We moved into a new build 7 years ago without landscaping. I did gravel and grass around the house. However all the grass close to the house failed to grow properly due to lack of water / sun, so I dug it out a couple of years later and replaced with pebbles and pavers. For the rest I've built a deck, and got a lawn and woodchipped area.

Also good to check the quality of the soil and if there's any debris. I found out they had left the old tennis court in small chunks just below the surface.

Drainage is important too indeed. I've put in some perforated pipes. Worked well for the first couple of years, seem to be blocked more now, so in winter it's very wet.

Fruit trees are cool too.

Hope this helps.