EVERYONE wants to make the best impression when they’re showing off their home to potential buyers.
It’s common knowledge that issues such as damp, flaky paint and an overgrown garden could reduce the amount people are willing to offer.
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However, many homeowners may not realise one certain feature could reduce the house price by as much as £14,000.
Artificial grass has been growing in popularity of late.
Homeowners see it as a low-maintenance option that can help maintain the curb appeal of their property.
However, Marc von Grundherr, director of estate agent Benham and Reeves, says: “This is a common misconception and, in fact, we’ve seen many examples of artificial lawns riddled with weeds where it hasn’t been done properly and, quite frankly, it looks horrible.”
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“It can cost around £150 per square metre to replace an artificial lawn so don’t be surprised if potential buyers factor this into the offer they make on your home.
“Depending on the size of your garden space, it could cost you a considerable sum.”
Marc isn’t the only one with this view.
Jason Harris-Cohen, chief executive of Open Property Group, says: “Artificial grass is a real turn-off for those looking to create a beautiful garden space for themselves and their children, and by opting for artificial grass, you could be drastically reducing the number of buyers, who may be interested in your property.
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“Even if a buyer does make an offer, it’s estimated that an artificial lawn can knock your house price to the tune of around 5%.
“That’s £14,000 in the current market, so you’re far better off putting in some work with the lawn mower every now and then to keep your natural lawn presentable.”
However, artificial lawn isn’t the only feature which could slash your home’s value in the garden.
I’m a lawn care pro – most people are mowing their yards all wrong, my tip promotes thick grass that crowds out weeds
What else can slash the cost of my home?
Gardening expert Kendall Platt runs the Adventures with Flowers website, told The Sun about other features which could wreck your home’s value.
The benefits of trees are endless, removing carbon from the atmosphere and offering shade on hot summer days.
But oversized trees can be a nuisance to maintain and could act as a light block, knocking £1,000 off your house price.
Concrete and badly cared for patios can knock a further £3,000 off your home’s value.
Decking is a great feature if you want to have family or friends over for a barbecue or party.
But it can bring with it its own pro
“It needs yearly maintenance to stay looking good, which people may not have time for.
“In addition, rats very often build their nests under decking or use the space underneath as a rat runs between their food source and their nest, said Kendall.
And it’s estimated that replacing any decking with a patio would set you back about £4,000.
Majorly overgrown bushes and plants can also act as a major turn off for home buyers looking around your home.
Some may factor getting them trimmed by a professional into their offer price, which might knock up to £10,000 of your property’s value, added Kendall.
But there are also plenty of ways to boost your home’s value.
How can I boost the value of my home?
Some home improvements will inevitably boost the value of your home more than others.
Nick Leeming, chairman of estate agent Jackson-Stops, said buyers were increasingly looking for green energy measures in homes such as electric vehicle charging points.
He added: “We might see buyers start to negotiate on asking prices, prioritising a home purchase that is future-proofed from day one.”
Meanwhile, data from property buying company Open Property Group recommends 12 improvements that will boost the overall value of your property the most.
Loft conversions, costing around £40,000, can add £56,938 to the value of the average UK house price of £284,691.
A 20square foot extension, costing around £48,000, can add £56,938.
Meanwhile, a garage conversion can add £28,469 while only costing an estimated £15,000.
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This is Open Property Group’s list of 12 home improvements, how much they cost and how much they’ll add to the value of your home:
- Loft conversion (£40,000 cost) – £56,938 added value
- 20square foot extension (£48,000 cost) – £56,938 added value
- Garage conversion (£15,000 cost) – £28,469 added value
- Garden room/office (£10,000 cost) – £21,352 added value
- Kitchen upgrade (£10,550 cost) – £15,658 added value
- Utility room (£8,730 cost) – £14,235 added value
- Solar panels (£7,000 cost) – £11,388 added value
- All over redecoration (£3,200 cost) – £8,825 added value
- Bathroom renovation (£5,000 cost) – £7,402 added value
- Boiler/central heating upgrade (£3,850 cost) – £5,409 added value
- EV charging point (£1,150 cost) – £4,840 added value
- Landscaped garden (£3,950 cost) – £4,270 added value
