A messy garden could knock £34,000 off the value of your home – simple tips to tidy it up

If you’re thinking about selling your home, you may want to get out the hedge trimmer and garden shears.

A messy garden typically results in offers of £33,720, or more than 12 per cent, below the asking price, new research claims.

As for the details, having weeds typically knocks £14,050, or around 5 per cent, off the sale price of a property, according to Argos’ findings based on research conducted by Censuswide last month.

Unruly grass is also a turn-off for many, with buyers said to be bidding £8,430 less than the asking price if the grass looks bad.

This is Money looks at why your garden is so important when selling a home and outlines five steps you can take to keep it under control and ready for viewings.

What discourages buyers?

Argos’ findings suggest that some shoppers value a well-kept garden over modern interiors.

According to research, buyers will typically try to knock about 12 percent off the asking price if a garden needs a lot of work, but will only reduce their offer by 8 percent if it has a dated or small bedroom.

If you’re not a green thumb, you may want to consider artificial grass, but research may make you think twice.

Argos’ results suggest buyers will typically make an offer 3.5 per cent, or around £9,835, less than the average asking price, according to the Nationwide House Price Index for April.

Potential buyers are also less likely to make an offer on a property if it has a dirty patio or broken patio furniture.

While most people don’t have the time or skills to create an outdoor space that the Chelsea Flower Show would praise, research suggests that it takes most people just under two hours a week to keep their garden in order.

Argos says that most people spend around £221.61 a year on their garden, although this figure can be significantly higher as the costs of plants, trees, turf and garden furniture have recently increased. The amount spent on a garden will also depend on its size and how much time and money the owner has to devote to it.

Leanne Fox, gardening expert at Argos, said: ‘Our research shows that when looking for a home, a well-kept garden or outdoor space is considered just as important as the interior.

‘For those lucky enough to have their own outdoor space, it’s good to keep it up to date, not only for your own enjoyment, but it could also help increase the value of your home when selling it.’

Does a poorly maintained garden REALLY affect the value of the property?

Speaking to This is Money, Jonathan Rolande, from the National Property Buyers Association, said: ‘A messy garden could have a noticeable impact on the value of a property, with potential reductions ranging from five to ten per cent.

‘Given that the average house price in England was £302,000 in May 2024, this could mean a decrease in value of between £15,100 and £30,200 for a typical home.

‘This issue becomes even more pressing in the summer months, when people spend more time outdoors and looking out into the garden.

‘A well-kept garden not only improves the overall appearance of a property, but also increases its curb appeal, making it more attractive to potential buyers and looking better in photos for a first impression.

‘A neglected and untidy garden can easily put off potential buyers as it suggests a lack of care and attention from the current owner.’

She added: ‘Also, an untidy garden can be an indication of underlying problems that may not be immediately visible.

‘Overgrown shrubs and neglected areas could hide more serious problems, such as invasive plants like knotweed, which can cause significant damage and be costly to remove.

‘For buyers, an unkempt yard is a red flag and can lead them to wonder what other maintenance issues might be lurking on the property.’

Jeremy Leaf, an estate agent in north London, told This is Money: ‘Not many buyers expect a Chelsea Flower Show-worthy finish, but an untidy garden can definitely compromise the value and saleability of a property, particularly if it’s a relatively small space.

‘Sellers with untidy yards should certainly consider at least a modest clean-up before putting their properties on the market.

‘Otherwise, buyers may be concerned about hidden horrors that may be lurking in the undergrowth – including Japanese grass!’

Five tips to tidy up your garden

Cleaning up an unkempt garden can be very costly. It is best to take a little-by-little, frequent approach to garden maintenance to ensure nothing gets out of hand.

If you are looking to sell your property, there are some simple steps you can take to prepare the outdoor areas of your property for viewings.

1. Remove weeds

There are many different weeds and many grow quickly and compete with plants for space and nutrients.

The Royal Horticultural Society states: “Certain weeds will flourish depending on the climate and soil conditions, and you can tackle them in different ways depending on how they grow.”

Fox of Argos added: ‘Not only is removing weeds key to allowing healthy plants and grass to grow, it also keeps everything neat and tidy.

‘Before any visit, be sure to remove pesky weeds from your lawn and cracks in your patio.’

There are many different tools or formulas available at garden centers, stores, and grocery stores to help eliminate weeds. Try to remove weeds before they produce seeds and remove the roots completely when possible.

Argos says a garden overrun with weeds could lead to a seller making an offer £13,000 below the asking price.

2. Check your fence

A broken or partially collapsed fence will attract the attention of potential buyers. Repairing or replacing a fence costs money and this will be reflected in any offer that is made.

Argos’ Fox said: ‘It may seem trivial, but a good fence can do wonders to give a garden a makeover.

‘Give your fence a good once-over and make sure nothing needs replacing. Even a coat of paint or fence stain can put the finishing touch on a yard and make everything else look new.’

3. Clean up any mess

According to Argos, clutter, rubbish and debris in a garden can result in offers £11,000 below the asking price.

“Make sure you clean up and tidy everything up after any yard work you’ve done, such as sweeping the yard. If you really want to do a great job, a pressure clean on any patio or deck is a sure way to please buyers,” said Fox of Argos.

She added: “Outdoor storage can also help hide away any items you have lying around, including everything you need to keep your garden tidy in the first place.”

4. Keep your lawn tidy

First impressions count for buyers, so it’s important to make sure your lawn is cut and tidy before any viewing.

“An overgrown lawn can often hide a wonderful garden and, in doing so, scare away potential buyers,” Fox said.

‘The key to grass is not to let it get too long so that it’s difficult to cut. Make cutting it part of a weekly or biweekly routine, as well as keeping it watered when it gets a little warmer.’

Argos claims an unkempt lawn could cost sellers more than £9,000.

5. Check the garden furniture

Garden furniture can be very expensive, but it often remains abandoned for months in all weather conditions.

Fox said: ‘Wet weather can take a toll on garden furniture, so to ensure your furniture stands the test of time, covers are a great way to protect it from the elements.

‘If you really want to impress prospective buyers, consider small, colourful details such as cushions or outdoor rugs to brighten up your garden space.

According to the Royal Horticultural Society: “Products made from hardwoods or plastics are less likely to require maintenance, but those produced from softwoods and metals need more care and attention to provide many years of enjoyment.”