October 2023

If you want your home to make an impact, giving your garden some TLC should be high on your priority list. While it’s essential for the inside of the property to look the part, a few small changes to your outside space could add real value and sell your house faster. The desire for outside space has increased dramatically since the pandemic so now is the time to show what yours has to offer.  Here are our top tips on how to perk up your garden without spending a fortune. Look at it through a buyer’s eyes Take a step back and try and look at your garden objectively; assess what enhances the space and what detracts from it and what, if anything, might scare potential buyers away. Climbing frames and swings; greenhouses and vegetable patches; all can bring joy or take up space and require maintenance in equal measure. Spring clean your outside space Never underestimate how much impact a good clean up can have. Buyers will want a garden they can walk straight into and enjoy rather than one that needs a lot of maintenance.  Removing dead plants, cutting the grass and pulling weeds can have a massive impact. Straightforward DIY tasks Jet washing a concrete patio can revive a dull and tired space, while painting fences and outside walls instantly brightens them and protects them against the weather. Tidying away toys or play equipment can make your garden feel larger and more appealing too. Add some colour and shape Simply altering the shape and size of your flower beds can revitalise your garden, costing no more than an hour or two of your time, and a bag of compost. Straight beds down either side will make a garden look smaller, whereas a sweeping curve can make it feel bigger than it actually is. Add instant colour with bedding plants in the borders or in a pot on the patio. Flowers and fresh herbs can influence how welcoming a space can feel. Create a seating area Whether you have a small patio garden or a veritable mini estate, creating an area to enjoy and entertain guests can be a real selling point. Gardens are often seen as an extension of our indoor living so buyers want to have somewhere to sit and relax. Styling the area with chairs, a table and outdoor rug can help them visualise its potential.   With summer approaching, our gardens should be in full bloom but no matter what time of the year you’re selling, having a well maintained and appealing outside space will definitely help sell your home. If you need any more hints and tips, or want advice on how to sell your home, just give us a call.

The first step in finding the perfect home is identifying the area you will feel happy in.  The local community is likely to be as important, if not more so, than the actual property you choose. While you’re able to narrow down your search of potential properties via online pictures and maps, getting a feel for an area can take a lot more time and effort. Your budget will be a key factor in where you start your search but here are a few other ideas to consider: As a local estate agent, we would always recommend clients spend some time exploring an area they’re not familiar with, in person. Visiting the local shops, sitting down for coffee or attending one of the local events that might be running like school fairs, flower shows or seasonal activities. It’s these events, bringing people together for a shared cause, that really make an area a ‘community’. It’s the reason why we support so many of them. Our collaboration with local schools help it’s PTFAs raise funds that directly support our local children’s education. While this sponsorship helps raise our profile with the use of banners and advertising, it also allows us to play our part as a member of the local community. If you need any advice on the local area, want to sell your home or want to discuss sponsorship opportunities with us please give us a call