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From garden fences to outdated decor, elements of our outdoor spaces can be a turn off for prospective buyers, and according to previous research, house hunters take just 10 seconds to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

Blog: What will the furniture business look like on the other side?

Not since the Great Depression has the U.S. seen unemployment at levels likely to be caused by the coronavirus. Last week — less than a month since the first widespread efforts at shelter-in-place and social distancing took hold — unemployment filings had topped 10 million.

Some of that will disappear once people are allowed to leave their homes and stores, and "non-essential" businesses can reopen. However, some companies simply won't recover, and it will take time before unemployment returns to anywhere near the levels experienced before the outbreak.

Additionally, furloughed or laid off consumers who received immunity from foreclosure or who simply put off paying non-critical bills during the height of shelter-in-place orders will need to catch up. As a result the recovery and the return to major discretionary purchases will come later to some than to others. Upper income consumers and those in sectors less impacted by shutdowns are likely to recover far more quickly than those at lower income levels and those whose positions no longer exist.

There are many implications to this for the furniture industry, not the least of which are those related to pricing and credit. Some of this has already been seen in the auto industry, where car makers very early moved to dramatically extended payment periods and mitigation terms for those impacted by coronavirus-related issues.

In the short term some of the pricing issues may be resolved by the need to clean up inventories and work goods through a supply chain clogged by the sudden shut down. In the mid-term, as we move through the end of 2020 and into 2021, it will take more than simply low prices, something consumers have been trained to expect for a generation or more when it comes to furniture.

It will take more creative financing approaches and communicating them in a way that aligns with the concerns of consumers who have just come through a period defined by fear of basic human contact, threats to the availability of basic necessities and a concern around their presence in even the most familiar physical locations.

It will require rethinking every touchpoint with the consumer through the entire sales funnel. From the first time they come in contact with your brand until the product arrives in their home, most likely by someone whose presence communicates safety and a thought for their health.

Those who wish to be successful in the post-coronavirus economic environment will need to address a new set of consumer needs and employ much more sophisticated strategies for identifying potential shoppers. We are currently in a period of dramatic physical and economic uncertainty in which the home is a literal safe haven.

Not all of that is going away simply because people can leave their homes. The ability to build trust, create reassuring forms of engagement and engage in authentic interaction that feels less like a sale and more like a life assist will go a long way with post-COVID-19 consumers. And it will also likely go a long way to revitalizing a business that has been so badly hit by this current crisis.

HOUSE SNEAK PEAK! DECOR + FURNITURE HAUL!

House to home: Silver service

The allure of silver has led the way in many decorative styles. Traditionally, the elegant gleam of a dining table set with sterling silverware and candelabras sets an undeniably rich tone. And even the simplest entree gains mouthwatering appeal when presented on a silver platter. The dazzle of silver decorative finishes, from jewelry to lamps, flourishes in art deco style, and furniture and accessory pieces from that era have become a collector's prize. In modern, minimalist terms, silver became dulled down and gray took over — matte shades with a quiet mood and clean, spare lines. All well and good for a calm, uncluttered space, but there will always be a spot for the unfettered charm and attraction of silver.

If you are dreaming about adding a luxurious touch to a bathroom or bedroom, why not look to a metallic finish? Decorating a wall with a silver treatment has never been easier. There are now paint and plaster products produced that are water-based and user friendly for even the neophyte DIYer. Choose a silver metallic paint glaze; the glaze is applied over a solid color base coat, which allows the base color to shine through but brightened with the silver. If you prefer a denser appearance, choose silver metallic paint. Two-tone diamonds were stenciled onto a wall using Modern Masters' metallic paints in Oyster and Champagne. The pattern is highlighted by the brush marks that run through the lighter shades horizontally and the darker diamonds vertically. Any glazing mixture has a longer open time than water-based paint, which dries quickly. The wet glaze allows you to play, leaving behind brush marks.

For a shimmery satin appearance, look for metallic plaster. It's not difficult to apply. Use a trowel to smooth it on, and if you aren't happy, scrape it back and try again. Soon you will get the hang of it. Metallic plaster is even more magical as the light plays off the smooth, colored surface. You can stencil with plaster just like paint. To achieve the effect of a scalloped pattern like the bathroom wall shown here, look for ShimmerStone Tintable Base in two tones of silver. Apply a base coat of paint. Lightly spray the stencil with spray adhesive and firmly press onto the surface. Spread a thin coat of the Tintable Base over the stencil covering the entire surface. Remove stencil, let dry, then reapply stencil and plaster with second color randomly. The multi-shaded effect develops as the shades peek through each other.

