The topic of adding value to a property is something extensively covered in the press but not every suggestion you read about is practical, affordable or enjoyable. What if, however, there were a number of ways to add value with items you may already be thinking about buying or installing this summer?
Look no further than your garden. It won’t have escaped your notice that outside space on its own is one of the best ‘added value’ aspects of property, with a well-kept garden widely believed to add between 10% and 20% to a home’s value.
A recent piece of research by Roofing Megastore set out to identify the garden facets that added the most value to a property. While some of the most substantial and permanent garden improvements see the biggest returns (adding a conservatory, a home office garden room, a gym/studio or an orangery will result in the most value, all increasing a property’s price by at least £6,500), there are a number of more modest and on-trend additions with surprising returns.
If you’re determined to make the most of your garden this summer before going on the market, you may like to consider this year’s al fresco must-have – the outdoor kitchen. Having a dedicated place to cook outside can add £6,385 to your home’s value and if you look up ‘outdoor kitchen hacks’ online, you’ll find some budget-friendly tips, tricks and DIY solutions.
Also bringing joy this summer and adding value at the same time is the hot tub (+£5,752); a garden bar (+£5,624); a built-in pizza oven (+£5,135) and a built-in outdoor BBQ (+£5,135). The research also found a new paved patio, a new decking area, a children’s treehouse, a greenhouse, and mature plants, trees and flowers all added more than £5,000 in value.
On the last point, even your choice of plants can create an uplift to your property’s price. GetAgent teamed up with gardener Craig Wilson from Gardener’s Dream to identify what plants add the most pounds. If you’re potting up tubs or sprucing up borders, Wilson says hydrangeas, peonies and eucalyptus will add value.
When it comes to devaluing property, there’s one plant that will dent the price and that’s Japanese Knotweed. It’s an invasive species not sold in garden centres but it can spread from neighbouring gardens, sidings and embankments.
If you think you have Japanese Knotweed, you’ll need to call in a registered expert to confirm its presence and treat the plant before you go on the market. If you don’t and Japanese Knotweed is identified in your survey report, a buyer may find it problematic to get a mortgage on your property.
Gardens really do hold great appeal, so sellers should pay attention to lawns, beds, borders and furniture. If you’d like advice about how to present your garden ahead of a sale, please get in touch.