By Graeme Salt
$100, 000 – that is the difference in house prices between a well-positioned and poorly-positioned tree.
According to research by the University of Technology Sydney*, a single street tree can potentially increase an average Sydney house price by $30,000.
But, if a tree is too close to a home, it can actually reduce the selling price by more than $70,000.
That price boost only occurred when the trees were about 10–20 metres from a home, such as across the street or near the frontage.
Thereafter, if the tree was further than 20 metres away, the research found no price impact.
Every Australian capital city has set tree-planting goals, such as:
- Sydney 23 per cent tree canopy cover in 2030 and 27 per cent in 2050
- Melbourne’s 40 per cent canopy cover by 2040,
- Brisbane 50 per cent shade for residential footpaths and bikeways by 2031.
Trees can cause structural damage to buildings and infrastructure, increase fire hazards, and safety concerns from falling branches.
The research shows a clear proximity effect.
Trees being too close to a house are a cost risk; trees at a moderate distance are a valued feature; and trees further away are neutral and just part of the neighbourhood amenity.
If you are thinking about buying a property – either to live or as an investment, please feel free to get in touch, I am always happy to chat about your options.
Graeme Salt is an award-winning mortgage broker. For a no-obligations consultation on your borrowing needs, please feel free to contact him on 02 9922 5055.
*Urban forests but NIMBY (Not In My Backyard): Evidence from tree proximity, characteristics, and house values in Sydney, Australia.
Shi S, Ke Q & Chi B. June 2026. Cities
