Garden improvements can 'increase value of property'

Posted: 24 Mar 2009 12:37:48 GMT

Making improvements to the outside space attached to a home can help to boost the value of a property.

That is according to garden designer Jill Fenwick, who has asserted that a "really nice garden" can be a deciding factor for some buyers.

She explained that, for example, a buyer looking at houses which are very similar to all intents and purposes may be swayed by a front garden that has been well looked after because it will make the home look more impressive.

Ms Fenwick said that while the recession means that not as many homes are being sold, sprucing up a garden can be a long-term investment and one which will be beneficial if and when the owners do decide to try and sell up.

She commented: "Rather than move home nowadays people are trying to do up their houses and also it increases value. If you do have a really nice garden then it will increase the value if you do sell the house eventually."

Ms Fenwick went on to say that the preference for gardens at the moment seems to be "minimal maintenance" as many people want a nice looking garden but don't always have the time to look after it.

In April last year, FindaProperty.com reported that almost 80 per cent of buyers believed a back garden could increase a property's value by 15 per cent.

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