If you’ve been in the market for buying a house – or even just thought about buying one –, you will know just how valuable the outdoor spaces of a property can be. However, just like the interior design of the building being sold, it’s important that a prospective buyer can ‘see’ themselves living there. If you’re a landscaping company or designer that has been commissioned to re-design a landscape to make it more appealing to prospective buyers, here are a few tips that increase property value and some of the common mistakes to avoid. First, some common ideas that you and your clients should avoid:
One of the most common mistakes that people make is to assume that prospective buyers want a designer garden. People often assume that something super modern and fancy is exactly what a buyer wants. However, tastes differ and people like different things in their spaces. An expensive garden might leave a prospective buyer wondering whether they can spare the time to maintain it or whether they can afford to remove it all and start again. Something simple, understated and yet with a quality finish is often the best approach. A blank canvas that can be adapted to the buyer’s tastes or still look pleasant if left as is should be the best compromise.
Another common mistake is the thought that expensive garden accessories will increase a property’s value. Most people aspire to have a swimming pool, a hot tub or an outdoor kitchen in their garden. However, a swimming pool can cost upwards of £10 a day to heat, clean and maintain – a cost that many of your potential buyers could do without – especially for what is only a few months of potential swimming weather a year. Not to mention buyers with small children or pets who could be put off by the potential added danger. Instead, pay attention to these key areas that play on the majority of potential buyers aspirations and desires:
Even the most introverted house buyer wants to show off their property to friends and family – they want a space they can be proud of (without it dragging them down with debt). Design landscapes with social gathering in mind. Ensure that there’s ample room for barbeques and outside dining, especially in areas that catch the midday and evening sun. Make sure to include lighting that allows a gathering to extend pleasantly into the evening.
With all living space design, consistency is the key. It’s off putting to a buyer to walk into a bedroom that is a completely different design to the hallway that precedes it. The same applies to the garden areas. A super clean straight edge and modern garden will feel out of place attached to a traditionally decorated country cottage, for instance. Ensure that any garden and outdoor landscaping is well mirrored by the rest of the property’s design.
Low maintenance doesn’t have to mean boring or uninspiring. A well designed and thought-out outdoor landscape is one that only requires only a small portion of time a month to maintain. Think about composite decking instead of pure wood, synthetic turf instead of grass and slow growing greenery, ground covers, shrubs and evergreens to show that a beautiful outdoor space doesn’t need to take up every available weekend for maintenance. Bear in mind that there’s a difference between the maintenance needed and the ‘perceived maintenance’, a garden might look difficult to maintain even if it only takes 2 hours a month to keep up with. The first impression is everything to a buyer, so strike a balance between looking beautiful and looking simple to maintain.
As the winter season approaches, many gardeners may be wondering how to best care for their garden soil and plants during the colder months.
As the winter season approaches, many gardeners may be wondering how to best care for their garden soil and plants during the colder months.
When it comes to creating safe, beautiful, and sustainable playgrounds, the choice of ground cover plays a vital role.
When it comes to creating safe, beautiful, and sustainable playgrounds, the choice of ground cover plays a vital role.
As we seek to live more sustainably and reduce our carbon footprints, it’s important to consider the impact of our gardening practices.
As we seek to live more sustainably and reduce our carbon footprints, it’s important to consider the impact of our gardening practices.
September is a crucial month for gardeners preparing their beds for the winter months ahead and mulching does just that.
September is a crucial month for gardeners preparing their beds for the winter months ahead and mulching does just that.
