How your garden can help sell your home

When it comes to selling your home, your garden can make a big difference!

Experts say the outside is often a key piece in the puzzle to getting the price you want. In fact, a well-maintained garden could add as much as £27,000 to the price of a property, according to website Zoopla.

So, what are the tips to making your garden stand our from the rest and pull in the buyer at the price you want? Hopefully this guide will help.

1. Cut the grass

This might sound simple, but you’d be amazed at how unattractive an overgrown garden looks. A simple mow of the lawn will make things look much neater. If you don’t own a mower, you can probably get a local gardener to come and do it for £20 – well worth the investment.

It’s also smart to remove and restock any tired looking plants to give the garden a fresh and vibrant vibe. If you have any blank areas, fill them with bark or light stones. It’ll make the garden seem more complete. This can be done on a low budget.

2. Tidy the garage

Garages and sheds can be a blessing or a curse. If your shed’s looking a bit battered, try a lick of paint or varnish. The sample applies to dirty fence panels. It does wonders to make them look clean and professional.

Make sure that the garage door opens easily and the light bulbs turn on. Try and remove as much clutter as you can so it doesn’t look like a rubbish store, but a useful, vacant space. 3

3. Keep up appearances

OK, so this is a classic sales idea, but if it’s a nice, sunny day, why not put some snacks and a couple of glasses of wine out on the outside table? The seller can then imagine their hot and sunny afternoons in their new abode.

Make sure the bins are put away and not overflowing with rubbish. If your children play in the garden, ensure their toys are hidden away or stored in a neat manner.

Jet-wash any mono blocking, paving, steps and PVC facings. Although it’s a messy job it is hugely satisfying and means prospective buyers won’t feel it’s a job that you’re leaving for them to do.

4. Names and numbers

It’s said that giving your house a name can add some spice and make it seem more private and exciting for a buyer. Consider getting a plaque made with your beautifully thought-up name.

The house name you choose doesn’t have to be registered but can be used on all of your marketing materials. It will give your property an interesting edge. Also, if the house numbers are rusty and old, it’s worth spending a few pounds getting new ones added. It’ll give the house a fresh and cleaner look. \u2028\u2028

5. Love thy neighbour

Check whether your neighbour’s garden is tidy. Many sales have been fallen through simply through bad feedback concerning the state of next door’s garden.

If they’re struggling to fix it up themselves, why not offer a helping hand?

A few hours’ work on a Saturday morning could be the difference between your house selling or not – and it’ll be your charitable act for the month too!

Jill Moore Select Properties is the leading estate agent in Washington and the wider North East. With our experience and advice, we can make the most from selling your home. Contact us today for details.