Do Gardens Add Value to Your Property?

In this blog, we look at how and why a garden can add value to your home. From landscaping to entertaining spaces, garden offices and final touches, this article explores the best improvements you can make to boost your home’s value.

Types of Garden Improvements That Can Add the Most Value

Low-Maintenance Garden Improvements

Just small, low-maintenance changes can make a world of difference to your garden’s appearance and add value. Regular lawn mowing, fence repair and weed control are great places to start to keep things looking neat and tidy. If you want a more low-maintenance option - why not invest in some high-quality artificial turf?

Outdoor Entertaining Space

Buyers will be on the lookout for gardens where they can picture themselves enjoying long summer evenings with their family and friends, so by creating an outdoor space that can be used for BBQs, alfresco drinks and dining, you’ll be onto a value-adding winner.

Sheds, Pods, and Garden Offices

Space permitting, a larger garden would benefit from a shed, pod or a garden office. Not only are they fantastic storage areas that boost your garden’s practicality and keep your lawn clutter-free, but they also make for amazing spaces for hobbies and work too. Be mindful that certain permanent structures may need planning permission - do your research to double check before any building work starts.

Well-Placed Lighting and Pathways

Strategically placed lighting and pathways can work wonders in your garden, both practically and aesthetically.

Solar lights, in particular, are a brilliant choice for gardens as they are easy to install, eco-friendly and energy efficient. They are sunlight dependent, however, so if your garden is particularly shaded or would struggle to get the level of light needed to power solar lighting, LED outdoor lights might be better suited for your needs.

Planting Easy Care Plants

By planting a variety of colourful plants and flowers along with herbs, wildflowers and long grasses, you’ll be providing both food and shelter for insects so they can pollinate in peace.

You could also think about creating an edible garden with raised beds. From herbs to radishes or even strawberries, raised beds are a great option for growing garden vegetables and are relatively low-maintenance for their output.

Simple Garden Improvements to Start With

Maintenance is the most important thing. Make sure you’re regularly mowing your lawn, jet-washing your patio, de-weeding and cutting back any unruly plants or hedges. Next, have a look around your garden to identify some easy wins. Do you have a fence that needs fixing? Could it do with a new lick of paint? Can you tidy away any clutter in the shed?

If you’re thinking about making some much-needed upgrades to your garden, a home improvement loan from TSB can help you to split the cost into more affordable payments.

Our loan calculator gives you an idea of what the monthly loan repayments and total repayable might be for the amount you’d like to borrow over the chosen term.

For smaller-cost items, a credit card could be an option, too.

Preparing Your Garden for a Home Sale

As with your home, you’ll want to make sure your garden is as market-ready as it can be before you list it.

Upcycle your garden furniture by adding cushions and decorating the space just like you would the inside of your home.

Once you’re happy that your garden is looking its best, it’s time to take some attractive photos to highlight your outdoor spaces' best bits. Ask your photographer or estate agent to take wide-angle shots on a high-visibility day and focus on any particularly lovely features your garden has to offer.

Are you thinking about moving house? Find and apply for a TSB mortgage that’s right for you.

Why not have a read of our handy guide on How to Improve Your Home for more inspiration? Or, if you’re looking to sell in the near future and want more targeted advice, consider speaking with an estate agent to get things moving.

 

 

1. Lending is subject to status and lending criteria, UK resident and 18+.

2. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage

3. 5.9% APR representative for loans between £7,500 and £25,000 for 1-5 years. The representative APR is the Annual Percentage Rate of charge. You can use it to compare the overall cost of credit between different lenders.

4. 18+ and UK resident only. Lending is subject to approval. Credit limits, promotional periods and interest rates will vary based on your individual circumstances. To remain eligible for promotional rates you must stay within your credit limit and make your payments on time each month.