According to  The Telegraph , an impressive well-maintained garden can add a remarkable 20% the value of your home. If that’s not an incentive to invest in your outdoor spaces, we don’t know what is! From stylish sheds and luscious lawns to amazing al fresco dining areas, the British garden is now officially an extra room – and many buyers won’t consider buying a property without a good sized garden.

If you’re looking to sell your home, your garden can give you extra points. We explain how in this article, so read on for some top tips.

Keep it low maintenance

It’s essential to get the balance right – a spectacular garden which doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. For example, fake grass can appeal to some buyers as they might not have time to mow the lawn regularly. Showy features such as ponds, swimming pools and fountains can also be a turn-off, because of the maintenance required.

Make it functional

Buyers like to see how they would use the garden themselves – place outdoor furniture on the patio and even a BBQ, so they can visualise dining outside with the family. Think what else your buyers might want to see in the garden – a bench, a shed, a washing line, a trampoline for the kids?

Garden design

An attractive design can make all the difference, regardless of the size of your garden. Get creative and green-fingered with the areas you can plant, and make sure the patio and any other paving or decking is of a high standard. Replacing old decking and giving paving a good jet-wash can really help to make the garden more appealing.

Lighting

Good garden lighting can make your outdoor space usable in the evening. Think a bit further than the standard electric patio lighting – solar lights are available in a variety of designs now to suit all garden styles. From small posts which stick in the ground to light up paths, to strings of lights and hanging lings for bushes and fences.

More space

Buyers love the idea of more functional space in the garden. This comes in the form of sheds, outbuildings, converted garages, conservatories and orangeries. This creates an extra room in addition to the main building of the home, which gives the potential for extra storage space, a workshop, a home office or home gym.

Investing in your garden is a win win situation.