We all know that curb appeal is important when it comes to selling a home, but it turns out how our gardens look can affect how quickly potential buyers want to snap up a property too
Now that the sun’s out, it’s more appealing than ever to get out and spend some time in the garden. But besides being a great way to get some fresh air and connect with nature, having an appealing outdoor space is an excellent way to add value to your home too.
While every prospective buyer is looking for different things, with some wanting a doer-upper and others wanting something with next to no work required, there are some garden features that will turn your space into a focal area. In fact, research suggests that one third of buyers deem a garden to be a very important feature when looking for a house.
“A well-maintained garden can make a huge difference when selling a home. It’s often the first thing potential buyers see, and first impressions count. A blank or neglected garden can be an instant turn-off, while a thoughtfully designed space can add real value and set a home apart from others on the market,” explains Lena Gierasinska, Head of Product and Displays at Barker and Stonehouse (barkerandstonehouse.co.uk).
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Functional living spaces
On sunny days, having the option to tuck into breakfast al fresco or to host a barbecue for friends doesn’t go amiss. As a result, having a garden that has space for dining can be attractive to potential buyers who want their outdoor area to be a functional extension of their home.
“Features like structured planting, defined seating areas, and low-maintenance landscaping can make a property far more attractive,” says Lena. When it comes to styling your garden, opting for large dining tables, parasols for shade or lighting can all give an extra luxe feel to the space.
Choice of garden design
The style that your garden follows can affect your property’s value too, with some styles being more popular than others. At the top of the list as the most popular style of garden is the English country garden, followed by wild gardens and contemporary gardens. Urban and Mediterranean style gardens are also popular.
Speaking of the English country garden, Lena explains: “Defined by lush flower beds, winding pathways, and neatly clipped hedges, it creates a beautifully layered and elegant outdoor space.
“Even in a smaller urban garden, you can embrace the charm by introducing structured greenery, bursts of colour, and well-placed hedging to create a sense of grandeur—no country estate required.”
Cultivated spaces
However, if the wild garden design is your thing, think about filling your garden with lots of plants that encourage biodiversity. With the low-maintenance look at the centre of this design, it’s all about creating a space where nature can flourish on its own accord.
Lena says: “Choose garden furniture with open, airy designs that allow your garden to remain the focal point. Pieces with slender frames, woven details, or foldable designs can feel less imposing in a natural setting.
“Lightweight benches, bistro sets, or moveable chairs also offer flexibility, letting you adapt your seating area to follow the sun, shade, or seasonal blooms without disturbing the garden’s delicate balance.”
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