Creating the Right Garden for your Property
May 4, 2012
Many property investors remain unconvinced that money spent on the gardens of their properties is worthwhile. My house has just been valued at 10% more than an identical house opposite. The estate agent said the higher valuation was because of the garden. The actual monetary figure represents twice as much as I spent creating the garden.
My number one tip for getting the garden right is always have a plan. I know I would say this, but expressing ideas on paper is helpful in so many ways. You would never build a house without drawings, so why would you construct a garden without a plan? Gardens are rarely flat, there are usually several technical problems to address in the build, and this is best done on paper before you get the contractors in. It is important to consider how the garden will be used, then plan where each garden element will go, and how to navigate between the different elements. You also need to know that garden elements are the right size and in the right place for their intended purpose, are in proportion to each other and the house. The plan enables you to get exact costs for building the whole garden and the individual elements that comprise it. A drawing helps you break the garden build into smaller chunks so you can have a phased implementation, if necessary.
I once prepared a plan for a developer which was used as part of the marketing for the house – he did not build the garden, just sold it with a 'garden concept', very cunning. Without the plan and visuals the developer was having problems selling the house. The house was set in 3-acres of land and the only piece of landscaping was a terrace by the house - people felt daunted by the size of the garden. As soon as buyers were presented with a coloured plan and perspective illustrations of the proposed garden scheme they could see how the garden would look and feel and the house sold.
The role of the garden in selling or renting out a house is to convey a potential lifestyle. If a buyer/renter can imagine sitting on the terrace with a glass of wine, in the company of friends and family it helps to sell the property. Presenting the garden in an attractive way is no different to styling the interior in an aspirational way. A great garden will differentiate the property from similar houses in the area, add value and help get a faster sale. A pleasant, well-designed garden helps to retain tenants and secure long-term tenancies because people feel that the house is more of a home when the garden is given some thought.
A patio is a must. It extends the useable space of the house without the expense of building an extension. If you have glass doors of some kind that open onto the patio it creates the illusion of greater size inside the house. I specify mainly Indian Sandstone for patios as it is readily available, cheap and creates a great finish for all types of property. It will need a bi-annual blast with the pressure washer to keep it looking good.
If the garden is overlooked or exposed enclosing the seating area will make it seem more private and create a more intimate feeling. Some simple posts and privacy trellis with climbing plants will do the job. If you have the budget, construct a wall in brick or rendered blockwork to create an enclosed courtyard. This is the best way of creating the sought-after outdoor room and more useable space. A combination of wall and trellis will give a similar effect at lower cost. You could simply plant a hedge or some other screening plants, although this will take time to grow in and require maintenance.
For rented properties, if the garden is small remove the lawn. I know it sounds a bit radical, but it's the lawn that, if not looked after, makes the garden look unkempt. A lawn needs mowing at least once a week and tenants often aren't prepared to do this. Use paving and self-binding gravel to create a courtyard garden where kids can play and adults can relax all year round without stamping mud inside. Families often think they want a lawn for children, but a path where kids can ride their bikes even in the worst weather is much more useful.
Planting is a cheap and easy way to make a garden look cosier and cared for. There are some useful and attractive shrubs which will give colour and year-round interest to the garden without needing much maintenance. Many evergreen shrubs (Choisya, Daphne, Sarcococca, Ilex, Escallonia, Hebe) have attractive, often variegated leaves, they also flower and are scented. These plants require an annual prune and will otherwise look after themselves.
Whether you have a high-end development project or a rental property with a tiny courtyard garden there is a way to create a garden that will add value. You can build a garden without a plan, but if you want a great garden that is right for your property a plan is essential. There is a reason why garden and landscape design is a profession – it's a skill that requires training and experience to get right. I have spoken to several estate agents who assure me that a well-planned garden makes a real difference to how quickly a property is sold or rented and the price and length of tenancy obtained. So, I hope I've managed to convince a few more people to invest some of their precious budget in the garden and to spend some of that budget getting it planned; it really does make a difference.
If you need help designing your garden, including the provision of plans for all types of planning applications please get in touch through my Web site www.linseysgardens.com or email me [email protected].
To find a company who may assist you further, simply click on the free links located on the right hand side of the page.
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