Garden size has overtaken traditional priorities like living space and transport links as the most important factor for UK homebuyers, according to a survey of 1,000 respondents. The findings, released by heritage mowers manufacturer Hayter, show a clear shift in buyer behavior, with outdoor space now ranking above even modern bathrooms and school catchment areas. This trend holds true across all regions surveyed, including Wales, Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland, demonstrating a nationwide revaluation of outdoor space in the housing market.
The survey reveals that 75.24% of respondents said garden size was the most critical consideration when choosing a property. This surpasses the importance of internal living space (46.39%), number of bedrooms (32.08%), and outdoor privacy (30.36%). Traditional concerns like school catchment (3.66%), modern bathrooms (3.98%), and transport links (8.93%) ranked far lower, with energy efficiency just ahead at 12.7%. Notably, the data shows how dramatically buyer priorities have shifted, with garden size now outperforming even practical concerns like living space and bedroom count by nearly 30 percentage points.
For many, the appeal of a garden extends beyond aesthetics. The top reasons for prioritizing outdoor space included relaxation and socializing (82.45%), growing plants (74.60%), and hosting gatherings (59.31%). Nearly half (41.98%) also cited growing vegetables as a key motivator, reflecting a broader trend toward self-sufficiency and home-based food production. Meanwhile, 79.44% of respondents said having a garden was a non-negotiable feature, with only 5.8% willing to overlook a small or absent garden—even if the rest of the home met all other criteria. This rigidity in preference highlights how deeply ingrained outdoor space has become in modern homebuyers’ expectations, often outweighing other desirable features.
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Garden value now drives homebuyer decisions
This shift reflects a broader trend where gardens are no longer seen as an afterthought but as an integral part of a property’s value. 76% of buyers said a well-maintained garden increases their perception of a home’s worth, while 40.8% would pay significantly more for a larger one. The data suggests that outdoor space is now a deciding factor in purchase decisions, influencing both buyer preferences and property pricing.
Additionally, the survey found that 80% of respondents consider the garden to be an extremely important factor when choosing a new home, reinforcing the idea that outdoor areas are now essential rather than optional. This perception extends to property valuation, where a well-curated garden can enhance a home’s market appeal and justify higher asking prices.
While the survey highlights a growing demand for outdoor living, it also raises questions about accessibility. Properties with larger gardens often come at a premium, potentially pricing out buyers in urban areas or those with limited budgets. The findings may also reflect broader societal changes, including the rise of remote work and a greater emphasis on home-based leisure. The data suggests that as more people prioritize relaxation and socializing at home, the role of gardens in the property market is likely to expand further, particularly as urban planners and developers adapt to these evolving priorities.
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Experts confirm outdoor space as non-negotiable
Chris Cooper, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Hayter, noted that the results confirm what the company had long anticipated: “For buyers, outdoor space is no longer a ‘nice to have,’ it’s the deciding factor.” He added that a well-maintained garden can significantly influence both perception and price, reinforcing the idea that outdoor areas are now seen as an extension of living space. Cooper also emphasized that as people continue to prioritize wellbeing, relaxation, and socializing at home, the role of the garden in the property market is only set to grow, further solidifying its status as a core consideration for homebuyers.
The survey shows how buyer priorities have evolved in recent years. While factors like school catchment and transport links remain relevant, their influence has diminished compared to the growing importance of outdoor living. For homebuyers, a garden is no longer just a bonus—it’s a core consideration in the decision-making process. The data shows that 76% of buyers would not purchase their dream home if the garden was small or non-existent, demonstrating how deeply the perception of outdoor space has shifted in the UK housing market.