Do Bird Houses Raise Property Values?

Will a bird house raise the value of my property?

No. A bird house by itself is not a single item that is significant enough to raise the value of a home or any other type of real estate. No matter how expensive the bird structure is, it will not raise the value of any kind of property, commercial or residential. Although any type of bird structure that protects or feeds wildlife is nice-to-have, they do not do well for helping a property sell faster or for more money. Regardless of their advantages, they would not offer enough value or benefit that would raise property values to the extent that it could be used as a marketable pitch when selling the property.

Albeit, a small wooden structure that acts as a home for birds would probably not be the tipping point for selling a property, but when it's part of a larger effort to remodel your outdoor landscape, a colorful bird structure might be something to consider anyway. Consider what people see when they first walk up to your home. It should be a healthy green lawn, some rockscaping, a few custom lights, some bright flowers, and yes, a bird house! According to Amelia Island, there are 10 inexpensive extras that will add value to your home. First on the list.. DIY Yard Makeover»

Notable Exceptions:

There are some notable birdhouse projects that some might think go far beyond that of a realistic or acceptable addition to a home...

• Extreme Projects - Extreme birdhouse projects can take a property to the next level instead of just offering birds a place to live. One notable project worth mentioning is a particular birdhouse valued at $23,000, measuring 99" X 72" X 44" and 1093 pounds!
• Mellenthin Designs - William Mellenthin built his first home in Los Angeles in 1923. After the Great Depression, his business suffered but grew substantially following WWII. With his unique, yet conservative ranch-style homes, he specialized in a particular model known as the "Birdhouse Design" that featured an integral birdhouse structure built during the regular construction process. The birdhouse section was built into the roof of the house, accompanied by a finial on the very top. He built several variations of the Birdhouse Design homes, including the 3-Hole Cupola, 4-Hole Dovecote, and bird holes cut into the front facade of the homes. Mellenthin popularized his iconic Birdhouse Design throughout the San Fernando Valley in the 1950s when his homes sold for $25,000-$30,000, and today, they can go for a million dollars. Mellenthin's legacy of architecture are is being carried on today by Mellenthin's son, Mike, who continues as an engineer and builder.

Conclusion

Some might argue that a project to this extreme might raise the value of the property that it sits on. But it would actually depend on the potential house buyer, and since every house buyer has a different personality, we can only assume that it's really just a decision of preference. There's no evidence based on studies that conclusively proves that even the most extravagant and expensive bird house project would raise the value of a home property. Next, read our article on Mounting Birdhouses»