New study reveals Britons think an attractive garden could add £20k to a home’s value

A well-maintained garden could be worth far more than many homeowners realise.

According to new research from eflorist, UK adults believe that an attractive, mature garden can add around £20,000 to a property’s value on average.

The research, conducted among 2,000 UK adults, explored how gardens influence buying decisions, from kerb appeal and first impressions to the features buyers value most when viewing a home.

Nearly one in three respondents (31%) believed an attractive garden could increase a property’s value by more than £10,000, while almost one in ten estimated the uplift could be between £25,000 and £50,000.

Londoners place the highest value on gardens

Respondents in Greater London placed the highest value on attractive gardens, estimating they could add £26,321 to a property’s value on average.

The South East (£23,500), East Midlands (£21,142) and South West (£21,090) also exceeded the national average, highlighting how outdoor space is viewed as an increasingly valuable asset, particularly in areas where gardens are at a premium.

Kerb appeal influences viewing decisions

The research also found that first impressions will have a significant impact on whether buyers engage with a property in the first place.

Almost two-thirds (65%) of respondents agreed that kerb appeal is important when deciding whether to arrange an initial viewing, suggesting that a front garden can be just as influential as photographs of the interiors in an online listing.

When asked which features create the strongest first impression, respondents prioritised evidence of good maintenance over expensive landscaping.

The most appealing features were:

A neatly maintained lawn (27%)

Colourful flower beds (17%)

Mature flowering shrubs (10%)

Well-defined borders (9%)

Mature trees (8%)

Neglected gardens remain a major turn-off

Just as attractive gardens help create positive first impressions, neglected outdoor spaces can discourage buyers before they’ve even stepped through the door.

Among the biggest garden turn-offs identified were:

Rubbish left in the garden (22%)

Overgrown lawns and borders (13%)

Artificial grass (7%)

Weeds (7%)

Fully paved gardens (6%)

The findings suggest buyers aren’t necessarily looking for elaborate landscaping – they’re simply looking for signs that a property has been cared for.

Buyers want attractive gardens – but not endless maintenance

While mature planting was consistently viewed positively, respondents also admitted they had concerns about the upkeep involved.

The biggest worries included:

Finding the time to maintain a garden (38%)

Ongoing maintenance costs (33%)

Not knowing how to care for established plants (24%)

This indicates buyers value gardens that look established while remaining easy to manage.

David Denyer, flower expert at eflorist, said:

“Our research shows that buyers respond to gardens that feel cared for rather than those that have cost a fortune to create and maintain, and small improvements can often make a significant difference to the first impressions a buyer has on a home.”

He added:

“Introducing seasonal flowers, refreshing containers and hanging baskets around the front door, maintaining a healthy lawn and keeping borders trim all help to create a welcoming space that feels well looked after.

“When choosing plants, opt for reliable varieties that provide colour over a long season, and don’t require constant care and attention. That delicate balance between visual impact and ease of care may be exactly what many potential buyers are looking for in an outdoor space.”