Finding a family who will remain in a rental home for a long time is about promoting the lifestyle that property will deliver. The old adage that you never get a second chance to make a good first impression is never more true when it comes to selling or renting property. And that definitely includes the garden, says Garton Jones Westminster Estate Agents.
Selling a property or acquiring long-term tenants who will remain in a rental home for longer than the initial length of a shorthold tenancy agreement is about promoting the lifestyle living in a home will deliver.
Homes with gardens typically attract families who want to make use of the extra outside space. And giving your garden the wow factor could add thousands to the property’s value.
But that doesn’t mean going all-out to recreate exhibits at the annual RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Most busy professionals either want a low-maintenance garden for outside entertaining or a safe environment where their children can play safely. In both cases, less is usually more.
It is surprising how many buyers and tenants prefer points of interest in a garden, such as multifunctional, integrated seating areas or a small fountain or sculpture rather than intricate, all-season planting designs that need year-round maintenance, says Belgravia estate agent Best Gapp.
The key is to look smart and colourful without the garden giving the impression that it is a high-maintenance luxury. This is why colourful plants in containers are a good move – they tend to say low maintenance.
The front of the property is the most important to keep clean, tidy and simple because this really is where the all-important kerb appeal is made. Hanging baskets are an inexpensive way to make a good impression. If you have a lawn, do your best to keep it healthy and well-mown while selling or renting your home.
In urban areas where parking is at a premium, many homeowners think adding a driveway will increase the value of their property. But beware that since 2008, there has been stricter legislation on paving over front gardens, due to concerns about the effect on the environment of removing green spaces in built-up areas, says central London property business Plaza Estates.
Top tips for rear gardens that are on the small side
Not every property has a garden stretching 60 feet or more. Many urban gardens are considerably smaller, but this does not mean they will not add value to a home. Here, we seek the advice of garden design experts to breathe life into a small rear garden:
- Ensure all fencing is solid and not in danger of falling down. It is advisable to keep fence panels stained and placed at a height to maintain your privacy from any neighbouring properties.
- Buy chairs and a table that can be folded up and put away to reduce cluttering. There’s no point having a large dining set taking up all the room – especially in the winter months when it will see very little use.
- Create a sense of space by laying paving that extends the full width of the garden. When laying paving, incorporate diagonals, angles and asymmetry in the design to disguise the rectangular shape of the garden and make a more interesting route through it.
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