They say that moving house is one of the most stressful events in your life, but searching for a new home is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable. There are so many things to consider when choosing a house, including the property’s location, interior, potential and functionality.
However, many people forget the importance of the garden and how it contributes to a wise purchase. A well-maintained garden can add functionality to your home and make it more enjoyable to live in, but it can also define the property’s future value.
So, if you want to buy a home that gives you the outdoor space you need and ensures you’ll be able to sell the property in the future, read on.
We’re about to reveal the top things to look for when buying a home with a garden.
Why Are Gardens Important For A Prospective Buyer?
There are many reasons why gardens are important to potential homebuyers. Here are just a few:
They add value to your home: A well-designed and maintained garden can increase the value of your property, making it a wise investment.
Extra living space: With good design, a garden can provide additional living and entertaining areas for you and your family.
Liveability: By adding greenery, flowers and water features, gardens can make any home more pleasant and inviting. They also provide a great place to relax or entertain guests.
Now that we’ve established why gardens are so important, let’s look at the most important things to look for when you buy a new property.
The Garden Position
One of the first things you should consider when buying a home is the position of the garden. Does it get plenty of sunlight? Is it south-facing? These are essential questions to ask, as they’ll significantly impact what you can grow in your garden.
A sunny spot is essential if you’re hoping to grow vegetables or fruit. Likewise, if you want to install a pool or hot tub, you’ll need to ensure the garden gets enough sun.
On the other hand, if you prefer shady gardens, you’ll be limited in what you can grow, as shade-loving plants such as hostas and ferns will thrive, but sun-worshipping flowers such as roses will struggle.
People are usually willing to pay more for a south-facing garden, so if you’d like to save some money, a home with a naturally shaded garden might be more cost-effective.
The Size of the Garden
Another important consideration is the size of the garden. A small courtyard or balcony might be fine if you’re not planning on doing much gardening, but if you want to make the most of your outdoor space, then you’ll need a decent-sized plot.
Of course, a large garden has problems, such as increased maintenance costs, so it’s best to find a balance that suits your needs. You can also explore some large garden design ideas to maximise your available space and minimise maintenance.
Ideally, you should look for a garden that’s big enough to accommodate any plans you have and give you enough space to enjoy now.
Garden Features
When considering a property with a garden, it’s also essential to consider the features. Does the garden come with a shed? Is there a greenhouse? Are there any mature trees or plants?
These things can add value to your property, so it’s worth considering them when making your decision.
For example, a greenhouse will be an invaluable asset if you’re an avid gardener. But if you’re not particularly interested in gardening, then it might not be worth paying extra for one.
Likewise, a large tree can provide much-needed shade in summer, but it can also drop leaves and block gutters, so it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons before deciding.
Difficult Plants & Trees
Some plants and trees are more challenging to maintain than others, so if you’re not particularly green-fingered, you might want to avoid properties with gardens full of delicate flowers and ornamental plants.
These can be very demanding and need regular attention if you want them to look their best.
On the other hand, if you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, then a property with a few problematic plants might be perfect for you. Just make sure you’re prepared for the extra work involved!
Access to the Garden
Finally, it’s important to consider how you’ll access the garden. Is there a patio door? A set of French doors? Or do you have to go through the house to get outside?
Access might not seem important, but it can make a big difference to your enjoyment of the space.
For example, if you have young children, keeping an eye on them while they’re playing in the garden is essential. Likewise, if you often entertain, having easy access to the yard will be a huge bonus.
Some gardens might be in a difficult position, and they can cause problems for older people or individuals with mobility issues. If there are steps or the lawn is on a slope, it’s worth considering other properties.
What If I Love A House, But Not The Garden?
So, what happens if you find a house you love, but the garden isn’t up to scratch? Well, you shouldn’t despair because there’s plenty you can do, and any garden can become an outdoor oasis with time and effort.
Of course, it’s advisable to be realistic about what you can achieve because if the garden is tiny or there’s not much sunlight, then there might not be much you can do to change it.
But if you’re prepared to do some hard work, even the most neglected garden can become something special. So if you’ve found your dream home, but the outdoor area isn’t quite up to scratch, don’t rule it out just yet.
If you found this blog post helpful, why not check out our guide on shade-loving plants that thrive in shady gardens? It has many valuable tips and can help you make the most of your outdoor space.