An attractive garden can boost the value of your home, but if you’re selling in the winter months it can be hard to show it off. We look at some tips for keeping your outdoor area looking good in the dormant season.
When most plants have shed their leaves and nothing much is growing the garden can look messy and unloved. But with a bit of work and a few additions, you can still make it an attractive space.
Structure
The structure of the garden is all-important in winter. Prune trees and shrubs to lift stray branches away from paths and create a neat shape. Check that fences and gates are in good order and repair if needed. Similarly, make sure any shed or garage is in good repair and give it a lick of paint if necessary.
Tidying
One of the easiest ways to make a garden look crisp and tidy is by trimming hedges and the edges of lawns. If it is dry enough, mow the grass, then make sure all of the edges are neatly cut. Rake up leaves and sweep paths and patios or decked areas.
Remove spent annual plants and cut back anything that is dead, although you can leave striking seed heads with architectural shapes for some winter interest.
If you have garden furniture, try and put it out before viewings, even if you are keeping it inside over the winter months. This will fill an empty space, make the garden more welcoming and show potential buyers where they could sit in the summer. If possible, put clotheslines away.
Planting
Evergreen topiary comes into its own in the winter months, adding strong shapes and structure. Ferns are good for dark, damp corners and grasses look attractive in low winter sunlight.
Plant up some containers with seasonal colour; the garden centre will have a variety of winter plants and flowers to choose from. The advantage of using containers is that you can take them with you when you move, so you could even splash out on some clipped evergreen shapes if you have a space that needs some drama.
The same goes for sculpture. You can add a large urn or stylish ironwork piece and take it with you when you go, so long as you make it clear in the estate agent’s particulars and the fixtures and fittings list that it will not be left.
To add some life to the garden, think about putting out bird feeders and a birdbath.
The garden can add value to your home and make it a more attractive proposition to buyers, so it’s worth taking the time to make your outside space look as good as it can before putting your house on the market.
If you are thinking of buying or selling your home and would like to talk to one of our expert property lawyers, ring us on 0333 305 5189 or email us at info@lpropertylawyers.co.uk
