When it comes to improving your property, don’t neglect the garden

People often focus on improving the interior of their home. But a beautiful garden can make a house more memorable and desirable to would-be buyers, potentially leading to a higher sale price and faster sale. So, how much value can landscaping add to your house?  According to some estimates, a well-designed and well-tended garden can increase a home’s resale value by as much 20%. But Paul Preen, MD of estate agents Lang, Town and Country, is more cautious. While attractive landscaping makes it easier to sell a property, it will add no more than 5% to the price of a home, said the estate agency boss.

What is landscaping?

First, a quick refresher on what some of the jargon means. Hard landscaping, also known as hardscaping, refers to structures that are built, like steps, paved paths, garden walls, fencing, gates, decks and patios. Meanwhile soft landscaping encompasses living things, such as plants, trees and grass.

Image supplied by Wycliffe Landscapes

So, why should people spend money on professional landscaping services? It’s all about making best use of the space available, said Taylor Broadbent, of award-winning Wycliffe Landscapes. A standard square design can make a garden look smaller, he said. Whereas a well thought through scheme can make a small space appear bigger and fit a lot more in.  Landscaping isn’t just important for country estates but can benefit smaller homes too. “Some of our best garden designs have been small gardens,” said Broadbent. His company’s design for a town garden scooped Pro Landscaper magazine’s ‘Small project, big impact” award, see above.

A professional landscaper or designer will start by asking how you want to use your garden.  If it’s for entertaining, it generally means creating hard-standing areas for barbecuing in the sunshine and dining al fresco, but you might also want to create different zones for playing or growing plants. Families with children often want a lawn, said Broadbent, adding: “A garden with lots of sharp edges and hard landscaping isn’t very kid friendly.”

Which projects add the most value?

Just like interior design, there are trends in garden design. Outside space for entertainment and relaxation is top of many peoples’ wish lists. Having a well-designed outdoor area that accommodates gatherings, barbecues and cosy evenings around a fire pit can be a major selling point. Buyers who love to entertain might imagine themselves enjoying the space, which can translate to increased value and a speedier sale.

Keen gardeners, however, might prefer flower beds and a lush, green lawn. Preen advises homeowners to think about who is likely to buy their home (the target market) and “dress” their garden accordingly. For example, prospective purchasers of a two-bedroom bungalow may be retirees, so less likely to be lured by a hot tub or fire pit. In fact, all over-80s may want is a small, perfectly built, low-maintenance patio to keep a few flowerpots.

Preen agrees the most financially rewarding landscaping projects tend to do one of two things: expand outdoor living space and/or add low maintenance beauty to a property.  

Which projects are best avoided?

Remember just because you splashed out on a certain feature, it doesn’t mean a would-be buyer will pay a premium price. Where you see luxury, others may see a burden or even a hazard. Swimming pools, for example, may be considered too costly or high maintenance. “The heating costs of heating pools are astronomical. People are shying away from hot tubs for the same reason,” said Preen. Pools and ponds need extra safety measures, like fencing, for young children – and may put off buyers. Ornamental ponds filled with coy carp or a pub in a garden shed are niche and unlikely to appeal to everyone.  Think carefully before you spend a lot of money on a project. Natural ponds are designed to attract wildlife. “We built a natural pond for one client, but she wouldn’t swim in it because of the frogs,” said Broadbent.

How much does landscaping cost?

Depending on the size of your garden, professional landscaping services can range from £4,000 for a small house to £400,000-plus for a large country estate, said Broadbent. It’s probably best not to spend more on outdoor improvements and landscaping than 5% of your home’s current value. Otherwise, you may not get a return on your investment. “Materials have got a lot more expensive, so costs have gone up,” said Broadbent. The cost of installing a wood deck has risen due to pandemic induced rises in lumber prices.  A composite deck may be a more affordable option and less maintenance, though less green.

Image supplied by Wycliffe Landscapes

Trees provide privacy, shade and a habitat for squirrels and birds. But you will need deep pockets to invest in larger trees and mature greenery. Expect to pay £15,000-£20,000 to plant a mature tree that will have to be craned into your garden, said Broadbent. “They are very, very expensive but a 30ft tree may have been looked after for 10 or more years,” he said. Planting shrubs and young trees is a lot cheaper, so it’s worth investing in your garden as soon as possible, so when it comes to selling up, it isn’t overlooked or just a scruffy patch of grass.

Professional landscaping or DIY?

When considering landscaping, homeowners have the option of going down a do-it-yourself route or hiring professional landscapers. While DIY projects can be satisfying and cheaper, professional landscaping brings a level of expertise and design finesse. Broadbent says its best to call in the experts, especially for hardscaping. “I’ve seen a lot of horror shows, for example, terraces that are uneven and a trip hazard,” he said. Experienced landscapers understand how to work with the size of your plot, soil conditions and climate to create a cohesive and visually stunning garden. Their knowledge of plants and materials can result in a garden that not only looks beautiful all year round and meets your needs but is also easy to maintain.

Whether you’re considering selling soon or have no plans to move in the near future, investing in professional landscaping can increase the value of your property. An attractive outdoor aesthetic will make that all important good first impression and woo potential buyers in a slow property market. It’s a relatively small investment for potentially big rewards, so call in the professionals.

Image supplied by Wycliffe Landscapes