It may feel Arctic, but spring has sprung and gardens are on the brink of looking their best. So how can homebuyers assess the value of a property’s outside space?
James Greenwood of Stacks Property Search says, “Outside space is more important to house buyers than ever before. Apartment buyers in cities are looking for anything from a Juliet balcony to a small patch of grass; while those buying a large detached home are seeking substantial wrap-around private outside space with easy access from the house.
“A garden will have significant impact on the value of a property. As with the property itself, it’s not all about size, although that does of course matter. It’s about layout; hard landscaping in the shape of patio areas, pathways, walls, gates, sheds, greenhouses and pergolas; aspect and sunlight – south and west facing tend to be most revered; privacy and views; history and/or heritage; maturity, condition and maintenance.”
“Home buyers should be aware of these elements when viewing, not allowing themselves to get carried away by the lushness and beauty of the garden in its current early summer state, but looking through the blossom and blooms to see the structure and the ‘bones’ of the garden– just like ignoring the interior design and furniture while focusing on the proportions and design of the house itself.
Craig Fuller of Stacks Property Search says, “At the upper end of the market, for properties in the £2m+ range, buyers expect gardens to be more than just attractive planting and layout; they are looking for great outdoor living and lifestyle spaces in the shape of covered outdoor kitchens with all the bells and whistles – grills and barbecues, lighting, protected seating areas, plunge pool or Padel court, pleached planting, raised beds, greenhouse, mature trees, shrubs and architectural box or yew.
“This isn’t about targeting keen gardeners, it’s about the full package, the whole property within its boundaries. If the garden is a blank page with little in the way of infrastructure, the costs of turning it into a perfect garden are substantial, once you factor in designers, landscapers and planting. Unlike an interior design project, it’s not an instant fix – the hard landscaping can be turned around immediately, but the planting will take years or even decades to reach its maturity and full potential.
“The names of high end garden designers are becoming as familiar as those of interior designers, and are increasingly quoted in property particulars. Buyers will be impressed by a “Nicholson’ garden (in the Cotswolds), or one where the planting has been designed by a Chelsea award winner. These gardens definitely add a substantial premium to a property.”
Fuller says that the garden of a property for sale in the village of Barnsley, near Cirencester, was valued at £400,000 – on the property price of £1.8m The garden was designed in the 1980s by a designer known for his work for Royalty and celebrities. A house close to Rodbourne, currently on the market at £2.2m, has the most stunning garden designed by the current owner who is a professional garden designer. The cost to replicate it in terms of both hard and soft landscaping and planting is estimated at £200,000 – and would take years to mature.
Charlie Rearden of Stacks Property Search says, “An immaculate garden can be overwhelming for buyers who don’t consider themselves green-fingered or who don’t have the budget to employ a team of gardeners. But buyers should remember that a garden doesn’t have to be maintained at its manicured best. Gardens are becoming less and less formal with more areas being allowed to grow wild. So if a bed looks pristine with carefully spaced perennials, or a lawn is mown to a perfect croquet-ready stripy state, don’t let it put you off; imagine the spaces with some winter flowering shrubs, spring bulbs, and wild flowers/weeds allowed to self-seed; consider replacing high maintenance lawns with clover, chamomile or daisies. Hard landscaping requires little or no maintenance, while structural planting, trees and shrubs will flourish very happily with bi-annual attention.”
Amanda Ake of Stacks Property Search says, “Buyers should check whether any part of a garden is restricted. Many homeowners have incorporated agricultural land / pony paddocks into the formal garden, and there will be restrictions on these spaces. For example, it won’t be possible to get planning permission for a swimming pool or tennis court. Developing on agricultural land will always cause problems when it comes to sell.”
What the best-dressed gardens are wearing in 2024:
- Bespoke outdoor cooking and dining with covered kitchen and eating areas, water and electric, grills, barbecues, pizza oven
- Plunge pools / natural swimming pools, Padel courts
- Great flow from the house to the garden
- Built in fire pits
- Garden lighting
- Areas of wild planting
- Area of woodland
- Potting shed
- Area for veg and fruit – raised beds, greenhouse
- Established box and yew
- Well defined areas – for eating and drinking, playing, hiding. Arranged to maximise shelter / aspect, whether that’s morning coffee or evening sundowner
Stacks Property Search, 01594 842880 / www.stacks.co.uk
