How landscaping can improve the value of your home

According to a recent survey done from Post Office Money; landscaping your garden could increase property value by 77%. The study goes on to show that sprucing up your garden could add more value to your house than a new kitchen, conservatory or even an extension. The next time you want to add value to your home, consider outdoor improvements such as planting beautiful new flower beds, adding a sturdy decking, laying down a patio, or opting for water features.

The estimated cost of garden landscaping will cost a homeowner £2,750, compared to an extension which can cost up to £80,000.

‘Over the past few years, house price growth has slowed, so homeowners have turned to other options to add value to their homes – with improvements being a clear opportunity. Making the right changes to your home can increase its market value significantly – with garden landscaping coming out on top for the most value added,’ Chrysanthy Pispinis from Post Office Money explains.

'However, home improvements are not all about making changes which add value for re-sale; 63 per cent of the homeowners we polled had no plans to move. Renovations allow homeowners to create homes that reflect their needs and tastes, with the potential added benefit of adding value in the long term.'

After analysing 2,001 online interviews with UK homeowners, Post Office Money found that 18 per cent landscaped their gardens in the past five years. Some 28 per cent of those improvers did so to increase the value of their property, while 59 per cent wanted to boost the appearance of their garden, making it a more relaxing place to sit in.

Here we have listed various landscaping projects that we recommend to be worth the investment to boost your home’s value.

1. Planting Trees - ideally a suitable distance away from septic systems, driveways and the house itself to prevent any potential interferences. Tree placement is key because of potential root damage to a home’s foundation, falling branches or other issues.

2. Spruce up walkways - make a lasting first impression with stylish planters on both side, maintaining the curbing and elevating the look with proper lighting.

3. Invest in a well-maintained lawn - a well-cared-for front lawn has a huge impact on the overall desirability of a home. This includes lawn mowed regularly, trees pruned, weeds pulled and garden spruced up with some colourful seasonal flowers. A tidy lawn is a perfect place of relaxation for adults and a playground for children.

4. Create Privacy - thoughtfully designed landscaping is one way to achieve this desirable goal. Privacy panels, fences covered with greenery, private raised terrace, extra tall hedges, vine-covered trellis are several landscaping project ideas that can establish the much needed peace and quiet we all yearn for.

5. Add a water feature - introducing a backyard pond or other type of water feature can add a unique touch to your home; landscaping planning needs put into place to determine it’s location on your property, it’s size and how it is decorated etc.

6. Fire pit installation - fire pits soared in popularity during the pandemic lockdown periods when we were all stuck at home; built-in and freestanding fire pits continue to be a universally beloved home feature, perfect for families, young couples and anyone who loves to host and entertain guests.