One of the most significant property trends to emerge from lockdown is the growing importance of outdoor space to buyers.
Industry insiders report that post-lockdown, an increasing number of
people are looking for homes with a garden – or at least access to communal
spaces.
This anecdotal evidence is backed up by Rightmove, which says searches
for homes with gardens increased by 42% recently.
With buyers’ priorities shifting, I advise sellers in the North Notts
area to invest a little time and effort to get gardens and balconies
looking the best.
You don’t need to be Monty Don or any famous garden designer, but you do
need to get the basics right. A little bit of TLC will push up the asking price
and speed up the sale.
Here are some tips:
– If your garden looks more like a junkyard than a backyard, you are
missing a trick. Cut the grass, blitz the weeds and trim back overgrown bushes
and hedges (this will make the space look bigger and brighter).
– Repair any broken or damaged fences. This is a must, especially if you
are marketing a family home. Parents will want to know that their little ones
can’t wander off. Pet owners will want to ensure that their loved ones stay
put.
– If you have swings or a trampoline in good condition, it’s okay to
leave them in situ (provided they don’t crowd the space). But anything that is
faded or broken must go. Footballs, sandpits and scooters need to be stored
away too.
– A lick of paint goes a long way. Add a splash of colour to sheds,
decking and fences.
– Ditch the clutter. Don’t take it personally but people won’t be
impressed by your collection of power tools or your assortment of garden
gnomes. And don’t even get me started on caravans. These need to go into
storage when selling.
– Once you’ve cleared the space, consider adding a few blooms or hanging
baskets. When it comes to identifying where to place them, put yourself in the
shoes of a viewer. Buyers will get their first glimpse of the garden when they
are inside, looking out through a window. Identify these key focal points and
place your plants there for maximum impact.
– Dress to impress. If you have a separate office or studio space, make
sure it is presented as such. Often people cram offices with bikes, tools and
boxes. You want potential buyers (who may work from home) to be able to walk
around inside and envision themselves working in there.
– Don’t forget the front garden. Even if the front of your property only
has a small amount of space, invest in a few pot plants to make it look
welcoming. First impressions are hugely important.
– And a final word on bins and laundry. It’s a pet peeve of mine when
marketing photos feature bins (everyone has them, we don’t need to see them) and
laundry drying on the line. A good agent knows the deal is in the detail and
would ensure they are NOT featured in any photos.
Thanks for reading.
I’m always happy to help
sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants
Tel: 01777 237310 or
messages to 07981 744003
Follow me on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/thegoodestateagentnorthnottinghamshire
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