Garden rooms: the outdoor way to add value

Many things have changed since the Covid pandemic but no one would have predicted how two new habits with no direct links to the medical world would radically shift our perspective, perhaps forever. Even more surprisingly, both habits have a direct link to property sales.

The great garden love affair

Thanks to the vast banks of data held by Google, we are able to track living trends according to what people are searching for online. Analysis of recent search terms, completed by Legal and General, highlights how we have retained our desire to work from home and maximise time spent outside.

The research found that between August 1st 2023 and July 31st 2024, Google searches for garden offices remained well above pre pandemic levels at 397,200. There was even more interest in garden rooms and summer house receiving 726,000 and 1,086,000 searches, respectively, during the 12 month monitoring period.

Flexible working for all

It’s completely plausible that the number of searches for garden offices has remained high thanks to a permanent change to workers’ rights. Since April 2024, the right to request flexible working has been a day one right for all employees. In addition, Labour’s new Employment Rights Bill will make it harder for employers to unreasonably refuse such requests.

A bonus room

As well as seeking a permanent space outside in which to work, our determination to enjoy the great outdoors remains strong. A well-built garden room allows people to enjoy their garden when the weather is less pleasant, especially if bifold doors are added. Garden rooms are also highly prized for their versatility – many are sought so people can set up a home gym, create a teenager’s den or have a dedicated space in which to practise their hobby.

Add value & appeal

How much value a garden room will add to your property depends on a variety of factors but anecdotal evidence and online reports suggest homeowners can expect uplift in the region of 5 precent to 15 precent.

If adding value is your main incentive, it’s worth talking to us about how much more a home with a garden room may sell for, compared to a similar property in your area without one. These figures should inform how much you spend on a garden room project if you want to make a profit when you sell. We can provide you with guide valuations and selling advice.

How much you spend will be dictated by:

• The size of the structure
• The construction method
• The quality of the materials
• The level of insulation
• Whether the garden room will have power, heat and Wi-Fi
• The interior finish and level of comfort achieved
• How well the garden room blends into its surroundings

As well as monetary value, sellers with a garden room will gain an advantage in a competitive market, as buyers are impressed if they’re getting extra usable space. With more people working from home all or some of the time, being able to list a garden office is a great bonus in the current climate.

The current property market is full of positivity and we have buyers waiting for properties to view. If you’re thinking of moving, please get in touch.