It’s one of the main things you might be looking forward to about your new property... your new garden! Perhaps even more so if maybe you’ve never had any outside space of your own before!

As summer approaches, thoughts naturally turn towards the outside space in our homes, so what kind of things should you be thinking about when considering the outside space in your new property?

1) Is the outside space useable and fit for purpose?

When viewing your prospective property, consider whether the outside space is useable enough in its current format, or whether it has the potential to become a useable space which works for you.

It might be that you want a nice lawn with some shrubs around the edge, or a great patio space with table and chairs to sit out of an evening. Perhaps your absolute non-negotiable is that there must be room for a trampoline, fish pond or maybe even some extra acreage for a pony! Whatever your needs, consider whether this space has the potential to work for you and balance it up with the potential of the property itself.

It’s also helpful to mull over whether your outside space can accommodate you as needs change throughout your life, or whether you know that this property is merely a temporary stop and not yet your forever home so it doesn’t need to be everything to everyone just yet!

2) Are you being overlooked?

Another question to consider is whether your new garden is overlooked by others and whether this is something which bothers you or not. You may be very used to being overlooked and so this is not something you would give a second thought to, or it might be that you are hoping to be a little more secluded, and you don’t want people peering in on you sitting outside with your morning coffee or evening glass of wine!

Whatever the case, give consideration to whether you mind others being able to see you in your outside space.

3) How green are your fingers?

It’s all very well dreaming of a garden which looks fantastic whatever the weather or season, but you definitely need the time, ability and expertise to be able to maintain this kind of garden, so it depends whether you feel up to the challenge! 

If you work full time, aren’t green-fingered or aren’t able to physically maintain your garden then it might make sense to either compromise on a smaller, more manageable space or to hire someone to come and maintain the garden regularly for you. If you want the space but aren’t too fussed about the greenery, you could also consider simplifying your garden by laying artificial grass or paving it over to make it a more manageable space to maintain.

4) Any External Factors to consider?

You may have found a wonderful property with a beautiful garden space that you can’t wait to put your heart and soul into, but do consider the location of your property and how much this location could affect you.

For example, does your garden back on to a railway line with potential hazards and noise from trains? Are you near an airport which means that you’ll be subject to extra noise during the summer? Both of these factors cannot be changed and may come to be something which means that you avoid using your outside space.

If you have animals or young children you may need a back garden which is safe and secure, so it could be that living near a busy or main road is off the table, or that you need a back garden which you know is secure for a small child or pet.

If you are a sun worshipper and dream of sunbathing in the garden or if you hate sitting out in the afternoon sun, then it could be helpful to find out the direction that your garden faces to work out whether the garden is a North Facing or South Facing garden. This will determine whether your property gets the sun in the morning or afternoon and can help you work out whether this is the property and garden space for you!

5) Room for Extras?

Are you planning on making your garden a useable space year-round by adding perhaps a covering, some decking, a Hot Tub or maybe even a garden office or annexe? If those are on your list of must-haves then it may be wise to do your research as to whether these are feasible additions and whether any building work will require planning permission prior to purchasing the property.

6) No Outside Space Available

Of course, it may be that your new dream property is amazing on the inside, but doesn’t offer you the outside space you are hoping for on the outside. In this instance, it can be helpful to look at either whether it’s feasible to add a balcony to your property, whether there is share tenants outside space available and whether any restrictions are attached to this, or whether there are any local green open spaces close to the local area, which can be great for getting out for some fresh air.

If you have any questions around garden space in your existing or prospective property then we’re always happy to try and be of assistance so please do get in touch with us!