A messy garden could knock £34k off your house price: Easy tips to tidy it up

If you are planning to sell your home, you may want to get the hedge trimmer and garden shears out. 

An untidy garden typically results in offers that are £33,720, or more than 12 per cent, below the asking price, new research claims. 

When it comes to the specifics, having weeds will typically knock £14,050, or around 5 per cent, off a property’s asking price, according to Argos findings based on research by Censuswide last month. 

Unruly grass is also a turn off for many, with buyers reportedly making offers £8,430 less than the asking price if the lawn is looking a state. 

This is Money examines why the garden is so important to a home sale, and outlines the five steps you can take to keep yours in check and ready for viewings.  

What puts buyers off?  

The findings from Argos suggest that some buyers value a well-maintained garden more than modern interiors. 

According to the research, buyers will generally try to knock around 12 per cent off the asking price if a garden needs a lot of work doing to it, but will only trim the offer by 8 per cent if it has an outdated or small bedroom. 

If you aren’t green fingered, you might consider an artificial lawn – but the research may cause you to think again. 

The Argos findings suggest that buyers will typically put in an offer 3.5 per cent, or around £9,835, less than the average asking price, based on the Nationwide house price index in April. 

Prospective purchasers are also less likely to put an offer in on a property if it has a dirty patio or broken garden furniture. 

While most people won’t have the time or skill to create an outdoor space the Chelsea Flower Show would laud, the research suggests it takes most people just shy of two hours a week to keep their garden in check. 

Nice and neat: People typically spend over £200 a year on their garden, Argos claims 

Argos said most people spend around £221.61 a year on their garden, though this can be significantly more as the costs of plants, trees, lawn and garden furniture has increased recently. The amount spent on a garden will also depend on its size and how much time and money the owner has to spend on it. 

Leanne Fox, a gardening expert at Argos, said: ‘Our research shows that when looking for a home, a well-maintained garden or outdoor space is considered as important as the interior.

‘For those lucky enough to have their own outdoor space, it’s good to keep on top of it, not only for your own enjoyment but it could also help increase the value of your home when selling.’ 

Does a shoddy garden REALLY affect property values?

Speaking to This is Money, Jonathan Rolande, of The National Association of Property Buyers, said: ‘An untidy garden could have a noticeable impact on a property’s value, with potential reductions ranging anywhere from between five to 10 per cent.

‘Given the average house price in England was £302,000 as of May 2024, this could mean a decrease of value anywhere between £15,100 to £30,200 for a typical home.

‘This issue becomes even more pressing in the summer months when people spend more time outdoors and look towards a garden. 

‘A well-maintained garden not only enhances the overall appearance of a property but also boosts its kerb appeal, making it more attractive to potential buyers as well as looking better in photos for a first impression.

‘An overgrown and cluttered garden can easily put off prospective buyers, as it suggests a lack of care and attention from the current owner.’

He added: ‘Moreover, an untidy garden can hint at underlying problems that may not be immediately visible. 

‘Overgrown bushes and unkempt areas might be hiding more serious issues such as invasive plants like knotweed, which can cause significant damage and be costly to remove. 

‘For buyers, an unkempt garden raises red flags and might lead them to question what other maintenance issues could be lurking within the property.’

Jeremy Leaf, a north London estate agent, told This is Money: ‘Not many buyers expect a Chelsea Flower Show finish but an untidy garden can definitely compromise a property’s value and saleability – particularly if a relatively tight space.

‘Sellers with messy gardens should certainly consider at least a modest tidy up before putting their properties on the market. 

‘Otherwise buyers may be worried about hidden horrors which may be lurking in the undergrowth, not least Japanese knotweed!’. 

Five tips to get your garden in order

Getting an overgrown garden cleared can be very expensive. It’s best to adopt a little and often approach to garden maintenance to ensure nothing gets out of hand. 

If you are looking to sell your property, there are some simple steps you can take to get the outdoor areas of your property ready for viewings. 

1. Remove weeds

There are lots of different weeds out there and many grow rapidly and compete with plants for space and nutrients. 

The Royal Horticultural Society says: ‘Certain weeds will flourish depending on the weather and soil conditions and you can tackle these weeds in different ways based on how they grow.’

Fox of Argos, added: ‘Not only is removing weeds key for letting healthy grass and plants grow, it also keeps everything looking neat and tidy.

‘Before any viewings, be sure to go round picking the pesky weeds out of any lawns or patio crevices.’ 

There are many different tools or formulas available in garden centres, shops and supermarkets to help remove weeds. Try and remove weeds before they set seed and remove roots in their entirety when possible. 

Argos claims a weed-ridden garden could land a seller with an offer over £13,000 below the asking price.  

2.  Check your fence

A broken or partially collapsed fence will stand out like a sore thumb to prospective buyers. It costs money to get a fence repaired or replaced and this will be reflected in any offers made. 

Fox, of Argos, said: ‘It might sound mundane, but a good fence can do wonders for a garden refresh. 

‘Give any fencing a once over and make sure nothing needs replacing. Even a lick of paint or fence stain can really round off a garden and makes everything else look fresh.’

3. Clear any mess

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

‘Make sure you tidy up and organise after any gardening you’ve done with a sweep of the patio. If you really want to go all out, a power wash on any patio or decking is a sure way to please buyers’. Fox of Argos said.

She added: ‘Outdoor storage can also help hide any bits and bobs you have lying around, including everything you have to keep the garden clean in the first place.’   

4. Keep the lawn tidy

First impressions count for buyers, so it is important to make sure your lawn is mowed and neat before any viewings. 

‘An overgrown lawn can often hide a wonderful garden, and in doing so put off potential buyers’, Fox said. 

‘The key to lawns is not to let it get too long that it becomes difficult to trim. Make mowing part of a weekly or bi-weekly routine, as well as keeping it watered when it gets a little hotter.’ 

Argos claims an unkempt lawn could cost sellers over £9,000.  

5.  Check garden furniture

Garden furniture can be very expensive, yet often languishes untended for months on end in all weathers. 

Fox said: ‘Wet weather can take its toll on garden furniture, so to ensure your furniture stands the test of time. overs are a great way to protect it from the elements. 

‘If you really want to impress future buyers, consider little colourful accents like cushions or outdoor rugs to brighten the garden space up. 

According to the Royal Horticultural Society: ‘Products made from hardwoods or plastic are less likely to require maintenance, but those produced from softwoods and metals need more care and attention if they are to give many years of enjoyment.’