Selling your home – how does your garden grow the asking price?

by Viv

 

With the revered RHS Chelsea Flower Show opening this week everyone is getting rather green fingered but aside from a place to make the most of the British summer and throw a BBQ, a safe area to run your children out of steam or somewhere live the good life with a veggie patch, how much is your garden really worth in terms of the value of your home?
House prices so far this year have taken a small but positive step in the right direction. According to new figures released by the Department for Communities and Local Government, average house prices in the UK rose by 1.2% between Feb and March 2011. The year-on-year figure shows a gentler rise of 0.9% with the North / South divide still evident. The strongest regional rise was in London whose market has remained robust with 5.6% year on year growth and the South East showing a very healthy rise of 2.5% compared to this time last year.   
James Wyatt, Partner at Barton Wyatt, award wining estate agency in Virginia Water, Surrey comments on these figures:
“When the economy first nosed dived in Q3 2008 we saw a very sudden stop in property transactions. New builds were not being put on the market and people stopped shopping for new homes. Gradually however, in our area we have seen the market stabilize although both buyers and sellers are more thorough in their research and not quite so swift to make spur of the moment decisions. 
 “This is where the quality of your home and particularly your garden can come into play. If a property is on the market and it looks tired then clients definitely drag their heels to make offers and this rings true for outside spaces too.”
Wyatt continues:
“At this time of year some purchasers can almost spend longer mulling over the lupins and hollyhocks than the internal fixtures and fittings. I would say that truly lovely garden which has been properly planned and well maintained can add as much as 10% to the property price!”
A subjective estimate some may say however with over 30 years experience in selling luxury homes with some of the finest gardens in the country James Wyatt’s expert opinion is not to be underestimated. Indeed advice from a UK based gardening website (www.gardenadvice.co.uk) suggests that ‘A well designed garden can add the "wow factor" to any house increasing its impact and making it stand out within a group of other houses for sale within the same area and price range’.
So if your home is on the market then consider these top tips for adding value from your garden:
  • If your garden is very long and straight consider splitting it into sections – add a border that comes into the garden or consider adding a pergola or an archway or maybe a large raised vegetable planter which will add some height and interest.
  • If the garden is lacking in character maybe add a child friendly water feature or some garden art. Chimineas or charcoal burning stoves are also popular and worth consideration
  • Get tips from your neighbours – see what is growing well in their gardens – it will almost definitely grow in yours! Ask you estate agent for advice on what properties have been selling and some tips on the gardens in those homes.
  • Consider relaying your turf, this might sound expensive but it could make a huge difference to the speed your property sells at and the offer price from the purchaser.
  • Take a critical look at your drive – is it covered in weeds or in need of repair? Resealing tired brick paving or a generous dose of weed killer might help.
  • Consider adding some easy to grow scented plants close to your front door. Just as fresh bread smells in the kitchen creates a homey ambiance so does the gentle waft of an English country garden.
 
For further information on homes with stunning gardens or any of the selected properties contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk. 
 
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Editor’s Note
Examples of properties available currently through Barton Wyatt with lovely gardens
 
Wilton, Virginia Water                       £5,750,000
This utterly fabulous house is less then two years old and is situated at the top of arguably one of the best roads in Virginia Water. The house boasts the very latest modern technology including built in Sonos with speaker system throughout the house.
Living accommodation comprises master bedroom suite with dressing room, en-suite includes aquavision television. 6 further bedrooms and 6 further bathrooms. 4 reception rooms including a grand dining hall, drawing room, study and TV room/gymnasium.
The property includes a self contained staff flat comprising bed/sitting room, kitchen and bathroom set above a triple garage.
Whackits, Wentworth Estate – £1,950,000
Conveniently located in this quiet road within the prestigious Wentworth Estate, this unique architect designed single storey residence offers versatile accommodation and is located in a quiet south facing plot of approximately half an acre yet is within walking distance of the village centre and mainline railway station. Master bedroom suite with luxury bathroom and dressing room, two guest bedrooms with en-suites, two further bedrooms, family bathroom, television/family room, open plan drawing room, dining room, conservatory, large kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, integral double garage, ample parking, south facing landscaped gardens, plot amounting to approximately half an acre.
Outside, the house is approached through electric wrought iron gates with brick piers onto a block paved driveway giving parking for a number of vehicles with well tended borders on all sides giving a very high degree of privacy from the road. The rear of the house opens onto the lovely south facing gardens which are maintained to a high standard and are full of well tended and stocked flower beds with high hedging on all sides. The gardens offer tranquillity and privacy.
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