Summer’s secret selling weapon revealed

For many home movers, a garden is a must have and new research has revealed just how important this feature is. A survey by Home Sale Pack found 90% of prospective purchasers considered outside space important when looking for a new home.   

If you want to impress buyers and even encourage higher offers, your garden can work in your favour. The timing of your sale, however, is crucial. The months of July, August and September - when gardens look their best, temperatures are more pleasant and evenings lighter – are when purchasers are most positive about booking viewings and are more generous with their offers.  

The survey found 64% of buyers are more likely to book a viewing of homes with great outdoor spaces during summer, while 61% of purchasers are more likely to submit a summer offer for a home with a desirable garden. Crucially, 39% of UK homebuyers admitted they were more likely to offer a higher price for a property with a desirable garden during the summer months.  

We’re coming up to the peak summer weeks so if you were holding off until September to get your home on the market, you may want to rethink your plans. Instruct us now and we can help you take advantage of buyer’s who are swayed by seasonal conditions and outside spaces.   

With a little prep work, a garden can become your home’s secret selling weapon. Here’s our advice for getting your own piece of the great outdoors ready for sale:-  

Encourage viewers to go outside: a glance through a window during a viewing may not do your garden justice, especially if there are hidden areas or small details to appreciate. Be ready with unlocked doors to the garden, keys for any sheds, garages and outbuildings, a lawn free of animal fouling and even an umbrella if it’s raining.

Bring in any washing: washing and rotary lines full of laundry will draw the eye and may detract from the beauty of a garden. Avoid hanging items out before property photographs and viewings.

Tidy away toys: there’s nothing wrong with play equipment if you’re selling a family home but gardens deserve the same clutter-free approach as the inside. Store small toys away in a shed, box or garage, keep paths and lawns free of trip hazards and, if possible, ensure trampolines and football goal nets are in good condition.

Set the scene: if you have good quality garden furniture, don’t hide it under covers. Set up dining tables, outdoor sofas and sun loungers so potential buyers can imagine themselves soaking up the good weather in your garden.

Don’t overlook lawn care: the basic minimum is to make sure your lawn is mowed but strimming the edges is a really quick way of elevating the green space. If you’re aiming for a super lush lawn, resow bear patches with grass seed, water regularly, and use a ‘weed and feed’ treatment to keep dandelions and moss at bay.

Remove anything that’s perished: nothing takes the shine off a good garden more than dead plants. Heatwaves can quickly turn green foliage into crispy whisps, so be vigilant. Pay special attention to pots, containers and hanging baskets as the soil can dry out and degrade during the summer, depriving plants of the nutrients they need to thrive. 

Prune and weed where necessary: this season’s combination of rain, humidity and sun on repeat has allowed gardens to flourish but you’re looking for controlled growth not an overgrown jungle. Shrubs and trees should be pruned back so they’re not overhanging paths or smothering other plants, and flower beds, paving cracks and pots should be kept weed free. 

Act now before summer is over. Contact us and we can book you in for a valuation and property photographs that will capture your garden looking its best.