In our experience, a ‘return on investment’ is very low down on the list of our clients’ requirements when considering what they want from their new garden. In fact, we’d go so far as to say that it has never been cited as a factor in the decision making process – to us at least.

However, it’s also fair to say that a garden redevelopment can be a significant expense, often greater than many people realize. Depending on the size of your garden and what you want from it, transforming your outdoor space may cost as much as a small house extension, regardless of what the TV makeover shows would have you believe. With that in mind, we thought it might be useful to review the evidence.

Even before the pandemic, Rightmove found that access to a garden was a priority for 60% of buyers. COVID and the emergence of home working has changed the picture – and according the Royal Chartered Institute of Surveyors, this number is expected to grow, possibly as high as 80%. It seems the pandemic has caused us to re-evaluate our priorities and the importance of a garden that is both functional and beautiful is now much higher on the list.

Research by Foxtons estate agents suggests that a garden can add up to 20% to the value of a property which sounds great – but we think it’s important to remember that different people will want different things from their outdoor space. A garden packed with high maintenance herbaceous borders may not be a priority for a professional working couple primarily interested in a space to entertain friends and family, for example. So you would expect some variation in this figure, depending on the requirements of the buyer.

A case study by the AA found that the uplift was more modest – at an average 5% of a property’s value across the UK, but with some areas experiencing an uplift of closer to 15%. Interestingly, they found uplift was lower in major cities, which might reflect differing lifestyle requirements from a property. But they also found that 57% of buyers coming from homes without a garden were looking for one in their next property.

Foxtons also noted in their study that 72% of their clients said they would be prepared to pay more for a property with an outdoor space, all other things being equal. Given this, it might also be fair conclude that if two similar properties have similar sized gardens, but one has a well designed outdoor space and the other hasn’t, it’s the former that’s going to attract more interest.

So one thing seems certain; an investment in a garden is going to increase the value of your property to some degree. Will you recoup the value of your investment, or even see a small return? It’s hard to say and there are lots of factors at play. But as we said, a ‘return on investment’ isn’t what our clients are really looking for. Unless you count a wonderful improvement in your quality of life as ‘a return’. Which we most certainly would!

To discuss your requirements for your garden redesign, call Kevin Hosier on 07958 704261 or email kevin@jardinialandscapes.co.uk