10 garden features that devalue your home and 10 that add value

Are you making these garden mistakes?

A well-kept garden with outdoor attributes can not only improve the aesthetic appeal of your home, but increase its value, too. However, some garden features can actually work against you, decreasing your property's price tag and reducing its desirability.

From high-maintenance water features that could deter potential buyers, to practical garden lighting that will ensure potential buyers feel safe and secure, click or scroll through to discover 10 garden features that could decrease your home’s value – and 10 that could increase it...

Unsightly garden items

Tired and outdated garden furniture or play equipment can negatively affect your property's visual value. After all, if your garden is filled with rusty or rotten chairs, broken garden storage or a greenhouse that has seen better days, no prospective buyer will see that as attractive or appealing – and they could end up walking away, without making an offer on your home.

If budget is an issue, consider a garden upcycling project that will transform old into new with a lick of paint.

Broken fencing

Garden fencing doesn't come cheap and panels that have been left unprotected from the elements will soon become worn, algae-covered and dilapidated.

Broken fences spoil the framing of a garden, cause privacy problems and annoy neighbours, so your fencing needs to satisfy any potential new owners, who will be responsible for the upkeep of these boundary markers further down the line.

Destructive or invasive plants

A garden with unruly plants, left to grow out of control, will take more than a touch of weekend weeding to shape up. What's more, if those plants are invasive or can cause damage to properties, the environment and even humans, then professionals may be required to remove them.

Japanese Knotweed, for example, is considered to be an aggressive species in most of the UK, Europe, North America and parts of Oceania. There are other invasive plants that you might not have considered, too, such as English ivy, bamboo and rhododendron.

A dead lawn

Did you know that a nice lawn is a top priority for many homeowners? When buying a house, people like to imagine their children or pets running around on the grass outside, or hosting BBQ gatherings with family and friends. 

So, if your backyard boasts a lawn, it's vital to keep it in tip-top shape, or buyers may move on to pastures new. Another thing to consider is that many house-hunters prefer a lawn to a patio, so if you're considering installing a paved area, but might be moving in the near future, it might be worth holding off.

Artificial grass

Artificial grass may seem like an easy alternative to real grass, with no mowing or watering required, but research shows that artificial grass isn't very appealing to buyers.

For starters, fake grass is generally made from polyethylene, which is a type of plastic. This can lead to microplastics being emitted into the ground. So, potential buyers could be deterred by the costs associated with removing artificial grass and the damaging effects it can have on the environment.

A swimming pool

A swimming pool is often on the exclusive home buyers' wish list, but this ultimate garden leisure feature comes with a luxury label for good reason. Many buyers will see a swimming pool as a huge expense that isn't worth the investment or upkeep.

So, unless your property value is high-end too, perhaps the space could have better uses, so don't splash the cash.

A water feature

Love them or hate them, ponds and fountains are a common garden feature. They create visual interest, which can differ based on personal taste, from natural to more ornamental. However, shelling out for a small pool of water has its cons.

The downside of owning a pond is that it costs money to maintain. Plus, buyers with children or pets may see a water feature as a safety issue.

Huge trees

Ornamental and mid-sized trees in the backyard can be a real asset, as they create beautiful natural and mottled garden shade. But left to grow too big and they can eventually become a concern for prospective buyers.

Large trees will need an expensive tree surgeon to keep them healthy and safe. Plus, if planted too close to the house, a large tree's roots can become a danger to property foundations and may invalidate your home insurance policy.

High-maintenance planting

A garden filled with beautiful blooms may look incredible at country estates but remember, these perfectly designed beds are well cared for, often by an army of gardeners with an endless water supply.

Most homeowners prefer low-maintenance gardens that can be enjoyed without lifting many green fingers. So, if your garden is bursting with colourful plants and shrubs, it may be wise to tone down the thirsty floral displays when it's time to sell up.

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Neglected hot tubs

A hot tub can be a real asset to a garden during the summer months, but the bubbly plunge pools take up a lot of space in small gardens, require time for upkeep and the chemicals can be costly.

