6 Garden Improvement Tips To Consider Before Selling Your Home

Thinking about moving home soon? With recent figures from Halifax suggesting that there were more first-time buyers purchasing a home in 2016 than any year before the financial crisis began in 2007, there has never been a better time to place your property on the market.

A big part of selling your home is being able to impress potential buyers that come to visit. Sprucing up a property is something that many people end up spending a lot of time and money on — and understandably so, as it can create a great first impression and boost asking prices. However, it can be easy to get wrapped up in the interior of your home without paying the exterior the attention it deserves.

A 2013 report from Lloyds TSB found that British gardens are worth £1,928 on average, and one third of people said they spent money on their garden because they love to spend time outdoors. These findings suggest that homeowners place real value on their green spaces — take the time to get your garden in shape and you could really take advantage of this.

With this in mind, let’s take a look at six of the best garden improvements you should consider making before selling your home.

Spruce up what you already have

The first thing to think about before making any drastic alterations is whether just a little bit of maintenance could unlock your garden’s potential. Take the time to remove any loose leaves or clutter that may have been blown in and become trapped in small spaces or hidden corners. Although you probably keep your garden relatively clear, a spotless garden will ensure that any visitors can appreciate its beauty fully.

Remove any large objects

Large objects that take up a lot of space, such as furniture, lawnmowers, or barbecues, can create the illusion that your outdoor space is smaller than it actually is, which can be a turn-off for potential buyers. You don’t have to get rid of them, but by moving them out of sight or putting them into storage, you can create a positive impression through having a garden with a more open, spacious feel.

Pay attention to the details

If someone is seriously thinking about putting an offer in for your home, it’s likely that they will examine it down to the finest details. This also applies to your garden. If you’ve got a fence that could do with a new coat paint, now is the ideal time to get your brush out.

Likewise, patio or paving stones with moss or dirt clinging to them should be cleaned with a pressure washer to get them looking like new. Don’t feel that you need to go out and buy one of these devices — you can hire one from a firm like HSS Hire to save some money. By making the effort to take care of the small details such as these, you will be more likely to impress people viewing the property.

Get your lawn in shape

For many homeowners, having a pristine lawn is a very big deal — that’s why, according to research by Grono, the average Brit spends two months of their lives mowing and trimming them to perfection. Therefore, to make sure your garden appeals to lawn-lovers, it can be very fruitful to make sure yours is in shape and any weeds are taken care of. This way they will see it in its best light and are more likely to be reassured that it will be easy to maintain.

Plant some flowers

Having a garden in full bloom is a sure-fire way to impress anyone taking a tour of your home, so adding a few plants here and there should be on your to-do list. Even if you are not at all green-fingered, you have options available to you in the abundance of easy-to-grow plants available — take a look at this article from Homes and Gardens, which lists quite a few.

There’s always the option of purchasing some ready-made pots, window baskets, and hanging baskets that you can place around. You can pick these up from a garden centre, along with any seeds or tools you need. One of the best in the region is Gosforth, a Wyevale Garden Centre, which offers everything you need, as well as an enjoyable day out to boot.

Keep at it

House sales can be long, drawn out affairs, and you may end up receiving quite a few viewings of your home before someone makes an offer. Keeping your garden well-maintained throughout this period should be a priority, especially if you want it looking its best for a short notice visit. Make it a habit to keep everything in good condition and your plants and flowers healthy and you shouldn’t have too much of a problem.

Follow these six essential tips and your garden will stand out as a selling point for potential buyers. With a bit of effort, it could even speed up the sale of your home.