In this three-minute read, we look at ways to smarten up your garden to boost its appeal
when thinking of selling your home.
One of the most significant property trends to emerge from lockdown is the growing
importance of outdoor space to buyers.
Industry insiders report that post-lockdown, an increasing number of people are looking for
homes with a garden – or at least access to communal spaces.
This anecdotal evidence is backed up by Rightmove, which says searches for homes with
gardens increased by 42% in May.
With buyers’ priorities shifting, we advise sellers in Wembley to invest a little time and effort to
get gardens, roof terraces and balconies looking their best.
You don’t need to be Monty Don or Carol Klein, but you do need to get the basics right. A
little bit of TLC will push up the asking price and speed up the sale.
Here are some tips:
If your garden looks more like a junkyard than a backyard, you are missing a trick. Cut the
grass, blitz the weeds and trim back overgrown bushes and hedges (this will make the space
look bigger and brighter).
Repair any broken or damaged fences. This is a must, especially if you are marketing a
family home. Parents will want to know that their little ones can’t wander off. Pet owners
will want to ensure that their beloved pooch stays put.
If you have swings or a trampoline in good condition, it’s okay to leave them in situ
(provided they don’t crowd the space). But anything that is faded or broken must go.
Footballs, sandpits and scooters need to be stored away too.
A lick of paint goes a long way. Add a splash of colour to sheds, decking and fences.
Ditch the clutter. Don’t take it personally but people won’t be impressed by your collection
of power tools or your assortment of garden gnomes. And don’t even get us started on
caravans. These need to go into storage when selling.
Once you’ve cleared the space, consider adding a few blooms or hanging baskets. When it
comes to identifying where to place them, put yourself in the shoes of a viewer. Buyers will
get their first glimpse of the garden when they are inside, looking out through a window.
Identify these key focal points and place your plants there for maximum impact.
Dress to impress. If you have a separate office or studio space, make sure it is presented as
such. Often people cram offices with bikes, tools and boxes. You want potential buyers (who
may work from home) to be able to walk around inside and envision themselves working in
there. If your office has electricity and broadband, shout about it.
Don’t forget the front garden. Even if the front of your property only has a small amount of
space, invest in a few pot plants to make it look welcoming. First impressions are hugely
important.
And a final word on bins and laundry. It’s a pet peeve of ours when marketing photos
feature bins (everyone has them, we don’t need to see them) and laundry drying on the
line. A good agent knows the deal is in the detail and would ensure they are NOT featured in
any photos.
If you’d like more advice on how best to present your home, contact us here at Grey & Co.
We’d love to help you make your next move.
Abigail & the Team at Grey & Co x.