This feature could decrease your property value by £57,000

Artificial grass and built in trampolines are the least desired garden features in 2023, according to UK homeowners, whilst having a shed could add tens of thousands to your property value.

With research revealing house hunters decide if they want to buy a home within 25 seconds, a new study by Power Sheds has revealed the most and least wanted outdoor features that either attract or put people off. And experts have revealed how these features could have a significant impact on a house’s selling value.

Surprisingly, 2 in 5 Brits (39%) say a swimming pool would prevent them from making an offer on a house. Despite the luxury they can provide, in today’s market, swimming pools could actually decrease a home’s value by £57,000, according to Blenkin & Co estate agents.

Brit’s least desired features in gardens are:

Artificial grass (55% don’t like this)

Built in trampoline (55%)

Sloping garden (49%)

Dull décor (43%)

Swimming pool (39%)

Outdoor sauna (39%)

Hot tubs (38%)

Outdoor gyms (38%)

Outdoor kitchens (35%)

With artificial grass revealed as the most off-putting feature, experts even report this could decrease a home’s value by almost £15,000.

With house prices forecast to fall at their fastest pace in 14 years, homeowners securing the highest price for their property is key.

When it came to the UK’s dream garden, a shed was revealed to be the most desired feature, with almost three quarters (70%) revealing they want to see this. Property experts have said that adding a shed can add 10% to the house value. According to the latest ONS data, the average UK house costs £286,000, meaning a new summer house or shed could bring the value of your home up by an average of £28,600.

Brit’s most desired features in gardens are:

Shed (70% want this)

Trees (65%)

Water feature (53%)

Greenhouse (51%)

Paving (49%)

Pergola (43%)

Decking (42%)

Pond (41%)

Built in fire pit (38%)

Features such as paving and trees can add up to 20% to a property’s value by providing a designated garden area with a purpose, generating shade and encouraging wildlife. Attractive features such as a pond or water feature are also worthwhile, as they can add £2,000 in value.

Property expert Martin McCreath, from Your Move Estate Agents, explained how important it is to make your garden the best it can be when looking to sell.

“Gardens are very high on a buyers’ list of priorities, with their presentation, size and position often considered very important when making the final decision to buy. It is so important you make it look as good as possible and catch a homebuyer's attention quickly”

Jack Sutcliffe, co-founder of Power Sheds, commented: “House buyers are looking for a garden that looks good and is functional. A garden should be a place of relaxation and enjoyment and should be designed to meet the needs of the homeowner.

“A shed can be a great additional feature because it provides that extra storage space and can be used for a variety of purposes such as a workshop or hobby room, which can add value to the property.”

For more information and to discover gardening tips, head to Power Sheds’ Sheducation hub.