In Berkshire’s competitive property market, outdoor space plays a bigger role than many homeowners realise. With demand high for homes that offer both indoor comfort and functional outdoor areas, a poorly presented garden can become a deal-breaker particularly in sought-after areas like Ascot, Wokingham, and Bracknell.
This guide aims to help homeowners identify common garden issues that put buyers off and offers practical steps to fix them. From overgrown hedges to poor drainage, even small outdoor flaws can impact a buyer’s first impression and reduce perceived property value. For those looking to buy properties in Berkshire, the condition of outdoor spaces often plays a significant role in decision-making. By addressing these pitfalls before viewings, sellers can increase buyer interest and potentially speed up the sale process.
Why Gardens Matter in the Berkshire Property Market
Outdoor space is increasingly influential in the Berkshire property market. While RICS doesn’t publish garden‑specific data, their April 2025 UK Residential Market Survey confirms that external areas play a growing role in overall buyer interest and valuation, with surveyors noting stronger emphasis on home presentation and value drivers
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a measurable shift: early during lockdowns, buyers widely prioritised space, including gardens though more recent data shows a partial market reversion toward urban locations Nonetheless, the appeal of usable and ideally landscaped gardens remains notably high in suburban and semi-rural markets like Berkshire
Although granular local figures are scarce, Rightmove reported in 2024 that listings emphasising garden space tended to attract quicker interest and stronger pricing compared to comparable properties without outdoor appeal. While the exact percentage varies regionally, within commuter-friendly, green-belt areas such as those around Reading and Wokingham, this advantage is generally understood to be in the mid-single-digit range.
7 Common Garden Mistakes That Deter Buyers
When it comes to selling property in Berkshire, first impressions count—especially in the garden. Buyers often make judgments before they walk through the front door, and outdoor space can be a key differentiator. Below are seven common garden pitfalls that frequently turn buyers away.
1. Overgrown or Untidy Gardens
What it is:
A garden that looks neglected with long grass, overgrown shrubs, weeds, and general clutter can make the entire property feel poorly maintained.
Why it matters:
Buyers interpret untidiness as a sign of deeper neglect. Even if the house interior is immaculate, a wild garden can suggest costly upkeep or additional work.
Example:
In a recent sale in Bracknell, a property sat on the market for three months. After a basic garden tidy-up and lawn cut, it sold within three weeks.
2. Poor Drainage or Waterlogging
What it is:
Standing water, muddy patches, or consistently damp soil after rain indicate poor drainage, a common issue in low-lying areas of Berkshire.
Why it matters:
Drainage problems can lead to structural concerns and deter buyers who fear garden usability issues or future repair costs.
Example:
Buyers in flood-sensitive areas like parts of Reading and Twyford often walk away from homes showing signs of water pooling in the garden.
3. Cluttered or Overpersonalised Features
What it is:
Garden gnomes, fairy lights, themed ornaments, water features, or children’s play equipment that dominate the space and reflect personal taste.
Why it matters:
Buyers may find it hard to imagine themselves in the space if it feels too specific or chaotic. They prefer a blank canvas.
Example:
A property in Wokingham had 15 ceramic ornaments across the lawn. Feedback from viewings repeatedly mentioned “distracting” features.
4. Neglected Lawns or Patchy Grass
What it is:
Bald patches, dry or mossy grass, and uneven ground are immediate visual red flags. Lawns are usually central to outdoor presentation.
Why it matters:
A healthy lawn signals care and livability. Poor grass condition suggests the need for re-turfing or expensive landscaping.
Example:
Local agents often recommend reseeding or temporary turf for presentation, as even a 3-week intervention can improve perception dramatically.
5. Invasive Plants (e.g., Japanese Knotweed)
What it is:
Invasive species like Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed, or Bamboo that spread aggressively and may damage property foundations.
Why it matters:
Mortgage lenders can refuse finance if such plants are present. Sellers are legally required to disclose knotweed under the TA6 property form.
Example:
A property in Maidenhead dropped £25,000 below asking due to a confirmed knotweed presence within 7 metres of the home.
6. Lack of Privacy
What it is:
Gardens that are overlooked by neighbours, have low fences, or are open to public view.
Why it matters:
Privacy ranks high on buyer checklists. Buyers often reject properties where garden use feels exposed.
Example:
Estate agents in Ascot and Binfield report that hedging or trellis additions often result in more positive viewing feedback.
7. Unusable Layouts
What it is:
Sloped terrain, no patio or flat area, poor access, or segmented zones that don’t serve a clear function.
Why it matters:
Buyers want outdoor spaces they can use for dining, playing, or relaxing. A garden without clear zones or flat surfaces feels impractical.
Example:
A home in Warfield with a terraced back garden only sold after the sellers installed level decking and staged it with furniture.
What Buyers in Berkshire Look For in a Garden
Gardens are more than just outdoor spaces; they’re lifestyle indicators. Based on insights from estate agents in Berkshire, today’s buyers are looking for practical, attractive, and low-effort gardens that complement their daily lives. In commuter towns like Bracknell, Wokingham, and Maidenhead, ease of upkeep and privacy consistently rank at the top of buyer wishlists.
