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Your garden can make or break a sale if you decide to sell in the future. Some features can help raise its value, while others do the opposite—which is which? This guide will break down what works, including tips to make your outdoor space a selling point.
Top Garden Features that Increase Property Value
These are the top garden features that boost a home’s worth by 5 to 15% in the UK:
Garden offices
As per property experts, a well-maintained garden office can increase your home’s resale value by 5% to 15%. For instance, on a £400,000 home, this could translate to an additional £20,000 to £60,000.
The value comes from more people needing a separate workspace to work from home. A garden office gives them that, and it’s something many buyers are keen on. It’s also cheaper and less hassle than building a home extension. Most garden offices don’t need planning permission as long as they stay under 2.5 metres high.
Decking
Decking might not add as much value as a garden office, but it makes the garden feel like part of the home. A study by Boydens found that a composite decking could increase a property’s value by 5%.
Say, you’re in the North West and your home is priced at about £250,000, a 5% uplift would mean an added £12,500 in value. Be aware that the value could drop if the decking looks worn or neglected, so keep it in good shape!
Sheds
Sheds can increase what your property could sell for by 5 to 8%. Plex reports that a Rightmove study found 75% of buyers consider outdoor storage an important feature when purchasing a home. That’s a large majority, which shows buyers aren’t just thinking about kitchens and bathrooms.
If a shed is already in place and well-maintained, it removes the cost and effort of installing one. Spending a little on repairs like new felt, a lock, or paint can pay back several times over when you sell.
More on that here: How to Maintain a Shed
Landscaping and lawns
Keeping the lawn cut and the borders in order makes the garden more appealing when people come to view it. Post Office Money say landscaping could account for up to 77% of the value added by home improvements. This shows landscaping can give a better return than building an extension or putting in a pool.
Fill gaps in the lawn, trim hedges, and edge the grass. Keeping up with these tasks helps maintain the garden’s look and supports the value uplift.
Summer houses
Like sheds, summer houses can increase resale price by around 5% or more. That uplift comes from the extra usable space it provides. Some homeowners use it as an extended living space, while others set it up as a pub or even for a small business.
A larger summer house with insulation and power can tip the value higher than a basic timber unit. If you haven’t found the right unit yet, check this out—future owners will like it too: Year Round Summer House Options
Fencing
Fencing often gets overlooked, yet it has a clear impact on property value. In numbers, if your home comes with it, it can see prices increase by around 5%. On top of that, buyers know they won’t need to spend hundreds or even thousands installing a new one. This can become a sticking point during negotiations.
Learn more: Why You Shouldn’t Delay Garden Fence Repair
Greenhouses
The Horticultural Trades Association estimates that approx. 30 million people in the UK are active gardeners. Thus, many homeowners see a greenhouse as a practical feature rather than a luxury. This leads to state agents pointing out that homes with a greenhouse can attract more interest from this group of buyers.
Figures vary, but several property surveys suggest that a greenhouse can add between 5% and 10%.
Swimming pools
A swimming pool can increase your property’s worth by 4.5%, equating to around £12,000 for a home valued at £265,497, as per The Sun. This boost is more likely if the buyer values the feature.
However, pools need regular upkeep, which can cost between £80 and £250 a month, depending on size and type. Some buyers might be put off by the extra work and costs. How this affects the value of your home will depend partly on the income bracket of the market you are in, as well as other factors specific to the individual buyers.
Sun rooms
In the UK, a decent sunroom can increase the market price by roughly 5 to 7%. Installing one in a bright spot at the back of the house, with insulation and access from the main living area, is where it adds value. Rather than just being a garden feature, it extends your home in a way that can be used year-round.
You might find this guide helpful: What’s the Difference Between a Summerhouse and a Sunroom
Water features
A pond, fountain, or small waterfall can add 3 to 5% to the price your home could fetch. They make the garden feel more complete and show that the outdoor space has been cared for. A bonus is that they attract wildlife, which adds life and interest to the space. Yet, like swimming pools, maintenance directly affects value.
With these features, your garden can become one of your home’s biggest advantages when it comes to selling!
