One of the best things about summer – aside from the warm weather, long-lasting days and opportunity for outdoor activities – is the way in which your garden shines. Flowers come into bloom to create a vibrant bedding and the fresh grass invites the prospect of a mini picnic.
And with the pandemic encouraging many buyers to turn to homes with significant outdoor space, it’s no wonder gardens now top the list of ‘must-have’ features for prospective buyers.
In fact, studies have shown a well-kept garden can add 20% to the value of a home, meaning the average UK property could see an increase of around £51,291. Some 62% of would-be buyers expressed that a garden was important to them, and a further 72% stated they’d pay more for a property with outdoor space.
As a seller, putting your garden at the forefront of your marketing campaign could put you in a much better position than before. Below, leaning on research from MyToolShed, we list the best ways to revamp your garden before selling.
Cut the grass
The first, and most simple, task to make the garden space look better is to mow the lawn. It helps to make sure the edges are nicely trimmed as well as removing any leaves that have fallen – especially in the autumn months. It’s surprising what a difference this can make to your outdoor space.
Weed the flower beds
Next, you’ll want to move to the flower beds and dig out any pesky weeds. If there are any too tough to handle using your bare hands, it may be a good idea to purchase a weed puller to help. Once they’ve been plucked free, double-check any paved areas as well as the driveway; if weeds are getting through here, they’re likely going to be tougher to get rid of. In this case, you will need weed killer to get the job done.
Give the fence a fresh coat
A worn fence can really show a home’s age. Therefore, giving it a fresh coat of paint will show that you, the current owner, are taking care of the property, and will breathe new life to the borders of your garden.
Treat your dreary decking
The same applies to any wooden decking you may have. All wood that is left outside to the elements needs to be kept on top of and the best place to start is with treatments, stains and preservers. These will help protect the wood from all weather conditions – perfect for the rather unpredictable UK weather.
Garden zones
Decking, along with other patio or paved areas, are great at making different zones in your garden. If you have the space, these are important for breaking up the garden into separate areas used for different things. For example, the decking area is a place where you can relax and unwind, and the patio is where any outdoor eating may take place. Keeping these areas away from the lawn helps keep it from wear.
Patch up the patio and paving
If you have any patio or paved areas, ensure there are no cracks. This is particularly off-putting to young families as uneven or cracked paving could be dangerous to little ones.
Enjoy the sun with outdoor furniture
People want to be able to enjoy the sun wherever they can get the opportunity. Having an area where the homeowner can go to sit back and relax or to entertain outside can be very attractive to potential buyers. Consider some outdoor furniture to really kit out your garden.
Pot the plants
When you do have an area that is paved or decked, it helps to add some potted plants to the space to keep the flow of the garden going. You want the seating area to be a part of the garden, not disconnected.
Water features
Having a water feature is the ultimate in pure relaxation and can help your garden become a place of blissful escapism. While they may sound costly, you can get some fantastic water features for under £200.
Outdoor lighting
Just because the sun retreats, it doesn’t mean you should have to go inside. On summer evenings or just when you haven’t finished enjoying your outdoor space, your garden should have adequate lighting in order to keep the night going, no matter how bright it is outside. Outdoor lights also make a great security feature.
Keep your outdoor space secure
Speaking of security, it’s always nice to know that whether you’re going to be in or out, your garden area remains safe. All entrances/entranceways should be able to be locked so no unwanted guests can easily walk around or enter of their own accord.
Keep it private
Similarly, passers-by shouldn’t be able to see into your back garden as you want to make this outdoor space one where you cannot be interrupted or feel like you’re being watched. Sometimes this can be tricky in built-up areas, but there are measures you can take to keep your garden as private as possible. For example, tall-growing bushes could line those fences with see-through sections or how about climbing plants if space is restricted?
Add a shed
Studies show that 82% of estate agents and property experts agreed that a decent-sized shed would add the most value to a property, and it’s easy to see why. Sheds are fantastic for storing away unsightly and bulky objects that can ruin a beautiful garden view. No matter the size of your outdoor space, you are bound to find a suitable shed to add to your garden’s aesthetic.
Outbuilding
If you really want to wow potential buyers, then why not give them an outbuilding where they can be completely uninterrupted, whilst being able to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors? This is perfect for those that perhaps work from home and don’t want to be cooped up indoors all day or for people who just want to keep dry outside even if the weather is being particularly British on that day. Even better, MyToolShed’s recent study found that an outbuilding can add 5% to your house value and be made with a budget of £3k.
Keep it low maintenance
Lastly, the simple yet most important tip is to have a garden that is low maintenance. Nobody wants a garden that looks really difficult to upkeep. Simplicity is the order of the day, but that doesn’t mean boring, dull or uninventive. It just means ostentatious features and glitz aren’t required to make a garden look great.
In such a frenzied market, you need to work with an experienced, reputable estate agent. Here at Kings Group, we can help you to remain compliant and get the most from the sale of your home.
For more information on how we can assist you on your selling journey, please contact one of our branches in Essex, London or Hertfordshire today. We also offer a free and instant online valuation to give you an idea of how much your home could be worth on the current market.
