Selling soon? Don’t make these garden mistakes

As soon as the sun peeks out from behind the clouds and the mercury rises, many of us rush to improve our outside spaces. We do, however, have to be mindful of what we grow and build in our gardens, as it can have a detrimental effect on the property’s overall value and general appeal.  

If moving home is in your plans, you may need to moderate your behaviour and act with restraint. Here we discuss which garden features may harm any sales success in the future.  

Swimming pools

While very few of us have room for an Olympic-size swimming pool, smaller plunge pools and natural pools have become very fashionable – especially as our UK summers are getting hotter. There is bad news, however, if you’re thinking of digging deep to add a home lido. According to a study by Power Sheds, 2 in 5 Britons said a swimming pool would stop them making an offer on a property, with such a feature devaluing a home by up to £57,000. Best to stick with a paddling pool!  

Ponds

If you’re set on some kind of water in your garden but are put off installing a swimming pool, you may think a pond is a smart alternative. Research, however, has found ponds do not have universal appeal. When Roofing Megastore questioned more than 2,000 Brits on what garden features they found undesirable, a pond was a surprising negative. Perhaps it’s the maintenance or safety aspect but their presence could dent a home’s value by £5,000.  

Artificial grass

While many gardeners obsess over lawn care, there are a growing number of homeowners who want to put mowing, raking and watering behind them. Granted, artificial grass always looks neat and lush but it’s not an aspect finding favour with home buyers. In fact, Power Sheds found fake lawns are the least desirable garden feature, knocking up to £15,000 off a home’s value.  

Invasive plants

Even if buyers don’t know the difference between Japanese knotweed and Nigella damascena, a surveyor will. Invasive and damaging plant species can decrease a home’s value by up to 20%. ‘Running’ Bamboo is on the watchlist, as it shares the same aggressive spreading pattern and habit of damaging solid structures as Japanese knotweed. It’s also a criminal offence to plant or cause to grow species detailed in Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, including Himalayan balsam, purple pampas grass, Spanish bluebell and three types of Rhododendron.  

Anything that’s damaged

Potential buyers who step foot in a garden will notice the condition of what’s out there, making a note of elements that need replacing or repairing. As such, Roofing Megastore’s survey found anything that was damaged harmed a home’s value. Sellers should pay attention to garden walls, fences, guttering and decking – with each aspect that’s damaged devaluing a home by up to £5,988.  

We would be delighted to provide a valuation for a property you own, and share our tried and trusted advice with you ahead of a sale. Please contact us to book an appointment.