What Features Add Value to a Garden?
We all love spending time in our gardens, and a large enough outdoor space is one of the key features that buyers look for in a new home. Whether you’re looking to update your garden ready for sale or just want to improve the space, what features should you be considering investing in?
The Right Garden Can Add Value
We’ve long known that gardens can help sell a property, and the professionals agree. A recent survey carried out for Sellhousefast found that you can increase the value of your home by as much as 20% by having the right features.
The element that came out top on people’s wish list was a simple shed, with 82% of professionals asked saying this would be most beneficial to the value of a property. Other areas that were seen as important were decent patios and paving (76%) and a secure boundary, such as walls, fencing or gates (72%).
The way to really boost the appeal of your garden, and in turn your home, is to add a mixture of these elements instead of just focusing on one area. This could include creating a separate decking area for dining or installing stainless steel handrails on outside steps to make access easier and safer.
What Features Should You Invest In?
If you want to invest in your outdoor space this summer, where should you start and what benefits are there to the individual features?
A Shed
Installing a garden shed is a fairly cost-effective improvement that offers additional storage space for outdoor equipment and toys, especially if you don’t have a garage. They can be as basic or elaborate as you wish, or your budget allows, and there’s even the opportunity to use an out-building as a home office. This feature has the potential to increase your property’s value by up to 5%.
Create Privacy
Nobody likes to be overlooked in their garden, so it’s no wonder that privacy is high on people’s list of desirable features. This could include planting a good-sized hedge that is easy to maintain, building a wall or installing a new fence. Before you start altering any elements that border with a neighbouring property, it’s a good idea to check that they are happy with what you’re planning to do.
Balconies and Terraces
If there is space and the property design allows, extending your home by installing a balcony or terrace can be a huge benefit and add considerable value. It’s important to consider the design carefully and how it can be accessed, such as via an upstairs room or from an exterior staircase with stainless steel handrails. You also need to invest in the right professional help and good-quality materials to ensure the installation is durable and lasts a long time.
One of the best ways of deciding which are the right elements is to consider how you’re going to use the space or the potential market you’re aiming at, as this will have a big impact on which features are most beneficial for you.