Premium garden designs could offer housebuilders thousands in extra revenue, research reveals

Over half (51%) of people would be more likely to consider buying a new build home if it had a landscaped back garden – and it’s something many would be willing to pay more for, according to new research. 

The data also revealed that people would welcome the option to choose from either a templated or bespoke garden design. 

The research, which questioned 2,001 adults across the UK and was commissioned by Marshalls, found nearly a quarter of people (23%) said they’d be willing to pay more for a new build if they got to choose from a choice of templated gardens and the work was done before they moved in. And 16% said they’d be willing to pay more for a new build if they got to opt for a bespoke garden and the work was done before they moved in.

For those who would like to choose from a range of templated garden designs and have the work done before they moved in, 60% would be willing to pay up to 20% more of the overall property price. For those who would like a bespoke garden, 58% would be willing to pay up to 20% more.

The research found that 42% of respondents think the layout of new build homes makes indoor-to-outdoor living easier and over half (51%) like that new build gardens tend to be low maintenance. However, the results also revealed some negative perceptions about new build gardens, with 61% thinking they’re small, 52% believing they have no privacy, and 45% viewing them as unattractive.

Responding to the findings, Ben Warren, Managing Director of Landscape Products, at Marshalls, said: “With a slow new build market, we know our customers are keen to explore how they can make homes more desirable and kick-start sales. Our research shows that not only could housebuilders and property developers attract more buyers if they offer premium garden options, but they could also increase their profitability.

“When we look at the figures in more detail, even just a 6% increase in property value could equate to between £12,000 and £32,000 in additional revenue, depending on the property’s location – purely for offering the buyer the opportunity to have their garden of choice created before they move in. It’s common practice for housebuilders and property developers to offer their customers a choice of other features like kitchens, bathrooms and flooring, so why not take a similar approach when it comes to the outdoor space?

“When the commercial opportunities are so abundantly clear, now is time to begin rethinking the approach to new builds and provide buyers with the opportunity to be garden-proud from the minute they receive their keys.”

As one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of hard landscaping and building materials, Marshalls not only supplies a broad range of high quality and attractive products for commercial and residential developments, but the expert team also support developers and builders with design and engineering expertise that save time, money and carbon.

For more information about the expertise and support Marshalls are offering housebuilders visit marshalls.co.uk/builders/house-builders

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