Your garden is a valuable asset to your home. It can add kerb appeal, increase the value of your property, and provide a space for relaxation and enjoyment. According to a survey by Rightmove, 87% of buyers said that a garden was important to them when choosing a property.
But if your garden is cluttered, overgrown, or unkempt, it can have the opposite effect. It can make your home look uncared for and unappealing to potential buyers.
That’s why it’s important to tidy up your garden before you put your house on the market. Here are a few reasons why:
First impressions matter. When potential buyers look at your home even before they book a viewing, the first thing they’ll see is your garden. A tidy, well-maintained garden will make a positive impression and make them more likely to want to see the inside of your home.
A tidy garden adds value to your property. Studies have shown that gardens can add up to 20% to the value of a property. But nobody wants to move into a jungle! So if you’re looking to sell your home for top dollar, it’s worth taking the time to tidy up your garden.
A tidy garden is more appealing to buyers. Potential buyers are looking for a home that they can move into and enjoy right away. A tidy garden shows that you’re a responsible homeowner who takes care of your property. Buyers can immediately imagine themselves sitting in the garden.
A tidy garden is a great selling point. When your estate agent is listing your home for sale, they’ll highlight the features of your garden in the listing. This could include the size of the garden, the type of plants, and any amenities such as a patio, built-in BBQ or shed.
How much garden work should you do when selling your property?
So how much work do you need to do to tidy up your garden in order to sell your property? Of course, there’s no definitive answer to this! It depends on the condition of your garden and your budget, as well as the market conditions.
Here are a few different levels of work you can do:
Basic tidying up: This includes mowing the lawn, weeding the flowerbeds, pruning shrubs, trimming hedges and removing any clutter. This is the minimum amount of work you should do to make your garden look presentable.
Medium-level tidying up: As well as all the above, this includes adding some new plants (using pots is a quick and easy way and you can then take them with you when you move!), power washing paths and patios, repairing any damage to hardscaping, and painting or staining any wooden features. This will give your garden a more polished look. Consider adding some solar lighting, as evening viewings are common.
Garden makeover or major renovation: This includes completely overhauling your garden, such as adding a new patio, building a shed, or landscaping the entire space. This is a more expensive option, but it can significantly increase the value of your property and make it more saleable.
No matter how much work you decide to do, tidying up your garden is a worthwhile investment that will help you sell your home faster and for a higher price.
Maintenance matters
It’s important to remember to keep up with the maintenance too, particularly if your property remains on the market for more than a few weeks. Ensure that the grass is cut regularly, fallen leaves and debris are removed and hedges and shrubs kept trimmed.
It might feel daunting to start extra garden jobs when you’re hoping to move, but in the current buyers’ market, it’s worth doing everything you can to make your property stand out from the crowd and boost that all-important kerb appeal. It could be the difference between a quick sale and a long wait.
Let us help!
If you need help tidying up your garden, contact us here at Genesis Gardens. We are a team of experienced garden designers and landscapers who can help you create a beautiful and inviting garden that will impress potential buyers and that will help you sell your home for top dollar.
We specialise in helping people ready their gardens for selling a house and we offer a wide range of garden design and landscaping services, from small makeovers to complete overhauls. We also provide cost-effective regular maintenance to keep everything in tip-top condition throughout the sales process.
Contact us today to schedule a no-obligation consultation. We’ll be happy to discuss your needs and create a garden plan that’s perfect for you.