Ahead of a sale, there are a number of ways to boost your home’s value, from renovating kitchen and bathrooms to decluttering living spaces.
However, many homeowners, according to an expert, neglect a central feature that holds the key to a 20 per cent higher asking price.
Real estate broker Richard Mews highlighted that a garden patio can reveal plenty about how a garden has been tended to.
Poor drainage and low-quality materials as well as size and layout are relevant factors to consider when assessing the wellbeing of your garden patio, Mr Mews explained.
An aesthetically pleasing outdoor space could hold the key to a higher asking price
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And it is not just the patio that is worth considering; the entire space in the garden can be consequential to sellers’ success.
“Outdoor space is no longer just a bonus, it’s a lifestyle feature,” outdoor surface specialist from Patio Black Spot Removal Company Alex Essex said.
“In today’s market, a neglected patio can quietly shave thousands off your asking price, while a well-maintained one gives buyers the emotional connection they need to commit."
However, looking after stone patios is much more complicated than many first are led to believe. Reaching for the jet washer is not enough, he warned.
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“Surfaces like sandstone, limestone, granite, or marble each have their own vulnerabilities and require specific care. What’s safe for one could damage another,” Mr Essex added.
He further warned quick fixes could cause staining, erosion, or even structural damage over time.
Consequently, he advised: “Always use safe patio cleaning products or leave it to a professional, especially during colder months when algae, lichen, and moss often accumulate and make surfaces slippery.”
It is perfectly straightforward to give any outdoor space a boost by ensuring patios, decking and paths are regularly swept to banish any debris, the expert added.
General repair and upkeep wouldn’t go amiss, the expert advised
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To go one further, it would be prudent to double-check drainage systems to avoid any puddles, erosion or any water build-up.
Additionally, general repair and upkeep wouldn’t go amiss by mending loose pointing and paving stones, or adding to a glamorous aesthetic by repainting or staining weathered decking and fences.
Finally, keeping on top of gardening would assist with a clean-cut look. A quick trim of any overgrown hedges or shrubs could help to frame your patio.