When most of us want to sell our home we focus on what we can do inside it, but the difference you make on the outside can prove extremely profitable. A well-kept garden can be a growing investment for your property, boosting its value by up to 10 per cent, according to garden maintenance firm Nicenstripy.
As developers cram more houses into tight spaces, demand for outdoor space has never been greater and, with a little maintenance, your garden could even be the determining factor in a sale. Giving your house “kerb appeal†by making it look as attractive as possible to potential buyers when they approach is vital in today’s buyers’ market.
Similarly, an untidy garden could just look like a headache and put off potential buyers for no good reason.
Whatever the time of year, your garden or patio area should be kept tidy. Sweeping up leaves and debris on a regular basis and keeping flower beds weeded, lawns mown and hedges clipped could really make a difference. By following these few simple tips your garden could soon become the crowning glory of your property.
1.   Keep it tidy
Whether you’ve got 10 square feet or half an acre, nothing screams “dump†like an untidy garden. Don’t be fooled into thinking you will be able to impress prospective buyers with your “nature reserve†when things have grown wild. Keep on top of the mowing and trimming and this will also make your garden look bigger.
2. Revamp
Garden gnomes and other ornamental garden figures are a big no-no. What may look whimsical and cute to you will definitely look outdated and rather strange to others. Above all, apply the minimalist rule to your garden revamp and you won’t go far wrong. Ask for advice on the latest plants and flowers at your local garden centre to drag your garden into the 21st century.
3. Garden furniture
If you have a reasonable sized garden, a few carefully chosen items of garden furniture would not go amiss and might help buyers to imagine how they would enjoy the place. A strategically placed sun lounger or garden table can add a lived-in feel that will appeal to potential buyers.
4. Avoid fussy features
Ponds, statues and elaborate water features might sound nice but are generally hard work to maintain and can look tacky. Abide by the rule, “if in doubt, don’t†and avoid any embarrassing green-fingered faux pas.
5. Practically perfect
Think practically. Try to tailor your garden to suit the type of people it’s aimed at. For family appeal create a garden with plenty of lawn space for children to play on. If your property is aimed at single people living on their own, try to create a low-maintenance garden.
6. De-clutter
No one likes seeing a load of kids’ or pets’ toys spread all over the lawn. Build a shed or find somewhere to hide clutter. If you don’t have a lot of space, then you can buy cheap garden storage units from DIY stores.
7. Eco-friendly
With such a huge focus on green living at the moment, your garden is the first place you can do this. You can recycle virtually everything in your garden. Set up a compost heap and impress potential buyers with how clued up you are on green issues.
8. Make it low maintenance
Unless you are a very keen gardener, you won’t want to spend hours on your garden every day. When planning and building your garden, deliberately make it low maintenance. Choose plants that only need attention now and again, and features that only need annual servicing.
9. Colourful Tubs
Depending on the time of year, use tubs and planters to add seasonal colour so that the garden doesn’t look dead, even in winter.
10. Safety and Hygiene
It sounds obvious but if you have unsafe steps or slippy paths, get them repaired. And if you have pets who use your garden, make sure everything is cleared up before visitors arrive.
