Anyone who has access to a garden right now is likely making the most of it. With lockdown restrictions limiting how far people can travel, and for what purpose, spending time in your garden is a safe and enjoyable activity.
When the market moves forward, there is likely to be a higher demand for property with garden. Families who currently don’t have a garden space, but have the budget or ability to afford one, will likely make this a priority when they next move home.
It is likely that many buyers will have the way we deal with this pandemic in the back of their mind when they next move home. This means properties with a garden will be in even greater demand. Of course, homes with a garden are already in significant demand according to Zoopla and Rightmove.
Zoopla have released information relating to the leading search terms used by prospective buyers in 2019. The top three consisted of “garden”, “garage” and “parking”. This suggests outside space is crucial for prospective buyers, and any vendor who can offer these features will likely find their property is coveted by likely buyers.
Gardens can add value to a property
While common sense indicates that a garden can add value to a property, there is information to support this feeling. Studies indicate that a garden which is well-maintained can add anything between 5% and 20% to a property’s value. Sheds, outdoor seating areas and real grass are attractive features which buyers want to see.
It also appears that spending time in the garden is a priority for many homeowners. It was found that on average, homeowners spend around 114 hours each year gardening. For the rest of this year, and beyond, this figure is likely to increase. If you’re a homeowner, this might be the perfect time for you to plant fruit and vegetables, ensuring you have a supply of tasty products for your home and loved ones.
Rightmove have also considered the demand for homes with gardens. They have considered the impact a garden has on tenants and rental property. A Rightmove spokesperson said; “Having a garden is often a rarity for many rental properties in larger cities, and so it may be that during lockdown people are rethinking their needs and location and are searching for some outdoor space and tranquillity. That allure may draw them further away from where they have habitually lived and travelled to work from, however.”
While buyers are keen to see all parts of the property, there is no denying the impact a well-maintained garden has on prospective buyers. The garden space is the first thing a buyer sees, and this creates the first impression. If you plan on selling your home at any point in the next few years, it makes sense to ensure your garden looks fantastic.
If you have any housing market questions or queries, please feel free to contact us. At Frank Schippers, we are here to support you in this trying time, so contact us today.
