What is your garden worth?

HOW important is a garden when selling the typical family home? The crucial features of a garden to a potential buyer are size and aspect, in that order. Be under no illusion, a house that has sun to the rear will sell more quickly and for more thanks to the trend for open-plan family rooms that open onto the garden.

Size is an important facet, especially in urban areas where densities are higher and space is at a premium. Most rural properties are on a site that extends to a minimum of half an acre, so aspect is less of an issue. Based on current urban densities, a developer could build up to five houses on a half acre.

While a substantial front garden looks the part, a large back or side garden will add to the quality of the living environment. More importantly, it will add to the value of the property. According to Liam Hargaden of Jordan Auctioneers in Co Kildare, “With a typical three-bedroomed home, worth €250,000, a corner site will add up to €10,000 (4pc) to the value of the property. This is where the garden operates as just a garden. If the site offers potential to extend the existing property, this figure could increase to €20,000 or 8pc.”

If you are lucky enough to own a property with a site that could accommodate another residence, subject to planning, the value in the above example could rocket to €75,000 (30pc).

Most vendors will be aware of any development potential and will have factored it into price. There are, however, opportunities out there especially in older developments where the original site was substantially larger than contemporary, higher density developments.

Something to think about the next time you’re cutting the grass.