HOW TO MAKE YOUR GARDEN MORE SALEABLE

Very few of us are likely to be able to spend a lifetime in the same garden. Leaving a garden you love is not easy, but it’s worth making the effort to present your garden to potential new owners in the most positive light to tempt them to take over your labour of love. Lottie Geaves of Savills Country House Department gives sellers this advice:

First impressions are important. Make sure everything is well presented: gates, hedges, fencing and planting all need to be tidy and neat.

Many buyers tend to be time poor and can be put off high-maintenance gardens, so manageability is important. Shrubs, trees and perennials need less input. At this point, you’re not showing off your gardening prowess, but trying to find someone to love the garden enough to be a future head gardener.

Outside dining areas are fashionable, as are garden rooms in general. A good view of the garden can be a selling point, so make the rooms which are visible from the house have colour and interest, and those further away more relaxed.

Buyers with young families favour play areas, tree houses and flat spaces for sports; those with teenagers like outbuildings that could be converted into separate accommodation. Note to sellers with children: put away toys.

Those with children and pets are looking for secure boundaries and safe water features. Make sure there are no gaps in fences and hedges, ponds are fenced and protected, and paths are swept, non-slip and easy to access.

Geaves feels that lack of light and openness puts buyers off straight away, especially when greenery makes the house dark and claustrophobic. Cut back overhanging trees and shrubs and let in the light.