As the old proverb goes, ‘money doesn’t grow on trees’ – or does it?
Before you start scouring the aisles of your local garden centre for pound sterling seeds, let us introduce you to the small tweaks you can make to your gardens or outdoor space that could significantly grow the value of your property.
Sowing the seeds for a small fortune can start with something as small – and rewarding – as looking after your flowerbeds.
“Well-maintained flower beds, vegetable patches and neat borders can all help increase a property’s appeal and value,” says Helen Hobbs, Property Finance Specialist at Pure Property Finance. “A cared-for garden signals to buyers that the home has been well looked after, while features like raised beds and defined planting areas add both charm and practicality.”
Taking your neatly manicured flowerbeds up a notch could earn a pretty penny.
“Landscaped gardens, when finished to a high standard, are said to boost curb appeal significantly and could add up to £6,000 in value,” adds Helen, who suggests considering polished additions such as structured beds, clear pathways and zoned seating areas.
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And if you’re not blessed with green fingers?
Not all is lost – a patio space can pay dividends, too. A well-maintained one, says Helen, is one of the most appealing features for buyers.
On the flip side, “if the space is cracked, dirty, or in need of general TLC, it may not add the value you were hoping for,” she suggests.
But the most overlooked investment, perhaps, is the humble garden shed – a solid contender for “a strong return on investment.”
“Depending on its size and quality, a shed could add thousands to a property’s value,”
adds Helen. “With the average shed costing around £1,000, this presents significant net gain potential, making it an attractive option for homeowners renovating on a smaller budget.”
photography by Ulrich Hollmann
That just leaves the big guns in garden improvement – and, no surprises here, dramatically increasing the value of your home will require a lot of investment.
“Well-designed garden offices and rooms can add significant value, depending on size and features,” says Helen.
But the crème de la crème of outdoor installations – and one that offers “the highest value uplift of all” – is, unsurprisingly, a swimming pool.
“One of the most desirable garden additions among buyers, a well-designed pool can increase a property’s appeal significantly, with some reports suggesting it could add up to £7,000 in value,” says Helen.
“Of course, this type of investment requires careful consideration. Space, ongoing maintenance costs and the target market for your home all play a crucial role in determining whether a pool will deliver the best return.”
So, that swimming pool? For now, it can remain a pipe dream while we tend to our perennials.
Bella has been Homes Editor at Red and Prima since 2024, where she covers interiors, décor and gardens, as well as shopping and home style advice. For her articles, Bella has sought expertise from tastemakers and leaders in design, including award-winning interior designers Beata Heuman, Sophie Rowell (aka Côte de Folk), Lonika Chande, and Nicola Harding, plus the likes of Skye McAlpine and Edward Bulmer.
Prior to this role, Bella wrote and commissioned features for Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Highlights from her time on the features desk included interviewing Michelin star chefs and titans of food such as Grace Dent, Tom Kerridge, Heston Blumenthal and Monica Galetti, as well as women at the helm of the arts, including director of Tate, Maria Balshaw. And for Red’s 25th Birthday issue, Bella successfully gathered contributions from 50 visionaries, including Michelle Obama, Bernardine Evaristo, Emma Barnett, Jo Malone, Joeli Brearley and Chrissie Rucker to name a few.
When she’s not writing, Bella can be found scouring second-hand markets for covetable vintage homeware and antiques, entertaining guests at home, and exploring art and design exhibitions.
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