Can landscape design add value to your home?

19 Nov

When it comes to adding value to our homes, a lot of attention is placed on upgrading and changing the interior. However, if you have a garden or outdoor area, this also provides a lot of opportunities to increase the value of your property.

It has even been estimated by some that landscaping, when done correctly, could add more to the potential sale price than building an extension on your home. Read on to see how landscape design can add value to your home.

How much value can landscaping add to your garden?

The amount of value you can add to your home is influenced by where you live in the country. For example, if you live in London, you may be able to add as much as £50,000 to the final sale price. It is worth remembering, however, that house prices in the capital tend to be much higher than most places in the UK.

Based on a survey carried out by insurance company AXA, it is estimated that on average, a well-kept garden could add as much as £2,000 in value, based on the average UK household gardening spend of £473. Of course, this will depend on the area you live in and the size of your garden, but it gives you a good indication of why it is important to maintain your outdoor space.

Quick ways to landscape your garden

Here are easy ways to landscape your garden without spending too much money:

Trim the grass

This should be relatively quick and easy to do and will freshen up the outdoor aesthetic to make the space look cleaner and more inviting.

Review security

Simple things like having good locks and secure windows on your shed will make all the difference. Fences can get worn down over time, so fix them up where needed and make sure they are stabilised in the ground.

Weeding

One thing that every garden guarantees is weeds, so it will be a big help if you can tidy things up so the space looks easier on the eye.

Garden furniture

Introducing garden furniture – even something as simple as a table and chair set – will capture the imagination of potential buyers.

Plants and flowers

Pops of colour and potted shrubs bring life and texture to the garden, making it feel more alive. It looks great to potential buyers and you can take them with you when you leave too.

How much does it cost to landscape a garden?

This will depend on the budget you have available to spend. If you do not have much money to commit to landscaping, the tips above may be your best option, as it is something you can do without paying for a professional landscaper. But if you have a bit of money to spend, here are some ideas to consider:

Up to £100

By spending this much you may be able to re-gravel and place bark in planting beds to suppress weeds and maintain soil moisture. Or, you can buy some containers to build a raised bed.

Up to £500

If you have this much budget available you could include building materials such as concrete slabs, new panel fencing, and refresh your garden furniture or re-turf your lawn.

Up to £1,000

This level of budget may enable you to hire some professional help for a couple of days. Maybe consider laying a new patio or buying a digger driver to prepare the ground if you are doing the work yourself.

£5,000 to £10,000

At the lower end you may be able to hire professional tradespeople for a week, covering all costs including materials. At the higher end you could also bring in a professional garden designer.

£10,000 to £30,000

Having this much to spend removes most limitations. It enables you to hire a professional landscape designer and contractor to carry out the work. And all those little extras and features you’d like to include also become more realistic.

Of course, hiring a professional is more expensive but it should ensure the work is completed to a high standard.

Alternatively, if you want to go the DIY route, be prepared to do a lot of reading and learning. There are a lot resources available online, so that will go a long way to providing the information you need.

Are you thinking of landscaping your garden?

Even the smallest of changes can add value to your garden and if you are thinking of building a porch or annex, Tereyn Architects can help. Get in touch to book a free consultation and we can discuss the design options available to you based on your requirements. Call us today on 07984 760 920, send us a message here, or email us at info@tereynarchitects.com and we’ll get right back to you.