Would you go into debt over a backyard reno? That’s the question homeowners ask themselves every summer, and according to a summer 2025 Zillow survey, conducted in partnership with Thumbtack, 71 percent of homeowners would consider it. “That stat may sound surprising, but it actually aligns with the shifting priorities we’ve seen over the past few years,” says Morgan Olsen, the interior design expert at Thumbtack.
Not much has changed ahead of the 2026 summer season, as Zillow recently shared a list of backyard upgrades driving higher-than-listed sale prices and increased saves across its platform. The data is clear: in a year of surging costs, backyards are increasingly the place where more and more homeowners want to spend their time—and their money.
Below, I’m diving into what upgrades Zillow recently identified as the most desirable, plus sharing tips on where you can save money and still get the backyard of your dreams.
The Must-Have Backyard Upgrades
According to Zillow’s data, pools—both saltwater and plunging, pergolas, outdoor showers, fire pits, and garden greenhouses were highlighted as some of the most desirable backyard features, along with outdoor kitchens, prettied-up fences, and tree houses. “When we look at what makes buyers stop scrolling and save a listing, homes with treehouses top the list with nearly 15% more daily views and saves,” says Amanda Pendleton, Zillow’s home trends expert. “It immediately signals a home is fun and family-friendly, and it reminds us that backyards aren't just about resale value. They're about the lifestyle a home promises.”
How to Get the Look for Less
While 71 percent of homeowners would consider going into debt over these upgrades, you certainly don’t have to. “Not every backyard upgrade has to be a major renovation,” says Amanda. Cost-effective alternatives can be just as stylish without the specter of looming debt. “Small touches that create an atmosphere, a place to gather, or a space to unwind really resonate with today's buyers,” she says.
Fire Pits
While fire pits can be expensive, you definitely don’t need a top-of-the-line one to make a cozy hang spot worthy of campfire songs and s’mores nights. Low-cost options at your local home improvement store start around $50. Pair your pit with Adirondack chairs for a timeless look but don’t shy away from simple log stools in order to save even more.
RELATED: Our Best Fire Pit Ideas to Upgrade Your Summer Fun
Outdoor Kitchens
Don’t have the space for a major outdoor kitchen install? Don’t worry! Transform your existing kitchen into an outdoor-friendly space with a simple pass-through window. All you need to do is install an outdoor-grade countertop and pull a set of bar stools—then you’ll be ready to host backyard parties all season long.
Outdoor Shower
Yes, you can have an outdoor shower even if your home isn’t steps from the beach. There’s no need for costly contractor work installing tile, either. Opt instead for a budget-friendly salvaged tub that does double duty as a plunge pool. Slight cosmetic upgrades to vintage claw-foot tubs, like tackling rust stains, can easily be accomplished with a good rust remover. For DIY exterior paint jobs, an exterior-grade paint in a satin finish is preferred, and be sure to seal with an anti-rust clear coat before use. If your tub needs a complete overhaul, though, you’ll want to seek out experienced tub refinishers in your area.
RELATED: Upgrade Your Summer with These Outdoor Shower Ideas
Garden Greenhouses
An upgraded garden can mean the difference in being perceived as the neighborhood’s own Monty Don or flagrant HOA-violator, and let’s be real: everyone wants a dreamy British-style greenhouse these days. And, for good reason. They’re endlessly stylish and bring such a storybook charm to any backyard. If building one is out of the budget for now, you can still channel your inner Monty by purchasing smaller structures and adding British-inspired details like a pointed finial or weather vane. Be sure you paint your structure the classic green—try Benjamin Moore’s Stokes Forest Green or Behr’s Free Green. Pair them with English-style plantings to complete the look.
RELATED: 5 Dreamy British Greenhouse Trends You’ll Want to Steal for Your Own Backyard
Patios and Pergolas
Whether concrete, stone, or edged gravel, a patio offers the perfect opportunity to create a beautiful, room-like space in your backyard. Begin by prioritizing small decorative changes, such as a new coffee table or outdoor pillows, to get a fresh look and feel within budget. Don’t feel like all your furniture needs to look brand new! Mismatched vintage furniture is another great way to get a collected look-for-less.
They also make great spots for pergolas. Be sure to plant some sun-loving climbing vines (think bougainvillea) to create a shady spot you can enjoy all day long. You can also add an inexpensive outdoor dining table to turn a pergola-covered patio into a summer brunch spot!
RELATED: Make Your Outdoor Spaces Look More High-End with This Simple Furniture Trick
Pools
Love the look of a beautiful pool but don’t want to shell out thousands to build one? (Seriously! According to Thumbtack, the average pool can cost anywhere between $1,500 and $85,000 to build!) Start small with a prettied-up stock tank pool or embrace a meadow pool—aka, a pool surrounded primarily by grass—over one surrounded by costly hardscaping.
Anna Logan is the Deputy Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she has been covering all things home design, including sharing exclusive looks at beautifully designed country kitchens, producing home features, writing everything from timely trend reports on the latest viral aesthetic to expert-driven explainers on must-read topics, and rounding up pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted to know about paint, since 2021. Anna has spent the last seven years covering every aspect of the design industry, previously having written for Traditional Home, One Kings Lane, House Beautiful, and Frederic. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. When she’s not working, Anna can either be found digging around her flower garden or through the dusty shelves of an antique shop. Follow her adventures, or, more importantly, those of her three-year-old Maltese and official Country Living Pet Lab tester, Teddy, on Instagram.
