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Keeping a property’s exterior and garden clean and tidy can help boost a home’s value by more than £26,000, or 10 per cent, findings claim.
Winter tends to be the quietest season for house purchases, with an average of 75,874 transactions completing during this period, recent analysis by HaMuch found.
In spring, however, this rises to roughly 77,210 transactions as the market gears up for its busy summer months during which an average of 87,460 transactions take place.
If you are looking to sell your home in the coming months, now is a good time to scrutinise your garden and the exterior of your property as it could be key to getting it sold.
We outline why keeping your garden in order is important to boost a property’s value.
We also speak to a gardening expert about his five top tips to help get your garden in shape now.
Why having a tidy garden is important
Manni Laschkari, the boss of Climbing Wild Gardeners, said: ‘Research repeatedly highlights the significant impact a tidy, uncluttered garden can have on property value.
‘A garden that’s simple, organised, and well-maintained helps buyers instantly the potential lifestyle your home offers, fostering emotional connections that can lead to quicker sales and higher sale prices.’
Meanwhile, Jonathan Rolande, a property expert for the National Association of Property Buyers, said: ‘Having a tidy and uncluttered garden might not significantly increase the monetary value of your property, but it adds something potentially even more valuable in today’s challenging property market: immediate appeal.
‘When potential buyers visit a home, they typically form their initial impressions within seconds. Surprisingly, it’s often minor details that influence their decisions the most.
‘An overgrown garden can quickly turn into a major deterrent, giving buyers the impression of extra work and potential hidden expenses.’
Tarquin Purdie, founder and chief executive of HaMuch, said the power of a spring clean was ‘astonishing.’
He added: ‘Not only does it help clear the mind and offer a psychological reset after a long, cold winter, but can also lead to huge financial gains for those who are looking to sell their home.’
Five tips to get your garden in order
Matti Laschkari has five tips to help get your garden in shape for spring and summer, particularly if you are looking to sell your home.
1. Declutter your garden
Laschkari said: ‘Start by removing any debris, broken furniture or unused items from your garden.
‘Store garden tools and equipment neatly in sheds or clearly defined storage areas, instantly creating a more spacious and inviting outdoor space.’
He added: ‘A tidy, well-organised garden significantly enhances your home’s appeal, providing potential buyers with a positive first impression.’
2. Prune shrubs and trees
Pruning shrubs and trees is essential for maintaining the health, structure and visual appeal of your garden.
Laschkari told This is Money: ‘Overgrown branches can block sunlight, making your garden feel cramped, dark or neglected.
‘Regular pruning encourages plants to grow healthier and stronger, improves air circulation and creates a more open and welcoming space.’
3. Refresh your lawn
Keeping our lawn in order is important when it comes to ensuring your property appears well-maintained.
Laschkari said: ‘Ensuring your lawn is neatly mown and edged significantly enhances the visual appeal of your property.
‘Regular mowing to an appropriate height maintains a healthy, lush appearance, while clearly edging your lawn provides a tidy, professional finish.
‘Overseed any sparse patches to revitalise the lawn’s health and appearance, as a well-maintained lawn signals diligent care to prospective buyers.
‘From my research, improving your lawn condition alone can add approximately £2,000 to £5,000 to your property value, as buyers strongly associate a healthy lawn with well-maintained homes.’
4. Refresh your patio and decking
Patios and decking areas are focal points for entertaining and relaxation, and their condition affects the overall appearance of your garden.
Laschkari said: ‘Thoroughly clean these surfaces by pressure washing to remove dirt, moss, algae, and seasonal debris.
‘After cleaning, consider treating wooden decking with protective stain or oil to refresh and protect its appearance.
‘Clean and attractive outdoor living spaces, including patios and decking, can significantly influence potential buyers’ decisions, making them more likely to offer close to the asking price and shortening the sale period.’
5. Repair and refresh fencing
Repairing and refreshing your garden fencing can significantly enhance your property’s appeal.
Laschkari adds: ‘A well-maintained fence not only improves curb appeal but also offers privacy and security, features that are highly desirable to potential buyers.
‘Repair damaged fence panels, posts, and apply fresh paint or protective stain for an immediate uplift in your garden’s appearance.
‘In my experience, a well-maintained garden fence and clear boundaries can add around £4,000 to your home’s value, offering a significant return on investment relative to the cost of repairs.’
