With the lockdown, outside spaces have become more sought after than ever, but even beforehand, south-facing gardens were considered desirable because they get sunlight for more of the day. In urban areas, where gardens are smaller, narrower and more shaded, it’s even more important. It is such an issue that agents regularly report people checking the compasses on their phones during viewings to check the house’s exact orientation.
Putting a value on it, however, is not so simple. Fortunately, Rightmove have now done most of the hard work, trawling through their data in search of answers. So what did they find?
Of the 400,000 homes they analysed, the average increase in value was £22,695, or 7%. In London, you’d expect those figures to be even higher, and they were, in financial terms – £57,903 – but in percentage terms they only ranked third, which suggests there is a ceiling to what are people are prepared to pay. The keenest gardeners are to be found in Yorkshire and The Humber, which saw the biggest percentage boost at 14%.
| Region | Asking price premium | Price difference |
| Yorkshire & Humber | 14% | £35,628 |
| North West | 12% | £31,698 |
| London | 9% | £57,903 |
| South East London | 9% | £38,535 |
| East London | 9% | £33,959 |
| North East | 8% | £14,613 |
| West Midlands | 8% | £23,038 |
| Wales | 6% | £15,088 |
| South West | 6% | £21,768 |
| East Midlands | 5% | £14,119 |
| Scotland | 3% | £7,596 |
| East of England | 2% | £8,559 |
| South East | 2% | £8,000 |
| Average GB | 7% | £22,695 |
During their research Rightmove discovered south-facing gardens didn’t just affect the price of a house, they also meant the house sold faster. Again, Yorkshire and The Humber performed best, shaving 8 days off the a property’s time on the market. The average across the country was was 2 days or around 5%.
| Region | standard time to find buyer | Days saved |
| Yorkshire & Humber | 47 | 8 |
| North East | 58 | 6 |
| West Midlands | 42 | 5 |
| South West | 47 | 4 |
| East of England | 49 | 4 |
| Scotland | 33 | 3 |
| East Midlands | 44 | 3 |
| Wales | 47 | 1 |
| South East | 50 | 0 |
| London | 45 | 0 |
| North West | 48 | 0 |
| Average GB | 47 | 2 |
In more general terms, Rightmove also report searches for gardens were up by 56% since lockdown began. It means that, even if your garden is not south-facing, it still adds to the attraction of your home and it’s therefore important to make the most of all your outside spaces, mowing the lawn, repairing and painting fences and sheds. You should then make sure you get some really good shots taken, especially while all the flowers are still out.
Rightmove’s Miles Shipside says,
“Since the market reopened we’ve seen a huge rise in demand for homes with a garden as buyers place greater importance on outdoor space. For as long as I can remember, south-facing gardens have been viewed as the crème de la crème of outdoor spaces among home-hunters.
“It doesn’t mean your house will automatically be worth £22,000 more if it has a south-facing garden as this is an average and it will also depend on the condition and location of your home, but it’s certainly something to shout about in a listing as it could mean your home makes it on to a buyer’s shortlist over another property down the road, or even on the other side of the street.”
COVID Update from Property Mark
Protecting everyone – viewings advice
Here’s an outline of the message to consumers to adhere to the safety advice and protect everyone:
- Appropriate protective equipment must be used
- Respect social distancing
- Allow time to ensure cleaning takes place between viewings
- Wait at a distance from the property until asked to enter
- Restricted to a maximum of two adults
- Lights will be switched on, doors and cupboards open, in return we ask you not to touch surfaces
#Staysafe everyone
