Will A Landscaped Garden Add Value To A Home?

Landscaping a garden could significantly raise the property value by 77%, according to new research by Post Office Money.

Doing up the garden could add more value to the property than a new kitchen, a conservatory or even an extension, the study shows. Add value with outdoor enhancements such as planting beautiful new flower beds, adding a sturdy deck, creating a patio, or opting for water features.

The estimated cost of garden landscaping will be £2,750 for the homeowner, compared to an extension that can cost up to £80,000—or even £90,000 if you choose a cellar conversion.

"Making the right changes to your home can significantly increase its market value – with gardening at the top for the most value-added, “explains Chrysanthy Pispinis from Post Office Money.

‘Nevertheless, home improvement is not all about making changes that add value for re-sale; 63% of the property owners we surveyed had no plans to move. Renovations allow homeowners to build homes that reflect their taste and preferences, with the potential added value-added in the long term.

After an analysis of 2,001 online surveys with UK homeowners, Post Office Money has found that 18 percent of them have landscaped their gardens in the last five years. Some 28 percent of these upgraders did so to increase the value of their property, while 59 per cent wanted to improve the appearance of their garden, making it a more relaxing place to sit in.

But how much does home improvement really cost?

These are all the estimated costs of home renovations, according to Post Office Money:

• Garden landscaping: £2,750
• Gym: £10,00
• Extension: £80,000
• Walk-in wardrobe: £3,400
• Jacuzzi/hot tub: £6,000
• New kitchen: £7,500
• Swimming pool: £30,000
• Basement conversion: £90,000
• Conservatory: £9,000
• Driveway: £25,000
• Wet room: £7,500

These are all the potential increases in the value of a property with improvements, according to Post Office Money:

• Garden landscaping: 77 per cent
• Gym: 44 per cent
• Extension: 37 per cent
• Walk-in wardrobe: 34 per cent
• Jacuzzi/hot tub: 27 per cent
• New kitchen: 26 per cent
• Swimming pool: 22 per cent
• Basement conversion: 17 per cent
• Conservatory: 10 per cent
• Driveway: 9 per cent
• Wet room: 7 per cent

Even very modest gardens are a bonus, and if in London, the extra value of the home can reach thousands. The real estate agent Foxtons, 62% of their clients, say that a garden is important to them, while 72% say that they would pay more for an outdoor space with a property. In some areas, a garden could mean that buyers would have to pay a premium of up to £ 50,000.

The figures released by insurance specialists, AXA, confirm the importance of a well-maintained garden but show a more moderate increase in property values. Their research shows that while the average UK household spent £473 a year on their garden, the potential for return was more than four times as high at £1,954