When upkeep is not carried out, a hot tub can soon become an eyesore and a potential health hazard that can prove expensive to remove or repair.

Garden ideas that add value...

Avoid the previous garden faux pas and you'll soon sell your home, or avoid any costly mistakes.

These next ideas are all desirable features that anyone would love to see in a garden, from clever storage ideas to a gorgeous design...

An outdoor kitchen

There's nothing better than inviting friends and family around during the summer months to enjoy a barbeque in the garden. So, an outdoor kitchen is a highly desirable feature for many.

From basic DIY garden projects with cupboards for utensils to top-of-the-range bespoke units fitted to water and electric mains (like this one from Grillo), this lifestyle-enhancing garden feature will entice those who love to entertain outdoors. 

A well-kept lawn

More than half of Brits say a lawn would make them more likely to buy a property. So, keeping yours looking lush and neat, with regular mowing and watering, will do wonders for your home's kerb appeal and price tag.

It's best to water your lawn in the early morning before the sun hits its peak. The cooler temperatures in the morning mean that the water is less likely to evaporate before your lawn can absorb it. Plus, watering in the morning allows the grass to dry before nightfall. Wet grass at night can create dark, damp conditions in which diseases thrive.

Relaxing spaces

Leisure zones with inviting and well-kept furniture will show buyers what their possible garden could offer them in due course.

Whether you want to add a comfy sofa, a dining table and chairs, or even an egg chair, creating an outdoor living space will increase your home's footprint and ensure any potential buyers see your garden at its very best. Head to The Cotswold Company for beautiful garden sets like the one pictured here.

An outdoor room

Offering endless possibilities, gorgeous garden rooms have become a top outdoor asset.

From a garden gym to a home office or even a guest suite, an outdoor room that's beautiful as well as functional can add value to your house and make it stand out from the crowd, within a very condensed property market.

Garden storage

Attractive, practical and secure garden storage will keep your outdoor space in order. A traditional shed – like this one from Forest – is a safe choice to ensure an uncluttered and tidy backyard. Just remember to ensure your shed has a working lock, to deter pests and thieves.

If space is tight, opt for a more compact garden storage solution, such as a potting table with drawers or shelves for essentials.

Practical garden lighting

Landscape garden lighting can set an outdoor space apart. As well as providing ambience, good-quality outdoor lighting will enable you to come and go with ease and safety – something that won't be overlooked by prospective buyers.

Don't go overboard, or you'll risk turning your garden into an airport runway. Instead, softly enhance walkways and features to create a pretty outdoor oasis. Remember, patio and porch lighting, as well as driveway lights, are essential when it comes to creating a practical home. Take a look at Lime Lace.

Landscape a design

Investing in landscape garden design is always money well spent. A professional with experience will get the best out of your outdoor space and could even come up with a design that will add value to your home.

A beautifully landscaped backyard will show potential buyers how they could live in the property. Since we all lead busy lives, think about a low-maintenance space with lots of useable areas for dining, relaxing and entertaining.

Robust flooring

Good-quality hard landscaping will show prospective buyers that your patio or terrace will stand the test of time. Outdoor tiles need less maintenance than wooden decking, as they won't rot. However, they will need sealing and regular cleaning, to remove any grime and mould.

Maintenance is vital, too, whatever the material, to prevent cracks that can lead to weed growth and trip hazards.

Plenty of privacy

An overlooked garden is never desirable. Homeowners want to be assured that when they are relaxing or hosting in their backyard, they can do so in total privacy. The key is to ensure your fencing, walls or hedges are neat, tidy and in one piece.

You could consider creating zones for privacy, without making your garden feel cluttered. Screens, pergolas or foliage, for example, can make an outdoor space feel more intimate while aiding with overlooking.

High-security features

Home security is a high priority for everyone, especially when looking for a new home. An unsecured or exposed garden can leave a property vulnerable to damage or intruders. Therefore, an unsafe backyard could be an instant turn-off for many.

Consider installing security sensor lighting or a smart camera, as well as ensuring your garden gate, fencing and garage door are secure.

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