There are wonderful furniture pieces out there that need a new home. Here's another opportunity to add an opulent air to your rooms. A few coats of silver paint on a dresser or bedside table, some edging around a headboard or picture frame, a lamp base renewed will transform not just that piece but the energy in your room. Visit Jim Connelly on Instagram at instagram.com/jimconnellystudios for ideas. Jim is a master at rejuvenating furniture pieces that have been discarded. His imagination soars when he sees an unloved dresser or chair, and if it's not too damaged he heads for the paint pots. Silver is one of Jim's go-to finishes, as he loves dazzle and charm.

Is it time to up the opulence in your life, if only in a corner? I hope so.

Written by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Please email decorating questions to house2home@debbietravis.com. Follow Debbie at instagram.com/debbie_travis, facebook.com/thedebbietravis and debbietravis.com.

The Correct Table Setting - Ep3 part3

Kelly Clarkson Has A New Home Collection That Will Help With COVID-19 Relief Efforts

The success of Wayfair continues. Earlier this week, the popular online furniture retailer announced that revenue has increased by 40% in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Today, the company officially released their brand-new collection with none other than pop sensation Kelly Clarkson.

In February, The Voice coach was announced as Wayfair's first-ever celebrity brand ambassador and the partnership entailed an exclusive two-part collection including today's drop. The Kelly Clarkson Home debut features 550 affordable pieces inspired by French Country-style furniture and decor. It comes complete with essentials for the living room, dining room, bedroom, home office, as well as textiles, decor and lighting. All the items are currently available for purchase online, but hurry because things are selling fast. Click through to the site and you'll notice that tons of items are already sold out.

"I'm excited to introduce Kelly Clarkson Home to you all. Home has always been an incredibly special place for me; it's my sanctuary where I unwind and spend quality time with family and now, more than ever, we are all looking to find peace and comfort in our homes with our loved ones. It's also a place where I'm very creative and am often inspired," Clarkson said in a statement. "It felt natural to curate a collection that offers elegant yet accessible furnishings that allow everyone to make their house a home and a reflection of who they are."

Clarkson's collection is doing more than just taking your living space to the next level, part of the profits will also go towards COVID-19 relief efforts. "I'm proud that we can use the launch of Kelly Clarkson Home as a meaningful opportunity to lend a hand and give back, with profits benefiting the current crisis and those impacted," the singer added. From now until April 17th, Wayfair is committed to doing their part to support those during this difficult time. "Right now, with most Americans under shelter-in-place orders, we know that many are focused on making their homes comfortable for their families and adapting living spaces into work spaces and play spaces to adjust to the current situation. However, we also recognize that so many others are dealing with great hardship related to protecting the health of loved ones and the financial strain imposed by this crisis," Wayfair's Chief Merchandising Officer Steve Oblak shared in a press release. "To assist during this critical time of need, Wayfair and Kelly are working together to help those impacted most by the global pandemic by donating 25% of profits from sales of the Kelly Clarkson Home Collection to support COVID-19 relief efforts...we hope we can help make a difference during this incredibly challenging time."

Later in the year, Wayfair is set to release the second part of Kelly Clarkson Home, which will include 1,500 additional designs offering a greater range of aesthetics and even more accessible price points. For now, go ahead and give your space the ultimate upgrade with the most unique statement pieces from the musician's exquisitely curated collection.

Kelly Clarkson's House Tour 2019 (Inside & Outside) | Car Collection | Hollywood Lifestyle

Letter to the Editor: An open letter to my home furnishings friends

Ray Allegrezza

Back in the 1960s, a favorite phrase suggested, 'Today was the first day of the rest of your life."

Thanks largely to COVID-19, we need to dust that phrase off, reconsider it and, more importantly, take it to heart and act on it.

As I write this from my home office, most of us in the furniture industry have been rudely and unexpectedly pushed off the playing field.

Even worse, the lockdown and lost business as a result of this virus has left many of us no longer part of the team. Many good and talented people have been let go and are suddenly free agents with no takers.

