UK NEWS

HOW GARDENS MAKE HOUSE PRICES GROW

An inspirational garden at this year's Chelsea Flower Show

Tuesday May 27,2008

By Martin Evans

Comment Speech Bubble Have your say(3)

WITH property prices under threat, owners are increasing the value of their homes by investing in their gardens.

Instead of fitting expensive kitchens and bathrooms, sellers are now bringing their gardens up to a high standard, according to research.

One lawn company claims to have seen a 30 per cent surge in business, which it has put down to home owners trying to improve a property before it goes up for sale.

David Collison, head of marketing for Green Thumb, said: “In current market conditions, home owners hoping to sell need every advantage.

“The exterior of a property is a huge selling point and a lot of people are coming to us to improve their lawn.

“Whereas people may not want to spend thousands on a new bathroom or kitchen, they can transform the outside appeal of their property for a relatively tiny amount.”

The exterior of a property is a huge selling point and a lot of people are coming to us to improve their lawn.

He added: “We have experienced a surge of interest from customers who have decided not to move but to sit out the slump.

“Money that they would have spent on moving they are now using to improve their property.”

Kaaren Berger, who runs a Green Thumb branch in Wiltshire, said: “People are making a big effort with their gardens, especially if they have decided to hold on until the market improves.”

National Association of Estate Agents’ chief Peter Bolton King observed: “The decision on whether to buy a property is made in the first few moments of viewing it.

“So the front garden is a prime consideration.”

WHO KNOWS??

27.05.08, 6:16pm

Perhaps thats what Margret beckett had in mind when she tried to claim £600:00 on expenses for Garden flowers, shrewd woman that!

• Posted by: Russell42 • Report Comment

GARDENS, CONT:

27.05.08, 3:12pm

Start buildng fire places in houses again to the detriment of mega business, power conglomerates of one sort or another. Technology....! Have people been sold down river yet again?

• Posted by: juan01 • Report Comment

GARDENS MAKE HOUSE PRICES GROW.

27.05.08, 3:04pm

Encroach more into the green belt with
appropriate building landscaping, we are only being hoodwinked /brainwahed. allotments, animals catered for , anyone with a dream or vision ! or indeed a touch of reality. Co. Kerry looks very pleasant thank you very much. EU. helped a great deal !

• Posted by: juan01 • Report Comment