Post lockdown surge in demand for homes with a garden

Since the housing market reopened in May there has been a significant increase in demand for homes with a garden as renters and buyers place greater importance on outdoor space. 

According to recently released figures from property rental app, Movebubble, fears of a second spike of Covid-19 arriving have seen a growing appetite for properties with a garden - with searches rising 193%. 

A separate study by Rightmove found that what 49% of renters are primarily looking for in their next home has changed in recent months, with outside space now a top priority. 

Using both site data and a survey of over 4,000 home-movers, the research found that studio flats have been replaced with two-bedroom houses as the most sought after rental property type, reflecting the fact that a bigger garden or access to a garden is now the biggest change in terms of tenant demand. 

Searches for homes with gardens on Rightmove were up 84% in May compared to the same month last year. 

Some renters are prepared to pay more for a property with a south-facing garden, making them a valuable residential property asset to have as part of your portfolio, both as far as rental and resale value are concerned.

According to Rightmove, homes advertised as having highly coveted south-facing gardens have asking prices £22,695 higher on average than those without.

The data looks at just under 400,000 three- and four-bedroom homes across Great Britain. Those listed as having a south-facing garden were found to have an asking price premium of 7%.

The national average asking price of three and four bedroom homes with a south-facing garden is £369,365, compared to £346,670 without.

There are a number of regional variations, with homes in Yorkshire & the Humber commanding the biggest asking price premium, at 14%. 

Rightmove’s property expert Miles Shipside said: “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. Longer sunny days means you and your plants benefit from the additional warmth. 

“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 size, 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. 

“The key is to have the garden looking its very best for pictures and viewings. A quick lick of paint to a garden fence or shed helps, and it sounds simple but mowing the lawn and putting out a few garden chairs can give would-be buyers the chance to picture their new lifestyle.”

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