House hunters will pay £11.5k more for home with a garden

The average house-hunter is prepared to pay £11,500 extra for a property with a garden and up to £150,000 in London, a study has revealed.

More than half would never consider buying or renting a property which didn't have an outside space to enjoy.

The poll of 2,000 homeowners and tenants revealed that size is everything when it comes to a garden and is the third most important consideration for those on the move.

It also emerged the average back garden is 15-metres long, boasts 10 types of flowers -- and a garden gnome, it has emerged.

It will also be home to a set of garden furniture, BBQ, water feature, shed, greenhouse and vegetable patch.

The study also revealed one in three of us have a competitive streak - and try to leave neighbours green with envy over the condition of our lawns and flowerbeds.

A spokesperson for Foxtons said: "We are supporting the Royal Horticultural Society's 'Greening Grey Britain' campaign, and wanted to find a bit more about the UK's outdoor spaces.

"The availability of a garden is the third most important consideration for those looking for their new home, after the location and the size of the property.

"According to the results of the survey, 55 per cent of us would not consider renting or buying a property without a garden.

"Over a third of us believe that a garden is more valuable than an extra bedroom, with 46 per cent considering both equally important."

The study also found the typical garden is likely to be 12 metres wide have a sun-lounger on the patio, a washing line and a birdbath.

But despite our love of gardens we only really get to enjoy the tranquillity of them for 12 hours a month due to hectic work schedules, busy social lives - and bad weather.

The results of the poll appear to have identified the demise of decking, with the majority of the population preferring to stick to a lush green lawn.

When it comes to floral decoration, roses are the most popular garden variety, followed by lavender, tulips, and bluebells.

Fuchsias, geraniums, hydrangeas and clematises are also favourites to bring colour to a drab back yard.

Around one in five Brits have even turned to professional help and hired a gardener in a bid to ensure theirs is in pristine condition.

It also emerged location is still the major deal-breaker for potential buyers, with house size, a garden and parking also considered essential.

A garage, good access to local transport links and a reasonably priced council tax band are also must-haves.

Surprisingly another key factor was the condition of the next-door neighbours' gardens.

The size of the bathrooms and the interior décor also made the list, with most willing to pay £11,500 more for a house that had a garden over one without.

The spokesman for Foxtons added: "We are often asked if a garden in itself would carry a premium and we believe that it does.

"Seventy two per cent of those surveyed stated that they would pay more for a garden, specifying over £11,000 UK-wide.

"In London, however, we've found in our experience the premium ranges wildly depending on the location and the size of the garden, from over £150,000 in prime central areas to £30,000 in outer London areas like Croydon."