The Garden Value Report
Words by Emma Hughes
March 13, 2025
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6m
When it comes to buying and selling a home, a garden can make or break a deal for many of us. More than half of Brits say they wouldn’t buy or rent a house that didn’t have a garden, proving just how significant they are in choosing a property.
Despite how much homeowners love a garden, it’s rare that your garden furniture sees much use. With poor weather, work commitments, and heavy maintenance getting in the way, many of us wish we could get better value for money out of our outdoor area.
We conducted a survey to find out exactly how much the British public values their gardens. Our data splits their answers into groups to show how different age groups and areas varied in their attitudes. Here’s what we uncovered in our Barker and Stonehouse garden value Report:
How much value does a garden add to a property?
We’ll dive straight in: does a nice garden increase property value? Our survey shows that gardens are still playing a huge role in how desirable a property is. In fact, 61% of participants say they’d only rent or buy homes with gardens, while a further 33% say they consider a garden to be a very important part of a property.
Southampton is the area where gardens were viewed as essential the most, with 80% of residents saying they’d need an outdoor space for their home. Nottinghamshire, Birmingham, and Leeds are also especially focussed on properties with gardens.
When it comes to younger buyers and renters, though, gardens are typically seen as less important. Just 50% of Gen Z and millennials said they wouldn’t buy a home without a garden, putting them far below the national average.
Does a landscaped garden add value?
A nice garden can greatly increase property value when it comes to buying or selling a home – depending on the size and how well-kept they are, your home could be worth a lot more than options without a garden. Stephen Lovelady, an estate agent for Barton-Wyatt, says: “A well designed or landscaped garden that is coherent with the overall property, and blends seamlessly, can increase the overall property value by 20% compared to a property that has a blank garden – or lacks a garden all together”.
Which style of garden is the most popular?
With so many ways to style your garden, finding the right one for your outdoor space can be a tough choice. At the end of the day, it all comes down to taste, so which garden designs do Brits enjoy the most?
The nation’s favourite garden style by a wide margin is ‘English country garden’. These traditional gardens are a staple of stately homes, with ornate arrangements, winding pathways, and neat hedges creating a beautifully segmented space.
With the popularity of period dramas like Bridgerton and Rivals, this classic look is having a modern renaissance. For an English country look in a smaller city garden, try using bright colours and smartly arranged hedges and bushes for a miniature stately feel. Britain’s second most popular garden style is a wild garden, with abundant plant life and plenty of room for wildlife to roam free. While these gardens are less neat than other styles, they allow homeowners to feel closer to nature, and are becoming increasingly popular as we pay more attention to our climate and ecosystem.
Although more and more British people are living in flats (21.7% of the country in 2021, compared to 20% in 2011), only 17% of the population prefers an urban garden to other options. These designs are made to fit all the key parts of a garden into a small space, perfect for densely populated areas, but city dwellers seem to prefer larger designs instead, with more than half of Londoners saying they dream of an English country garden. While there are plenty of ways to turn an urban garden into an inviting outdoor retreat, the space limitations of a city are leaving many flat renters and buyers eager to find a home with more outdoor space.
What do people use their garden for the most?
Whether you’re playing with the kids, kicking your feet up in the sunshine, or getting the guests over for a summer party, your garden is one of the most versatile tools in your home – so how do most people use theirs?
The most common use for a garden is relaxation, with 71% of homeowners winding down in their outdoor area. Around three quarters Gen X-ers and baby boomers said they use their gardens for relaxation, making them the most likely generations to use their gardens this way. In comparison, millennials are the least likely age group to relax outdoors – only 51% say they use their garden this way. With outdoor relaxation offering a variety of benefits, we could all push to add a bit more sunshine to our routines.
The next most popular use for a garden is hosting guests and serving food, with outdoor parties and al fresco dining proving to be a hit with 53% of homeowners. With garden dining sets, it’s important to nail your décor for your guests. Stephen Lovelady says “when it comes to garden furniture, people love a garden that feels like an extension of their home with an indoor-outdoor feel. Think large dining tables, pergolas, and sociable seating areas with heating – such as fire pits – to make the garden a space to be enjoyed throughout the year”.
How to get the most out of your garden all year round
While it’s clear that the British public loves a garden, not everyone gets the chance to make the use of theirs as much as they’d like. Bad weather is the main thing preventing UK homeowners from enjoying their gardens all year round, with 60% of people saying it gets in the way of their garden use.
Some garden ideas for increasing the value of your home are also perfect for protecting from bad weather. This is where furniture can be introduced to protect from rain and keep your garden warm; try giving your patio a fire pit or a parasol, so you can keep using your outdoor space no matter the weather.
A lack of time is the second biggest reason for not getting use out of a garden, and was common among all age groups surveyed. While it’s hard to balance time with a busy schedule, it’s important to get outside more for our general wellbeing. Try moving some of your indoor activities into your garden where possible, such as exercise, meals, or hobbies. With an outdoor sofa chair set, you can also host guests outdoors rather than sticking to your living room.
According to our survey, Gen Z are much more likely than other age groups to avoid using their garden due to untidiness and overgrown foliage. This may be to do with first-time buyers lacking the tools and experience to keep their garden in good shape. It’s important to care for your outdoor space to avoid damage to your lawn and prevent weeds from growing, so be sure to mow your grass regularly when possible and keep a close eye on your plant life.
Conclusion
Despite the occasional barriers for use, gardens remain a popular part of British homes across all generations and cities. A well-kept garden can both add to the market value of your property, and let you enjoy the outdoors more at home, so it’s important to treat it with the right care and respect!
There are a number of benefits to getting more sunlight and fresh air, like an improved circadian rhythm, better cardiovascular health, reduced stress, and getting more vitamin D. By crafting a garden you love, you’ll not only be making your home more valuable, but improving your own wellbeing.
Looking to revamp your garden, or just finding inspiration for new outdoor décor? Read our small patio ideas or garden bar ideas to find the spark for the next addition to your home.