Renovation projects often come with specific motivations—whether to make a house more homely or to increase its market value for a profitable sale. While most people focus on indoor renovations, the garden is frequently overlooked. Estate agents in Kensington emphasise the importance of a well-maintained garden, as it can be a major selling point for potential buyers. However, investing in your garden can significantly boost your property’s value, sometimes even more than you might expect.
The Hidden Value of a Beautiful Garden
According to a Post Office study in 2020, a good garden can add up to 77% to your property value. This is quite staggering, yet the X-factor of a well-maintained outdoor space cannot be underestimated. Whether you’re looking to sell or just want your home to feel more comfortable, improving the garden will pay off.
Potential Increase in Property Value
If you’ve already completed interior renovations and are contemplating what to tackle next, turning your attention to the garden could be highly beneficial. With the potential to increase property value by more than 70%, garden improvements can sometimes yield a higher return on investment than interior upgrades.
The scope of your garden project can vary widely. From adding a simple deck to installing a swimming pool or creating a flower-filled oasis, the possibilities are vast. The choice depends on your budget, the size of your garden, and how you envision using the space.
Costs of Garden Landscaping
The cost of landscaping can range significantly based on the size of your garden and the complexity of your plans. For a large garden, you might spend anywhere from £5,000 to £10,000, with some extensive projects costing up to £30,000. For instance, while planting flowers and shrubs is relatively inexpensive, installing water features or artificial grass can significantly increase costs.
Why Gardens Boost Property Value
Gardening has long been a cherished hobby in the UK, and its popularity surged during the lockdowns as more people sought solace and satisfaction in outdoor activities. A well-kept garden is often the first impression potential buyers get of your home. Research indicates that a well-maintained garden can add 20% to your house value, and around 70% of home buyers are willing to pay a premium for properties with a garden.
Top Garden Renovation Ideas
If you’re planning a full garden makeover, consider these ideas to maximise your return on investment and create a stunning outdoor space:
1. Utilise Paving Options
Paving could help describe spaces and routes through your garden. Choose paving to match your garden colour scheme: grey or white for a traditional feel and black and silver for a contemporary one. Make sure the design is both a practical and an attractive route around your garden, focusing the visitor on the garden’s features.
2. Add a Tall Fence
A high, well-maintained fence increases the privacy and security elements in a garden, which potential buyers often seek. Some hanging baskets or floral containers will soften the effect and make you feel more snug and welcome in the space.
3. Leverage Sloping Areas
If your garden has a slope, use it to your advantage. Planting flowers and shrubs strategically on different levels can create a visually appealing vista. A beautifully landscaped slope can make your property stand out and leave a lasting impression on buyers.
4. Add Water Features and Focal Points
Water features, statuary, and designated relaxation areas can all combine to make the garden function more attractive and functional. Estate agents report that the presence of water features can often increase the desirability of a property. For many families, the presence of a space for children—in the form of a play area that is securely fenced off from the central garden—can also be a strong selling point.
5. Trees
Trees should add more value to your garden, as they help provide shade and can be an area of focus, making an environment beautiful. Make sure the trees are placed much further from the house and driveways to prevent any issue of a structural nature arising out of it in the future.
6. Add Decking
A deck is an additional outdoor room perfect for entertaining, relaxing, or working. With some cosy furniture, potted plants, and pretty decorations, create a space in which buyers can easily imagine kicking back.
Conclusion
Expenditure on your garden is not about aesthetics but rather a strategy to enhance the market value of your property. A stunning garden done with intent, either on a large scale or detailed minor adjustments, can make your property more outstanding in the market. Indeed, landscaping costs can be mind-boggling, but most of the time, the return on investment is calculable. So, when considering home improvement, don’t forget the potential you’ve got in your garden. It is not just curb appeal but really and genuinely adding a space that makes the value of home improvements worthwhile.