Landscaping your garden could increase your property value by 77 per cent, according to new research from Post Office Money.
Doing up your garden could add more value to your house than a new kitchen, conservatory or even an extension, the study shows. 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 — or even £90,000, if you choose a basement conversion.
‘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.
But how much do home improvements really cost?
These are the estimated costs of improvements in the home, 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 the potential increases in value of 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
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Lisa Joyner is the Senior Digital Writer at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
