These 7 garden features that could devalue your home according to a new study

© HannamariaH - Getty Images Certain garden features could negatively affect your property value. For example, large outdoor water features can lose you £2,000-£8,000 off the sale price.

There are many factors that can affect the value of a property, but do you know the garden features that could be devaluing your home and deterring buyers?

From garden fences to outdated decor, elements of our outdoor spaces can be a turn off for prospective buyers, and according to previous research, house hunters take just 10 seconds to decide if they like a property, so your garden design could make or break a house sale.

In a new study conducted by Faraway Furniture, they found that Japanese knotweed can knock the price of your property down by 10 per cent; an un-manicured lawn can knock one-two per cent off the sale value; and large outdoor water features can lose you £2,000-£8,000 off the sale price.

John Graham, owner of Dwell Estate and Letting Agents and Tom Scarborough, CEO of Movewise, have revealed the garden features most likely to devalue your home. Tom says: 'A garden is one of the most desired features of a house, but there are so many potential issues for future owners that some of the most commons issues could lead to a significant price reduction, or losing the sale altogether,' says Tom.

Take a look at some key findings below:

1. Japanese knotweed © undefined undefined - Getty Images Japanese knotweed

Last year, an investigation conducted by MPs in the UK found that the invasive plant, Japanese knotweed, has been wrongly decreasing the value of properties with banks being 'overly cautious' about the topic — so it comes as no surprise that it has made the top of the list.

The weed, which can spread rapidly and uncontrollably, is known for putting buyers off from purchasing a property. In fact, John Graham discovered that a buyer can argue the price of the property down by 10 per cent if it has previously had knotweed growing. Depending on its size, it can cost between £5,000-£20,000 to have it professionally removed.

2. Artificial grass © Liyao Xie - Getty Images Path in a garden

Artificial grass might be a low-maintenance option, but it can be off-putting to potential buyers – especially to those with young children. Replacing it with natural grass can cost around £150 per square metre, so many buyers prefer to avoid it. John found that sellers could be looking at a five per cent reduction in the sale value if a garden has artificial grass.

3. Outdoor water features © Jacky Parker Photography - Getty Images Beautiful summer garden with water fountain in amongst the flowers, in the hazy sunshine

Large water features could also be negatively affecting your property value by £2,000 – £8,000, according to John. While they are great for attracting bees, butterflies and birds, some buyers see water features as more work to maintain. Do you agree?

4. A messy, unkept garden © Anthony Boulton - Getty Images garden overgrown with weeds and plants patio chairs obscured by overgrowth

An unkept garden that hasn't been given any TLC could also knock one-two per cent off your asking price, John found. Keeping your outdoor space beautifully presented is a great way to attract buyers to your property. In fact, according to a previous study, well-kept gardens can help to boost the value of a property by £2,000. Taking the time to keep your garden neat and tidy will certainly win you some extra points.

5. Broken fence panels and cracked walls © LeslieLauren - Getty Images Home Improvement

Fences don't come cheap, which is why most house-hunters look for a property with one that isn't broken. In fact, research by Tom Scarborough found that broken fence panels or cracked walls can remove £1,000 from the value of your house.

Fences or walls add a sense of privacy to the home, keeping children safe and wild animals out. Without them, a garden doesn't feel like the place of seclusion it should be. Looking to sell your house? Time to get that fence fixed first...

6. Swimming pools or hot tubs © Hussein Kassir - Getty Images Swimming Pool stairs for a Private Chalet

While these are favoured by many in the summer months, Tom discovered that buyers are often reluctant to purchase a property with a swimming pool as they can cost an estimated £2,737 to maintain every year. It can also be off-putting for those with young children as they feel it can be unsafe for little ones running around.

7. Outdated garden decor © Jacky Parker Photography - Getty Images A beautiful summer cast iron garden chair with cushions and a summer hat, shabby chic scene

Outdated garden decor is also another feature that could negatively affect your property value. According to Tom, it can cost an average of £3,950 to redo an outdated garden, which could potentially be taken off your final selling price. While this of course is all down to personal taste, garden furniture is not updated as much as other areas in the home, meaning it can often end up feeling dated.

Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.

SIGN UP

The Weather Song