In simple terms, this is now a new ball game, and no one, I repeat, no one, has the new rules.

Like it or not, that's. the reality. But there is another reality that says the sun will rise tomorrow morning, life will go on, the business will come back.

But for those hoping that things will return to normal, I want to caution them that the playing field we all were forced to walk off of will not look the same when we return.

I think the field will look smaller, and here's why: Prior to the virus there were suppliers, reps and retailers who, quite frankly, were just barely holding on. I think when we get the "all clear" to go back on the field, you will see fewer players.

The surviving teams will be faster, smarter and more resilient than ever. If you compete against them and you don't have an A-game, you have my condolences.

If you support or service them, I am encouraging you to use this down time to up your game and anticipate their needs, which have most likely changed during this crisis.

When Jeff Bezos launched Amazon, he stressed the necessity of seeing every day as Day 1. He argued that, Day 2 is stasis, followed by irrelevance, followed by painful decline, followed by death.

I realize that COVID-19 has left us in a state of chaos. But I also firmly believe that chaos and disruption set the state for innovation, solutions and advancements.

Yes, today the virus has temporarily leveled the playing field. But it has also given you an opportunity, regardless of the role you play in our industry, to reimagine, reinvent and return better than ever.

Here at IHFRA, we are hard at work supplying our members with as much useful information as possible to help them succeed once given the all clear. We've posted articles, created a webinar, put together a comprehensive and very affordable continuing education program and more.

We are also working closely with the American Home Furnishings Alliance, the Home Furnishings Assn. and other associations to help develop programs suited to make the entire industry better.

When I am able to exhale and momentarily clear my mind of all this cornonavirus chaos, I get a glimpse of Americans sitting in their kitchens or living rooms or dens with a renewed awareness of just how important their homes — now more than ever seen as safe havens — really are.

I also think this forced isolation is causing them to be more aware than ever of their furnishings. I believe that any time our customers spend thinking about furnishings can be good for our industry.

When consumers come back into the market, they will be different, too. I think their expectations will be bigger than ever, but so may their appetite to recreate their havens.

I hope we will be ready for them. In the meantime, I wish you health, fortitude, peace and prosperity.

Ray Allegrezza, executive directorInternational Home Furnishings Representatives Assn.

DREW GOODEN ULTIMATE VINE COMPILATION

Exclusive: Here's Your First Look at Kelly Clarkson's Furniture and Decor Line with Wayfair

From House Beautiful

Back in February, Wayfair announced some exciting news: singer and The Voice coach Kelly Clarkson had just become the retailer's first-ever brand ambassador. In addition, Wayfair revealed that Clarkson would actually be releasing a furniture and decor collection called Kelly Clarkson Home this spring—and today's the day! The line, inspired by Clarkson's southern roots and curated by the singer herself, has finally arrived, and we're sure it's going to be an instant hit.

The collection includes everything from tasseled bedding and beaded chandeliers to metal bar carts and rusting dining sets—a perfect combination of styles to represent Clarkson's own go-to aesthetic, and to make it easy for customers to mix and match pieces into their own homes. Not only that, but Clarkson and Wayfair are making sure the line gives back, too. The brand and singer revealed that they'll be donating a portion of the proceeds from the Kelly Clarkson Home collection to COVID-19 relief efforts for the next week.

In an exclusive Q&A, Clarkson shares the process behind creating her new collection with House Beautiful.

What is it about Wayfair that made you want to partner with them?

I appreciate the fact that Wayfair can help anyone—regardless of budget, style or taste—create a living space that their entire family can enjoy…they really make a house into a home. Decorating can be daunting, but Wayfair makes the process fun.

Why did you chose the home category as your foray into building what seems to be a lifestyle empire?

Seems like a cliché to say, but home is where the heart is. As a working mom, I cherish my time at home with my family. I take great pride in the fact that we have created a home that is filled with love and warmth and that is very much represented in the décor throughout the house. I like the fact that my décor can't really be defined as one thing or put into one category.

That's what inspired me to curate a line of furniture and decor with Wayfair. Described as "French Country," Kelly Clarkson Home blends two unexpected yet complementary styles of Bohemian and Farmhouse. It's very airy and feminine, with charming accents and vintage inspired finds. KC Home is proof that style doesn't have to fit a mold. Everyone should have the confidence to create a home that reflects their personal taste and style.

