A recent poll by heritage petrol and battery mowers producer Hayter indicates that garden dimensions are the primary concern for UK homeowners looking to relocate. The poll of 1,000 people demonstrates a distinct change in buyer preferences, as outdoor area now exceeds standard factors.
Well-maintained, sizable outdoor spaces are increasingly shaping perceptions of property value, with 80% of respondents saying the garden is extremely important when choosing a new home. 75% say the size of the garden is the most important factor in moving home.
Garden size has taken center stage in the decision-making process for UK homeowners. 76% of respondents would not buy their dream home if the garden was small or non-existent. Only 5% wouldn’t pay more for a home with a larger garden.
The size of the garden and outdoor spaces was the most important factor when purchasing a new property, with 75.24% of participants ranking it as the top priority. They ranked other factors, such as the school catchment area, modern bathrooms, and transport links, as less important, with 3.66%, 3.98%, and 8.93% of respondents ranking them as the most important factor, respectively.
Energy efficiency was also a relatively low priority, with 12.7% of respondents ranking it as the most important factor. It is clear that UK homeowners prioritize garden size over other factors when buying a new home.
For those seeking a larger garden, the most common reason was to relax and socialise with others, with 82.45% of respondents citing this as the primary reason. Growing plants and hosting parties were also popular reasons, with 74.60% and 59.31% of respondents citing these as reasons for wanting a larger garden.
Chris Cooper, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Hayter, noted that the findings prove that outdoor space is no longer a “nice to have” but a deciding factor for buyers. A good-sized, well-maintained garden can significantly influence both perception and price when buying a property, with 76% of respondents saying a garden increases their perception of a home’s value and 40.8% willing to pay significantly more for a larger garden.
The survey’s findings reflect a broader consensus among UK homeowners, with 79.44% saying having a garden is a must when choosing an outdoor space.
