There’s a lot to think about when listing your house for sale. Will viewers care if it’s a bit messy? Should you remove any personal items? Is there anything you can do to increase the value? One thing you might consider is how much effect your garden has on the appeal of your property. Just having some outside space is a selling point, but it’s also worth exploring the benefits of ensuring your garden is attractive.
Simply having a garden can raise the value of your home by as much as 16%, depending on the region. And while it’s important to acknowledge that, it’s also important to think about why people want homes with gardens. People use their gardens for a number of purposes, from tending their gardens to socialising outdoors. Understanding these reasons helps you to make the best plans for your garden when you’re getting ready to sell.
Garden Direction
This may not be something you have control over, but the direction your garden faces makes a difference to the value of your home. A south-facing garden could add an extra £20,000 to the final sale price of a property compared to others, according to one study by Rightmove. South-facing gardens are desired because they get the sun all day, keeping them warm even during the colder months. If you do have a south-facing garden, you might want to ensure you’re not blocking the sun.
Recreational Space Outdoors
One of the major reasons people want a garden is that it offers additional recreational space. It’s somewhere for the kids or pets to play, a space to socialise, dine and drink, and somewhere to simply relax outside. A space to relax or to entertain is one of the most sought-after features in a home, so it’s worth considering how to offer this in your garden. Maybe you already have a patio or a similar space for things like barbecues and dinner parties. You can demonstrate how the space can be used in this way to make the most of the garden.
Privacy
A private outdoor space is also appealing to home buyers. No one really wants the neighbours looking in when trying to enjoy the garden on a sunny day. Improving the privacy of your garden, whether it’s with a fence, plants, or even a canopy, could give your garden an edge.
Garden Room
If you have a garden room, it could really add to the value of your home. It adds extra living space that can be used in multiple ways, and they’re often especially good for home working. Even a shed can be an attractive feature, providing additional storage space.
Easy Maintenance
Beautiful gardens with lots of plants can look great, but might not immediately appeal to all homebuyers. Some will be looking for something that’s more low-maintenance so they don’t have to put so much work into keeping it looking neat. This is something to keep in mind when selling your home.
Gardens can add value to most homes, but there are certain features you might want to focus on to attract more buyers.
