Homeowners struggling to sell their properties may find the cause in their gardens, according to Phil Spencer, the presenter of the British property show 'Location, Location, Location.' Spencer has identified several common outdoor mistakes that can deter potential buyers and negatively impact a home's value.

Spencer emphasizes that a garden should be treated with the same importance as an interior room. "The garden is as important and as valuable as a room," he told the Daily Mail. "And it needs to be treated as such. So, it does need to be looked after, it needs to be presented."

He noted that in the current market, buyers are particularly discerning. "It's a buyers' market' appearing to be the phrase on every estate agent's lips." As a result, presenting a home's best features, including the outdoor space, is crucial during viewings.

Common Garden Turn-Offs

Spencer outlined several specific garden elements that can act as significant deterrents:

  • Fussy and Overgrown Gardens: While flourishing plants are desirable, overly busy or overgrown gardens can appear high-maintenance to prospective buyers. Spencer advises against gardens that are "overgrown, overly fussy, or full of like massive tunnels."
  • Random Mirrors: Mirrors can be used effectively in small gardens to enhance light and create a sense of space, but their placement is critical. Spencer cautions that poorly positioned or out-of-place mirrors can appear "random and unthought" and detract from the garden's overall appeal.
  • Uncared-For Water Features: Water features can be appealing, but only if they are well-maintained. Spencer admits he is not a fan if they are neglected, leading to mossy conditions.
  • Unfinished Projects: Incomplete landscaping or DIY projects, such as unfinished patios or decaying decking, create a negative impression. "If you're going to do a project, finish it," Spencer stated. He also pointed to "COVID projects" like garden bars or sheds that are left in a state of disrepair.
  • Off-Theme Statues: While personal statues can add character, those that appear random or out of context can be off-putting. Spencer contrasted a personally gifted statue of a Cocker Spaniel, fitting for his own dogs, with holiday souvenirs that do not suit the property.

Spencer also highlighted basic but critical issues, such as the presence of dog waste, as an immediate turn-off for potential buyers.

Recommended Garden Features

Spencer also offered advice on what buyers do appreciate and what homeowners can do to enhance their property's outdoor appeal. He stressed the importance of keeping a garden "full of life" with plants, greenery, and nature.

He suggested practical additions such as installing a water butt to collect rainwater, which is increasingly important given recent heatwaves and hosepipe bans. "Having a water butt has to be a good idea now, going forward," he said. "Save your water."

Encouraging wildlife through features like bird feeders and bee houses, when managed carefully, can also enhance a garden's appeal. "Anything that attracts nature to your garden is great," Spencer noted, emphasizing his personal preference for gardens that are "about plants, greenery, and nature."