What was the thought process behind launching your home line during this uncertain time in the world?

Since the beginning of my partnership with Wayfair, Kelly Clarkson Home has been planned to launch in April. We considered changing the plans due to these extraordinary circumstances, but I thought that now, more than ever, people are looking to find comfort, warmth and peace within the confines of their own home. By launching now, an opportunity was created for Wayfair and I to give back in a meaningful way. Right now, everyone can feel good about their purchases while creating a home that they love. Wayfair and I are donating 25 percent of proceeds from the Kelly Clarkson Home Collection to support COVID-19 relief efforts, now through April 17.

If you were to describe the collection in three words, what would they be?

Calming, fresh, inspiring.

How did your role as an artist influence Kelly Clarkson Home?

As an artist, I love to create and be bold. The same can be seen in my home collection…I'm not afraid to mix colors, styles, textures…when you put the right things together, it just works.

What can people expect when they shop the collection?

Like other furniture and decor on Wayfair, Kelly Clarkson Home is affordable, and the pieces can be mixed and matched. You can create an entire room with Kelly Clarkson Home or add pieces from the line to an existing look because everything is pretty versatile.

What are three of your favorite pieces from the collection?

That's a tough one, but a few that really speak to me are the Radnor Chandelier, the Bransford Armchair, and the Bell Accent Cabinet. I love the details on each of these pieces!

The Kelly Clarkson Home collection is now available to shop at Wayfair, so you can deck out your home with the star's favorite pieces.

Follow House Beautiful on Instagram.

You Might Also Like

Kelly Clarkson Makes Slime Without Instructions | Digital Exclusive

A Home Built for an Italian Ambassador to Denmark Has Been Completely Restored

Listing of the Day

Location: Hellerup, Copenhagen, Denmark

Price: DKK56.46 million (US$8.2 million)

A walk-in closet, a concealed kitchen and an Indochina-style winter garden are among the highlights of this restored former ambassador's house.

Built for the Italian ambassador to Denmark in 1908, Villa No. 3 has a contemporary interior set in well-proportioned period rooms—and it comes in turnkey condition. Its stylish furnishings, which include framed artwork, designer lighting and mid-century, vintage and modern furniture, are included in the price.

Cora Lucaz, founder of Copenhagen-based design agency Suite07 and owner of the property—who, according to listing agent Mathias Martinsson is "a rising star on the international design scene"—has transformed the white stucco house with clean lines, modern technology and bespoke fittings and furnishings. 

More: Denmark's Tallest Building Will Rise in Aarhus

During its revamp, the interior, which was configured as two apartments and in a bad state after three decades of neglect, was completely gutted and converted back into a single residence. Walls were knocked through to create large, open-plan living spaces and new ceilings, flooring, walls, room divisions, windows, a terrace, a garage and a bespoke staircase were added.

Villa No. 3 sits on level lawn gardens in Hellerup, a wealthy seaside suburb of Copenhagen known for its rural scenery, sandy beach and grand homes—some of which were created for diplomats, as a number of foreign embassies are located here. 

Mr. Martinsson notes that Mr. Lucaz's restoration, which has brought the home back to its original splendor and combines modernization with customized design, makes it a desirable home in Copenhagen's embassy quarter.

Stats

The 5,920-square-foot house is set on 0.3 acres of gardens and grounds.

It has 10 bedrooms, including a master with an en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet, three further bathrooms, a roof terrace, a home office on the landing, a reception hall, a wardrobe, a living room, a dining room, a winter garden, a kitchen, a roof terrace and a raised ground floor terrace.

From Penta: U.S. Investors Remain Resilient, UBS Survey Finds

Amenities

Throughout the house, there is under-floor heating, built-in ceiling speakers and a KNX intelligent home control system.

Neighborhood Notes

Hellerup is an affluent, coastal suburb lying just north of Copenhagen with a countryside and coastal setting, which gives it an outdoorsy feel.  

The district, set five miles north of the city center, has expensive boutiques, grand country houses, beachside properties and a harbour where many yachts and boats are moored.

Listing Agent: Mathias Martinsson, Sweden Sotheby's International Realty

View the original listing.

Write to Listing of the Day

Visit our  virtual open house page  to view more amazing properties.

Royal Tour in Germany - 1978