Garden Design Specialist Agata Henderson Reveals How It Can Impact a Property’s Value
An attractive garden is a wonderful addition to any home, but a cohesive and well-designed outdoor space can also significantly impact a property’s value – increasing it by as much as tens of thousands of pounds, according to leading garden design specialist Agata Henderson.
With demand for professional landscaping on the rise and design fees a more significant investment than before, garden design specialist Agata Henderson has shared five tips on how a quality-designed garden can impact the value of a property and the best way to keep costs to a minimum.
“The garden is one of your property’s most valuable assets”, says Agata, a West London Garden Designer with over 10 years’ experience. “A thoughtfully designed outdoor space gives the impression of a well-maintained home and elevated way of living. It’s usually the first or last thing a potential buyer will see, creating a lasting impression and is hugely important in making a property stand out in what’s currently a highly competitive property market.”
Here, Agata shares five recommendations for property owners looking to improve their garden:
- Think of your front garden as your property’s handshake – potential buyers form opinions quickly. If you have a front garden, it’s the first thing they see – keep the lawn tidy and manageable, the paths clear and think about considered planting to make a good first impression. For example, ever-green plants such as rosemary for year-round colour, lavender-lined borders or a symmetrical layout around the entrance with trimmed bushes or potted plants.
- Connect the house and garden with artful outdoor living – mirroring the interior décor and colours with the garden can create a feeling of flow and consistency. French or sliding doors opening onto a similarly designed outside area connects the two and makes the garden feel like an extension of the house and the property more spacious. If working with a designer, specifically think about the area connecting the indoor and outdoor and ensure as smooth a transition as possible between the two spaces.
- Be clear and realistic with the budget – hiring a skilled garden designer and being upfront about the budget available ensures a garden is expertly planned and mitigates many risks associated with construction work. When comparing design fees with the estimated final price for the build, on average, garden design fees account for around 10%-20% of the total landscaping budget including labour, materials, plants, and waste removal.
- Being decisive can save money – a professional landscaper will typically quote 10%-15% higher if a client can’t provide detailed scaled drawings or remains undecided about key materials such as paving stones, cladding, or fencing. For the trader, even with many years of experience, having clear plans and material decisions agreed from the onset not only streamlines the process but also reduces costs and ensures a more efficient project execution. It shows commitment to the project and reduces the risk to the landscaper, allowing them to provide a more reasonable quote.
- Match the brief to the right expert – not all projects need a designer. If your goal is more structural such as having the patio and fence replaced, hiring a landscaper will be more cost-effective Spend time understanding what it is you’re looking for and which area of expertise is needed.
In today’s highly competitive property market where presentation and lifestyle are key selling points, a high-quality designed garden can enhance a home’s look, feel and long-term value. It showcases an elevated way of living and with careful planning, can be an cost-effective investment.
For more information on Agata Henderson Garden Design, visit www.agatahendersongardendesign.co.uk/.
