When it comes to selling your home, most people focus all their energy indoors – decluttering the living room, giving the kitchen a lick of paint, maybe even splurging on a new bathroom. 

But there’s an area that can make or break a sale that often gets overlooked: your garden.

Outdoor space is no longer just a ‘nice to have’. Post-pandemic, buyers expect their homes to flow seamlessly into the outdoors. 

Families want lawns for their children, professionals want low-maintenance entertaining areas, and downsizers dream of gardens that are easy to manage.

Your garden is not only an extension of your home, it’s the first impression buyers take away – and it can add or subtract thousands from your asking price.

Running ThePropertyStagers, I’ve staged hundreds of homes across the UK, and time and again I’ve seen neglected gardens put buyers off before they’ve even stepped through the front door. 

But, with some clever tweaks, any garden can become a selling point. Here’s how to make yours irresistible – without spending a fortune.

First impressions count

A key point to remember is that a viewing really starts the moment a potential buyer parks up.

If they’re met with a view of overgrown grass, muddy paths or a pile of kids’ toys discarded, it can signal chaos. Buyers will be thinking – if the outside looks this unloved, what’s the inside like?

You don’t need a Chelsea Flower Show budget to fix this. Start with basics, such as mowing your lawn, sweeping up leaves, trimming hedges, and then clear away anything broken or unused. 

Place a pair of evergreen planters either side of the front door – it instantly lifts the entrance and makes the house look cared for.

And even in the garden, lighting matters. Subtle, solar-powered garden lights along a path or softly illuminating a tree give the area an inviting glow, especially in autumn viewings. 

These details are inexpensive but make buyers imagine themselves arriving home on a cosy evening.

What ‘posh’ gardens get right

If you’ve ever admired a garden that looks effortlessly elegant, chances are it’s been carefully curated. 

Buyers love gardens that feel natural but well thought through.

This could mean adding layered planting, stone paving rather than cheap slabs, borders that frame the lawn, and zones that encourage outdoor living.

Trendy cottage-style planting, wildflowers and ornamental grasses are having a moment.

They give that Soho Farmhouse vibe – curated yet relaxed.

A shed isn’t just a shed anymore either; it’s often a stylish garden studio, sometimes even with its own name.

The trick is to balance structure and order without feeling too rigid.

If your garden already has these elements, highlight them.

If not, a few raised beds, a couple of statement pots or some real stone stepping paths can instantly elevate the feel.

‘Naff’ pitfalls to avoid

Just as some features can boost your home’s appeal, others can instantly put buyers off.

Matching plastic furniture in bright colours, bargain-basement grey rattan sets from lockdown, or a line of garden gnomes are a no-go if you want to appeal to a broad market.

Less is more. Declutter any excess pots as well as ornaments and kids’ paraphernalia.

Instead, keep it neutral, simple and stylish.

Buyers need to picture their own lifestyle in the garden, not feel overwhelmed by yours.

Trends worth considering (and those to avoid)

Buyers today love outdoor kitchens – but only when they’re done well.

Sleek stone counters look really good, as do wood-fired ovens and weatherproof cabinetry.

They should feel like an extension of the home, not a bolt-on barbecue corner.

Outdoor sofas can also be a great addition, provided they’re high-quality and proportionate to the space. 

Curved, softer-lined sets are more on trend than chunky L-shaped ones that dominate.

Egg chairs, meanwhile, have had their moment – a sculptural swing or hammock is more timeless.

As for outdoor bathtubs – they may look gorgeous on Pinterest, but they’re impractical in real life.

Plumbing, cleaning and British weather mean the novelty wears off fast.

Hot tubs still have their place if integrated well, but inflatable party tubs are firmly out.

The astro turf debate

Is artificial grass ever a good idea? Generally, it’s not the most attractive choice – it gets hot, looks plastic and isn’t eco-friendly.

But for families with kids, pets or rentals where upkeep is tricky, it can be the most practical option. If you do go down this route, avoid the bargain roll.

Cheap versions look garish and will have that effect on your whole garden.

Size matters – but it’s not everything

There’s no denying that a generous garden is undeniably attractive, but it’s not just about square footage. Equally, clever landscaping can make a modest space just as appealing.

Creating areas for dining, lounging or play can also help buyers visualise how they’d use it.

Reducing the size of your garden with an extension can be a gamble.

Yes, extra living space often adds value, but in suburban areas where outdoor space is prized, shrinking the garden so it’s out of balance with the rest of the property could wipe money off the price.

If you want to extend, do it thoughtfully and only sacrifice the garden if you have more than enough, or if demand for larger homes is especially strong in your area.

For smaller gardens, highlight low-maintenance features like decking or compact seating areas.

A small, stylish, usable garden is far more attractive than a large, scrappy one.

Keep personalisation in check

We all want our homes to reflect our personalities, but when you’re selling, the goal is to have broad appeal. 

Just as bold paint colours indoors can alienate buyers, overly personalised gardens can too.

Elaborate water features, ornate topiary or highly specific planting schemes can feel like a burden to maintain.

Strip it back. Replace any mismatched pots with neutral ones, keep your furniture simple, and add interest with easy-care plants. 

Remove family photos or personalised signage (the “Nana’s Gin Corner” chalkboard can wait until you’re in your next house!).

The garden should feel aspirational yet neutral – a blank canvas buyers can project their own dreams onto.

Your garden isn’t just a backdrop or the area that surrounds your house, it’s a vital selling tool.

It reflects how cared-for your whole home is and helps buyers imagine their life there. 

From a quick tidy-up to thoughtful styling, small changes outdoors can have a big impact indoors.

And, ultimately, can secure more offers and often, a higher asking price achieved.

As with interiors, the key is balance.

Keep it simple and stylish, and let buyers picture themselves living in the space.

Do that, and your garden could be the secret asset that sells your home.

Affordable quick wins

Invest in planters: A few large, neutral pots with tidy evergreens give instant polish.

Define zones: Even in a small garden, create a dining corner, a relaxation nook, or a play area.

Update furniture: If new isn’t in the budget, add smart outdoor cushions or throws to lift tired sets.

Declutter: Store away toys, tools and ornaments. Less really is more.

Light it up: Solar lights or simple string bulbs add ambience without major expense.

Interiors expert Liv Conlon, 26, runs two seven-figure businesses: multi-award-winning ThePropertyStagers, that stages more than 300 properties a year; and StagerBoss – a coaching business teaching women how they can do the same.