A garden is often seen as a luxury, no matter how big it is. It can also make a big difference in real estate prices whether they go up or down. Anna Hampshire, Marketing Director at Marshalls, has shared “common” mistakes that could hurt your property’s value.
The expert explains: “If you are thinking of selling your house, make sure that the garden is also a selling point.
“Gardens that don’t get sun all day should maximize the times they do. For example, finding a seat in a location that is shaded after 11am would be a mistake.
“Make sure large trees and shrubs don’t block the light from your windows and keep the space as open as possible.
“A poorly designed layout will deter a buyer, but a well-designed layout could help potential future owners envision themselves safely seeing their children play in it.”
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“If they get into cracks in walls, they can widen them and even get in the way of water pipes.
“Simply removing them from the root won’t kill them, and it can cost thousands to treat them professionally.”
The cost of this type of Japanese knotweed removal ranges from £1,000 to £2,950.
According to OnTheMarket, this invasive weed can reduce property values by as much as 10 to 15 percent.
Another invasive plant is English ivy, which often grows on the side or front of houses or walls.
The best way to remove ivy is to cut through the trunk with a sharp saw or secateurs and then try to find the root before digging it up.
