A new survey from Hayter, a manufacturer of petrol and battery mowers, reveals that garden size is now the top priority for UK homebuyers. The survey of 1,000 respondents shows a shift in buyer priorities, with outdoor space outweighing traditional considerations like internal living space and transport links.
80% of respondents say the garden is extremely important when choosing a new home, while 75% say the size of the garden is the most important factor in moving home. This emphasis on garden size is also reflected in respondents’ willingness to pay more for a home with a larger garden, with only 5% saying they wouldn’t pay more.
Garden Size and Property Value
The survey findings suggest that well-maintained, sizable outdoor spaces are increasingly shaping perceptions of property value. 76% of respondents say a garden increases their perception of a home’s value, and 40.8% would pay significantly more for a larger garden. Hayter’s survey highlights the growing role gardens play in influencing buyer behavior across the UK housing market.
When it comes to priorities, the size of the garden and outdoor spaces comes first, followed by the size of the living space, number of bedrooms, and outdoor privacy. In contrast, factors like the school catchment area, modern bathrooms, and transport links are considered less important.
For those seeking a larger garden, the most common reasons are to relax and socialize with others (82.45%), grow plants (74.60%), host parties (59.31%), and grow vegetables (41.98%). These findings reflect the broader consensus among respondents that having a garden is a must when choosing an outdoor space.
Chris Cooper, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Hayter, says, “These new findings prove what we had expected for a long time: for buyers, outdoor space is no longer a ‘nice to have’, it’s the deciding factor. A good-sized, well-maintained garden can significantly influence both perception and price when buying a property.”
The survey’s findings are a reminder that gardens are a key factor in the UK property market, and their importance is likely to continue growing as people prioritize wellbeing, relaxation, and socializing at home. With 79.44% of respondents saying having a garden is a must, it’s clear that outdoor space is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for many UK homebuyers. They consider it essential for their lifestyle, and it plays a significant role in their decision-making process when choosing a new home.
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