Your garden can grow your home’s value

We already know that simply having a garden makes your property highly desirable, especially post-covid, but if you want to make it work harder for you, there are a few improvements you can make that could increase the value.

Recent research by building and renovation experts, Roofing Megastore, has revealed that certain garden features can add up to £8,500 to the value of your home. Permanent structures, like conservatories, home offices, garden rooms/gyms and outdoor kitchens, are among the most expensive garden investments but they do have the most valuable return. These large-scale improvements do, however, need careful weighing up to see if the investment in materials and labour is possible to recoup when the property is sold.

Happily other research suggests that more affordable garden enhancements can still boost your market price by around £2,000. A shed is among the most desirable additions, followed by good quality paving and patios, secure fencing and adequate outdoor lighting. Even a pizza oven or a built-in BBQ can increase your home’s value.

Garden design experts have also claimed that the simple touch is often far better than taking drastic measures. So, in keeping with the theme of simplicity, we’ve outlined a few easy ways to improve your garden that we know our buyers prioritise when searching for their new home.

Low maintenance

Buyers are drawn to low maintenance gardens. Even if they plan to turn it into something blooming beautiful, they prefer to have a blank canvas to work from and not have to reconfigure extravagant borders and remove established plants. Ensure your paving, patio, decking and grass areas are well kept and weedless.

Secure and presentable

Fixing or replacing broken fences can be off-putting, not just because of the time and financial investment to make repairs but also for security reasons. Buyers with children and pets will want to move into a home where they can be assured nothing - and no one - can get in or out. Having a secure boundary at the front of your property can add to the kerb appeal too, so replace broken fence panels and gates.

Maximum sunshine and lighting

Whilst the sun worshipers among us would prefer a south facing garden, it’s virtually impossible to change the orientation of your outside space. You can, however, maximise the amount of sunshine your garden gets by cutting back any overgrown borders, hedges and overhanging trees. A particularly popular feature at the moment is stylish outdoor lighting and there are plenty of energy-efficient, solar lighting options available, from wall mounted lanterns to stake lights.

Give me shelter

Not everyone can afford a summer house but the addition of a pergola or extendable awning can be a nice touch and give some shelter for the overbearingly sunning days or damp evenings when people still want to enjoy their garden.  Shelter also gives a ‘zoning’ effect, which leads us nicely to the point of versatility.

Versatile space outside

During the pandemic, we spent far more time and money in and on our gardens, and this trend has continued. For this reason, our gardens have needed to be practical and have multiple uses. Buyers want to envisage themselves eating, relaxing, entertaining and playing in the garden of the home they want to buy, so make sure you create some clear boundaries and zones with furniture, borders and contrasting flooring.

Is your garden ready for a summer sale or are you looking for a home with your dream outside space? Give White & Brooks a call and our friendly, professional team will be able to help.