Outdoor entertaining has also grown in importance, with patios and decked areas adding perceived value. Meanwhile, garden orientation, especially south-facing plots continues to be seen as a desirable feature, particularly for buyers seeking natural light and long evening sun.
Below is a summary of the most sought-after garden features in the Berkshire property market:
| Feature | Popularity (1–5) | Notes |
| Low-maintenance design | 5 | High demand among busy professionals and retirees |
| Patio or decked area | 4 | Useful for entertaining, BBQs, and outdoor dining |
| South-facing orientation | 4 | Seen as premium for sunlight and evening use |
| Lawn space | 3 | Valued by families with children or pets |
| Privacy (hedges/fencing) | 5 | Critical concern in built-up or overlooked neighbourhoods |
A garden that offers just two or three of these key features can significantly improve buyer perception and often speeds up the sale process.
How to Fix or Avoid These Pitfalls
Addressing common garden problems before listing your property can help attract more interest, avoid negative feedback, and support a smoother sale. Below is a step-by-step guide with fixes, tools, and estimated costs for each issue.
1. Overgrown or Untidy Gardens
Fix: Mow the lawn, trim hedges, remove weeds, and sweep paths.
Tools required: Lawn mower, hedge trimmer, garden waste bags.
Estimated cost: £30–£50 per visit from a local gardener, or £14–£25/hour depending on garden size.
Tip: Schedule garden maintenance just before professional photos or viewings.
2. Poor Drainage or Waterlogging
Fix: Install French drains or gravel beds. Improve the slope of soil away from the house.
Tools/materials: Shovel, perforated drainage pipe, gravel, geotextile fabric.
Estimated cost: DIY kits from £55–£85. Professional installation ranges from £200 to £500 depending on complexity.
Tip: Check drainage performance after rainfall before listing the property.
3. Cluttered or Overpersonalised Features
Fix: Remove excessive garden ornaments, children’s play equipment, and themed décor. Use simple, neutral garden furniture.
Estimated cost: Free (if stored or removed personally). Outdoor staging services cost £150–£300 if needed.
Tip: Keep the garden minimalist so buyers can imagine using the space their own way.
5. Invasive Plants (e.g. Japanese Knotweed)
Fix: Arrange a professional survey and removal. DIY is not recommended, as lenders usually require formal treatment.
Estimated cost: £1,000–£3,000+ depending on severity and treatment length.
Tip: Disclose known invasive species early to avoid delays in the sale process.
6. Lack of Privacy
Fix: Add trellis panels, full-height fencing, or fast-growing hedges like laurel. Temporary privacy can also be created with tall potted plants.
Estimated cost: £50–£200 for basic fencing materials. Professional fencing installations range from £300–£800.
Tip: Even basic visual screening improves how buyers feel about the space.
7. Unusable Layouts
Fix: Break the garden into usable zones such as dining, relaxation, or play areas. Level small sloped areas with decking or gravel pads.
Tools/materials: Decking kits, planters, gravel, spirit level.
Estimated cost: £500–£1,500+ for landscaping improvements. Decking can cost £3,000–£6,500 depending on materials and design.
Tip: Stage one key area such as a small patio with table and chairs to help buyers visualise how to use the space.
Conclusion
In the competitive Berkshire property market, outdoor space is no longer a nice-to-have, it’s a buyer priority. A well-maintained, practical garden can significantly enhance first impressions and support stronger offers. Conversely, overgrown lawns, poor drainage, or lack of privacy can deter interest before buyers even enter the home.
Addressing common garden pitfalls doesn’t always require major expense. Simple, targeted improvements from tidying hedges to defining usable zones can dramatically shift buyer perception.
Thinking of selling your Berkshire home? Start with your garden. It’s the first thing buyers see, and often the last thing they remember. A few smart changes outside could make all the difference inside home improvement.
FAQs
What is Japanese Knotweed and why is it a problem?
Japanese Knotweed is an invasive plant that can grow rapidly and damage property foundations, walls, and drains. Its presence must be declared in the TA6 property information form, and it can significantly impact mortgage approvals and resale value.
Do buyers really care about garden orientation?
Yes. South-facing gardens are considered premium because they receive more sunlight throughout the day, making them ideal for outdoor living and planting. Many buyers in the UK actively ask about orientation during viewings.
Should I invest in garden landscaping before selling?
A full garden redesign is rarely necessary. However, low-cost improvements like cutting back overgrowth, creating a seating area, or laying fresh turf can meaningfully improve a home’s kerb appeal and help it sell faster.
Is it worth hiring a gardener before putting my house on the market?
Yes. A one-time tidy-up from a professional gardener, often costing between £50 and £150, can transform an unkempt garden into a welcoming asset for buyers.
How important is garden privacy to buyers in Berkshire?
Very important. Especially in suburban areas like Bracknell, Wokingham, and Reading, buyers often prioritise fenced boundaries, hedges, or screening to ensure a sense of seclusion and security.
