Green Fingers Can Put Thousands On the Value Of Your Home

Tidying up a scruffy garden can add as much as £8,600 to the value of your home claims new research, but most people are missing out by failing to exercise their green fingers. Two thirds of homeowners missed out on the premium when they moved home last year, passing up a potential £5.9 billion in total. This is despite almost half of all adults in the UK saying that they are "active" gardeners.

"Gardens are becoming an increasingly important part of the home and as such, their value is also increasing," said television gardener Diarmuid Gavin.

"For the first time, we have proof that pulling on your wellies and getting your hands dirty can not only make you healthier, fitter and happier, it can also make you richer."

The survey by a leading credit card company found that spending £100 on the right garden improvements could provide a return of as much as £350 when the property is sold.

A simple addition such as decking can add up to £2,500 while a water feature can add £1,495 to a home’s value. A professionally installed patio can add £2,100 while good landscape gardening can add £6,200. This compares to the £1,600 premium commanded by a new bathroom or £2,400 for a new kitchen.

Other home improvements that could increase the value of your home:

•    Central heating – this can be expensive to install but future buyers may be put off if you don’t have it.
•    Double glazing – if this is not an option then secondary glazing can be fitted on the inside of existing windows for a period home with original features. This will also reduce heating bills.
•    Garage – these are sought after features and will almost certainly recoup investment.

As with all work on a home, installing new features in a garden should not be attempted without comprehensive home insurance. Also if you have done extensive work make sure your policy covers all the new features.

If you would like to know more about garden why not ask AnswerBank Home and Garden.

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