If you’re trying to sell or rent a home it’s essential that you spend a little time on your garden and ensure its got that all important ‘curb appeal’. A recent survey identified that two thirds of Brits would be put off buying or renting a potential property if it had an untidy garden. The survey quizzed over 2,000 British homeowners on the state of their gardens, and it revealed that 61% would not be prepared to pay as much for a house with an unattractive garden.

First impressions are vital when selling or renting a property, 55% of home buyers rated the state of a prospective property’s garden to be as important as the inside of the house, with a staggering 71% revealing that they are more likely to notice and be turned off by an unkempt garden than low level damp or peeling paintwork on window sill’s… So just what are the UK’s top garden gripes and turnoffs when looking at buying/renting a new home:

• Old junk in the garden such as old fridges, mattresses and toys
• Dog poo on lawns, patios and flower beds
• Un-emptied and Overflowing rubbish bins
• Damaging plants such as Ivy in the walls of the house
• An old falling down shed
• Dilapidated, splintered or rotting decking
• Lots of weeds
• Uneven badly laid patio
• Wild overgrown lawns
• Monstrous out of control trees

A garden can be just as seductive as a house to prospective buyers. They might fall in love with the garden just as much as they might the house itself. So if you’re looking to sell or rent your property faster, without spending vast amounts of money, use the garden to help maximise curb appeal and follow Lazy Susan’s simple pointers…

• Light up your garden
  A garden can be totally transformed with some simple outdoor lighting. In the early evening, clever lighting sets the scene and shows off your outdoor space.
• Yellow mellow
  Plant yellow flowers as yellow evokes a buying emotion, plus marigolds for example are inexpensive but they add a great splash of colour that will brighten up even the dullest of days.
• Group together and stick to odd numbers
  For max style impact, group bigger pots together in varying sizes, odd numbers and choose evergreen plants for all year interest or at least ones that have a long flowering season.
• Outdoor dining
  Don’t waste money – only spend money on things you can take with you when you move. A good quality cast aluminium bistro table and chairs is easy to store away out of sight in winter and easy to transport when you move house.
• Go wild
  An estate agent will advise sellers to dress their homes for viewings and in the same way you should dress your garden. Why not charm any potential buyers visitors with a little wildlife. Add a bird feeder or nesting box and encourage some birds to make their home.
• Water features
  If your outside space is a little restricted, then you need to work really hard to make the most of every inch. Create a strong focal point in your garden with a water feature.
• Quick fix solutions
  Planting a few herbs is another great way to quickly update your garden. Easy to plant, can be purchased mature and add a little aroma too!
• Scrapheap challenge
  Junk, debris and garden rubbish is an absolute no no when selling a property. Get rid of anything you don’t need and if you have anything unsightly such as a wheelie bin… Out of sight, out of mind!
• Wired for sound
  Why not add a few unique extras to your garden… Don’t spend a fortune but you can purchase some great 15w wireless speakers from Amazon, to bring your sounds outside discretely. With a range of up to 100 metres, they’re the ultimate accessory for a 21st Century garden and you can wow visitors and then take them with you.
• Make use of reflections
  Highly under-used in the UK, make clever use of mirrors and ornamental arrangements of flower beds to enhance your garden. Even if your outside space is small, there’s a lot you can do with strategically placed mirrors, and you can create the impression of space with reflections.
• Be a little fruitful
  If you need to plant for an instant impact, then you can’t go wrong with a any fruit trees are good.

And finally, follow our quick curb appeal checklist before you get any viewings. If a buyer won’t get out of their car because they don’t like the exterior of your home, you’ll never get them inside.

• Keep the street cleared too
• Cut the grass
• Paint any faded window frames and doors
• Trim any bushes or tress
• Tackle any weeds
• Sweep up any debris from paths, driveway etc
• Make sure visitors can clearly read your house number

Lazy Susan is a small family business that specialise exclusively in wicker, rattan and metal garden furniture, specifically cast aluminium. Visit www.lazysusanfurniture.co.uk to find out more and view our complete product range.

Tags: Clean up, Curb Appeal, Garden, Garden Furniture, Gardening, Home, House, Maintenance, Secrets of, Selling, Spruce up, Tidy up, Upkeep