households tend to just extend the wet kitchen, turning these strips of open spaces into a lifestyle enhancement or well-utilised backyard can directly increase a property's market value. Moreover, wet kitchen extensions with additional fixtures or enclosed spaces may require approval from local councils or management bodies which may cause unnecessary setbacks or worse fines and the cost of dismantling the extension. 

Unless there are structural additions while transforming the backyard into something functional, it is unlikely that councils and management bodies will intervene although it is always a good idea to seek consent to avoid any untoward reactions.

While the monetary value may not be a significant increase, the aesthetic and intrinsic value resulting from the backyard transformation may be the trigger for a buyer to decide to buy or reject the home. It can also position the buyer to view the asking price as more reasonable or justified.

Today’s buyers, especially the younger generation who are influenced by social media, are increasingly looking for homes with thoughtful layouts, indoor-outdoor integration and additional usable space. According to many property agents and negotiators, homes with functional outdoor zones are seen as more desirable, especially post-pandemic when people have grown accustomed to staying in.

A backyard, even a tiny one, that has been landscaped, renovated or adapted for additional use can easily stand out in the market. It may not drastically increase square footage but it communicates that the home is well-maintained, customisable and maximises every inch of usable areas.

As homeowners grow more environmentally conscious, backyard upgrades also offer the chance to go green such as the installation of a rainwater harvesting system, addition of a compost bin or the usage of solar garden lights and motion-sensor bulbs to reduce energy use. Plus, green spaces help lower the ambient temperature and provide refuge for local birds and butterflies.

Every sq ft counts

In a time when space is at a premium and costs of upgrading are high, small smart changes can go a long way. That strip of land at the back of your house is not just a nuisance to be paved over, it is an opportunity. Maximising unutilised spaces is about rethinking the way we live. It is about sustainability, creativity and adding value, both in lifestyle and investment terms. So the next time while looking out at the back door, don’t just see weeds and walls. See possibilities.

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