Thinking of selling? Make the most of DIY season and take on a few garden improvement projects that will send your property’s value through the, well, roof.
Outdoor spaces play a big stake in how much we get out of a property sale. How big? ‘A well-landscaped garden that complements the home can increase property value by up to 20 per cent, making it one of the smartest investments a homeowner can make before selling,’ says Stephen Lovelady, estate agent at Barton-Wyatt.
A few garden upgrades could add upwards of £53,800 to your home’s value – based on the UK’s average property price of £269,000 – making it a seriously worthwhile investment.
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The power outdoor spaces yield perhaps isn’t very surprising considering their significant impact on our quality of life. A recent survey conducted by Barker and Stonehouse leaves little doubt about how Brits really feel about gardens; 61 per cent of respondents stated they’d only buy or rent a home with a green space.
This summer, invest some time into your outdoor space – it might just pay back tenfold. Read on to discover six garden improvements that could cover the down payment for your next house.
1. A clean slate
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This might not be revolutionary, but a good cleaning session is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to make a garden more appealing. Essentially, you’ll want the next owner to be able to imagine their lives here.
Richard Totman, director at Harbour Lifestyle, says: ‘Prospective buyers seek a versatile, clean, and modern outdoor space that is ready for them to add their own style to when searching for their new home.
‘Therefore, ensuring your garden is well-maintained, weed-free, and clutter-free is essential to allow viewers to envision their dream garden within the space.’
Give your patio a scrub, make sure your lawn is freshly trimmed, and hide any unsightly objects. ‘Address any visible signs of wear and tear to avoid distraction from the space itself. Incorporate sleek, contemporary outdoor furniture, like a modern sofa set, to create inviting social areas that viewers could imagine themselves enjoying,’ Richard adds.
2. Pretty it up
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At the same time, however, you don’t want the garden to be a blank canvas, which can be a turn-off just as much as a neglected space – and one style of garden in particular seems to stand the test of time.
According to Barker and Stonehouse’s survey, the English country garden is the most popular type of green space.
To tap into this style without going overboard (remember, everyone should be able to envisage living here), Lena Gierasinska, head of product and displays, recommends ‘lush flower beds, winding pathways, and neatly clipped hedges…it creates a beautifully layered and elegant outdoor space’.
3. Plant high-value trees and shrubs
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That’s right, there are even certain plants that can bump up your property’s appeal and value, and trees are among the top contenders.
Lewis Hardford, a Shropshire-based valuer, told the Liverpool Echo: ‘A tree may cost a few hundred pounds today, but once it matures, it could be worth four or five times that and elevate the entire feel of your outdoor space.’
Trees offer shade, enhance a garden’s aesthetics and can serve as a play area for children. But there are also smaller varieties that can help you sell your home for more than you planned.
Japanese maples, for example, are high-value trees, worth £1,000 to £1,200 when fully grown, and because of their compact size, they’re a great addition to small gardens. The humble silver birch is another valuable tree that can add £400 to £600 to your home’s market value.
To discover three more varieties, read more here: ‘5 trees and shrubs that can add thousands to your home’s value’.
4. Add decking
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Next to being visually appealing, your garden should be functional, too. ‘Buyers are drawn to gardens that feel like an extension of the home – spaces that are both beautiful and functional,’ says Lena.
Installing decking is an excellent way to make your garden look neat and more functional. In fact, decking alone can increase a property’s value by up to 10 per cent, all while being relatively affordable.
‘Decking is the more cost-efficient equivalent to a patio that creates the illusion of expanded living space. A decking area can become a versatile entertaining space perfect for alfresco dining, hosting gatherings, or simply relaxing with morning coffee,’ says Emily Green, a building supplies expert at Howarth Timber and Building Supplies.
There are many options available, but Emily suggests pressure-treated decking for durability and ‘resistance against the elements’. Ideally, she adds, position your decking so that it captures as much sun as possible to increase the area’s appeal.
5. Create a versatile living space 
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In the same vein, presenting a garden that can be used for a multitude of purposes – entertaining, relaxing, gardening, exercising, you name it – is a must. According to Barker and Stonehouse’s survey, 71 per cent of homeowners use their garden to relax, while 53 per cent use it to entertain and host.
‘Space is a significant contributing factor when home hunting – potential buyers want to see a space that is open, dynamic, and useable,’ says Richard. ‘It’s a great idea to extend your living space outdoors with clever zoning and layout tactics if you are looking to sell.
‘Consider adding a wall-mounted pergola as a cost-effective alternative to an extension, increasing useable space in your living areas without the stress and excess cost of gaining planning permission and building onto your home.
‘Surprisingly, placing a pergola into your outdoor space can add up to five per cent to the value of your home. Pergolas not only provide shade, protection and elegance to your outdoor space, but they also allow homeowners to effortlessly extend the inside out… Buyers will be impressed!’
6. Enhance privacy and security 
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Lastly, don’t forget about the added value of privacy. After all, neck-craning neighbours hardly contribute to a relaxing atmosphere when you’re hosting a family BBQ.
‘Security-conscious buyers, particularly families with children or pets, place enormous value on well-fenced properties,’ stresses Emily.
‘Beyond functionality, fencing contributes to your garden’s aesthetic appeal. Tall, well-maintained fences create natural privacy screens that allow homeowners to enjoy their outdoor space without feeling exposed to neighbours.’
And, of course, fencing offers a sense of security, too. Not only does a fence provide a physical barrier between your property and the street, but it also helps shield your space from prying – and potentially criminal – eyes.
Worried about an unappealing fence? ‘You can transform plain fencing into attractive features by incorporating climbing plants, decorative panels or ambient lighting,’ says Emily.
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Wanda Sachs is the Daily Writer for House Beautiful and Country Living, exploring the latest in interior design, home trends, property news, wellbeing and sustainable living. With a keen eye for style and a passion for storytelling, she previously served as an Associate Editor at The Berliner in Berlin, where she launched and led the magazine’s monthly style vertical, covering emerging fashion trends. Wanda holds a combined BA in English and German from Goethe University Frankfurt.