Don't underestimate how much a beautifully presented garden can sway buyers and help you clinch a great price for your home.

When it comes to preparing a home for listing, there's a lot to do.

But in your effort to get the interior of your home 'just right', don't forget about another key asset – your garden.

If you're lucky enough to have outdoor space in the form of a garden, patio or courtyard, treat it like any other room in your home.

Spend time ensuring buyers see it at its very best, especially if they'll be viewing it in the spring or summer months.

Your hard work could pay off substantially, with research suggesting a well-presented garden can boost the property's value by as much as 20%.*

Preparing your garden for viewings

The good news is that all the rules that apply to prepping the inside of your home for sale also apply to the exterior.

Declutter

Ensure your garden and side return aren't dumping grounds for all the items that you can't accommodate indoors.

Take any junk or rubbish to the tip, and store away toys, pet accessories, bikes and garden equipment.

DIY

Trim hedges and shrubs, remove weeds and sweep up leaves. Fix any broken fence panels (buyers place a high value on security) and wobbly paving stones.

Freshen things up by giving tired garden furniture a lick of paint and grimy decking a jet wash.

Lighting

Overgrown trees and shrubs can block sunlight, making outdoor areas feel dingy and unwelcoming. If this is the case in your garden, it's time to get trimming.

Also, add solar post lights or string lights to create a cosy atmosphere for out-of-hours viewings.

Layout and presentation

A survey found that 71% of people use their garden for relaxation and 53% for alfresco dining.**

With this in mind, dress your garden for success by adding an outdoor dining table and chairs, or garden seating (if you don't have them already).

Also, consider adding some bright blooms if you feel your garden could do with some added colour (the cottage garden look is always popular).

Clean up

If you have a dog, always give the garden a once-over before a viewing to ensure that all poop has been picked up.

Looking to list your home in Ealing this summer? Get in touch with Leslie & Co today to arrange a free valuation.

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* Source: Axa Insurance

** Source: Barker and Stonehouse survey.

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