Could garden maintenance increase the value of your home?

For some, there’s nothing better than a sunny afternoon spent in the garden… but many of us could be missing out on some pretty big financial benefits too.

A well-maintained garden could add up to 20% to the value of a property, which equates to just over £50,000 for the average UK home (£268,250). The average garden upgrade ranges between £5,000 and £10,000, which represents a significant potential return.

Despite this, a recent survey of 2,000 people conducted on behalf of Raisin found that only 16% of Brits invest their savings into garden upgrades, while only 21% consistently maintain their garden all year round.

The key findings

A well-maintained garden can add 20% to the value of a property.
Only 16% of Brits currently invest their savings in garden upgrades.
Just 21% consistently maintain their gardens year-round.

The information provided here is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult with a licensed financial adviser or professional before making any financial decisions. Your financial situation is unique, and the information provided may not be suitable for your specific circumstances. We are not liable for any financial decisions or actions you take based on this information.

Despite only 1 in 5 (21%) actively maintaining their garden all year round, the average person spent 17 hours tending to it. Weeding, neatening borders, mowing lawns and caring for plants topped the list of gardening tasks but for most, these efforts are far from consistent.

Welsh residents spend the most time in the garden per month (27 hours on average), while Cardiff is the UK’s gardening capital with an average of 24 hours each month spent pruning, planting and weeding. On the other end of the scale, people in the East of England spent just 13 hours per month gardening.

While the average garden upgrade costs between £5,000 to £10,000, maintaining your garden doesn’t necessarily require a lot of time or money. We asked author and gardening expert Simon Akeroyd for his top tips on maintaining a garden with minimal effort.

Simon Akeroyd’s easy garden maintenance tips

Avoid plants and vegetables that might require yearly replanting.
Plant low maintenance slow-growing shrubs and small trees.
Mow your lawn less and cut a path instead to encourage wildflowers and support local wildlife.

Raisin co-founder and finance expert Kevin Mountford says:

“Summer is often one of the trickier times of the year to sell your home, as people prioritise holidays. But investing in your garden could be the way to make yours stand out.There is often a big misconception that to make a real impact you need to invest a lot. But this is not the case. A little research and analysis of your current situation can go a long way.”

Watch your savings blossom

Like growing a beautiful garden, building your savings requires the right tools and the right mindset. Raisin UK gives you everything you need to make your savings bloom, with competitive rates from over 40 FSCS-protected banks or building societies.