A messy garden could knock £34,000 off your home’s value: simple tips to tidy it up

If you are planning to sell your home, it is wise to grab the hedge trimmer and garden shears.

New research has found that a cluttered garden typically results in offers of £33,720, or more than 12 per cent, below the asking price.

According to Argos’ findings based on Censuswide research last month, weeding can typically save £14,050, or around 5 per cent, on the asking price of a property.

Unruly grass is also a reason for many people to drop out, with buyers reportedly offering £8,430 less than the asking price if the lawn looks unkempt.

In This is Money we explore why the garden is so important to selling a house and discuss the five steps you can take to keep an eye on your garden and prepare it for viewings.

Beware: Buyers are typically making offers on properties with untidy gardens of £33,720, or more than 12 per cent, below the asking price, research shows

What scares off buyers?

Argos’ findings show that some buyers value a well-maintained garden more than a modern interior.

According to the study, buyers typically try to knock 12 percent off the asking price if there is a lot of work to be done in the garden, but if there is an outdated or small bedroom, they only lower the offer by 8 percent.

If you don’t have a green thumb, you might consider installing an artificial grass field. But research might change your mind.

Argos’ findings show that buyers are typically making offers 3.5 per cent, or around £9,835, below the average asking price, based on the Nationwide House Price Index in April.

Potential buyers are also less likely to make an offer on a home if it has a dirty patio or broken garden furniture.

While most people don’t have the time or skills to create an outdoor space that would garner praise from the Chelsea Flower Show, research shows that it takes most people just two hours a week to maintain their garden.

Nice and tidy: people spend an average of more than £200 a year on their gardens, claims Argos

Argos said most people spend around £221.61 a year on their garden, although this can be considerably more as the cost of plants, trees, lawn and garden furniture has risen in recent times. The amount spent on a garden also depends on its size and how much time and money the owner wants to spend on it.

Leanne Fox, horticultural expert at Argos, says: ‘Our research shows that when looking for a home, a well-maintained garden or outside space is just as important as the interior.

‘If you are lucky enough to have your own outdoor space, it is a good idea to keep it well maintained. Not only is this nice for you, but it can also increase the value of your home when you sell it.’

Does a bad garden REALLY affect the value of a home?

Jonathan Rolande of The National Association of Property Buyers told This is Money: ‘A messy garden can have a noticeable impact on the value of a home, potentially reducing its value by five to 10 percent.

‘Given that the average house price in England in May 2024 was £302,000, this could mean a loss in value of between £15,100 and £30,200 for an average home.

‘This problem becomes even greater in the summer months, when people spend more time outdoors and in gardens.

‘A well-maintained garden not only improves the overall appearance of a home, but also increases its appeal. This makes the home more attractive to potential buyers and looks better in photographs for a first impression.

‘An overgrown and cluttered garden can put off potential buyers as it indicates a lack of care and attention from the current owner.’

He added: ‘In addition, a messy garden can indicate underlying problems that are not immediately apparent.

‘Overgrown shrubs and unkempt areas can pose a health hazard, for example invasive plants such as knotweed. These can cause considerable damage and can be expensive to remove.

‘For buyers, an unkempt garden is a warning sign and they may wonder what other maintenance issues exist in the home.’

Jeremy Leaf, an estate agent from North London, told This is Money: ‘Not many buyers expect a Chelsea Flower Show finish, but a cluttered garden can certainly compromise the value and saleability of a property, especially if it’s a relatively small space.

‘Sellers with a cluttered yard should definitely consider tidying up their home at least a little before putting it on the market.

‘Otherwise buyers might worry about hidden dangers that may be lurking in the undergrowth, particularly Japanese knotweed!’

Five tips to get your garden in order

Cleaning up an overgrown garden can be very expensive. It is best to take a little and often approach to garden maintenance to ensure nothing gets out of hand.

If you are looking to sell your home, there are some simple steps you can take to prepare the outside space of your home for viewings.

1. Remove weeds

There are many different types of weeds and many of them grow quickly and compete with plants for space and nutrients.

The Royal Horticultural Society says: ‘Certain weeds thrive depending on weather and soil conditions. You can control these weeds in different ways, depending on how they grow.’

Fox from Argos adds: ‘Removing weeds is not only important for the growth of healthy grass and plants, it also keeps everything looking neat and tidy.

‘Before each viewing, make sure you remove any pesky weeds from the lawn or between the cracks on your patio.’

There are many different tools or formulas available in garden centers, stores and supermarkets to remove weeds. Try to remove weeds before they go to seed and remove the roots completely if possible.

Argos claims that a seller in a weedy garden could make an offer more than £13,000 below the asking price.

2. Check your fence

A broken or partially collapsed fence will be an eyesore to potential buyers. It costs money to repair or replace a fence and this will be reflected in any offers made.

Fox from Argos said: ‘It may sound boring, but a good fence can do wonders for a spruced up garden.

‘Give each fence a look and make sure nothing needs replacing. Even a coat of paint or stain for the fence can really finish off a garden and make everything look fresh.’

3. Clean up all clutter

According to Argos, clutter, rubbish and mess in a garden can lead to offers over £11,000 below the asking price.

‘Make sure you tidy up and organise after the gardening you’ve done by sweeping the patio. If you really want to go all out, pressure washing a patio or terrace is a sure way to please buyers,’ says Fox from Argos.

She added: ‘Outdoor storage can also help to hide any bits and bobs you have lying around, including anything you need to keep the garden tidy.’

4. Keep the lawn tidy

First impressions are important to buyers, so make sure your lawn is mowed and tidy before you go to view.

“A lawn that is too large can hide a beautiful garden and turn off potential buyers,” Fox says.

“The key to lawns is not to let them go on too long that they become difficult to trim. Make mowing part of a weekly or bi-weekly routine, and keep up with the watering when it gets warmer.”

Argos claims an unkempt lawn can cost sellers more than £9,000.

5. Check garden furniture

Garden furniture can be very expensive, but it often remains unattended for months in all weather conditions.

Fox said: ‘Wet weather can be damaging to garden furniture. To ensure your garden furniture lasts a long time, canopies are a great way to protect it from the elements.

‘If you really want to impress prospective buyers, consider using small colorful accents like pillows or outdoor rugs to brighten up the garden.

According to the Royal Horticultural Society: ‘Products made from hardwood or plastic require less maintenance, but products made from softwood and metal require more care and attention if they are to provide years of enjoyment.’