Experts have forecast a ‘buyer’s market’ for house hunters in 2025. So purchasers could have strong negotiating power, even as the general mood of the UK’s housing market is set to shift towards ‘cautious optimism’.

A spokesperson for one major portal recently told a newspaper that the number of available properties per estate agent was at a 10-year high for the time of year. This could mean that buyers have more room to track down the right place at the right price. Recently it has recorded its briskest Boxing Day for new seller movement, with agents listing record numbers of properties.

So the onus is on vendors to present their house or flat in the best possible light as they compete for offers.

Outdoor space always sparks interest. Since the pandemic, home-based working has increased, plus we understand more about the positive impact of being outside regularly, meaning we increasingly prize al fresco areas.

So you can bet that any viewer who is serious about your home will want to inspect your garden closely. And the more they love this part of your home, the higher any offer is likely to be.

There are things you can do before you welcome prospective purchasers. These include cleaning up and decluttering so the space is clean and tidy – you don’t want viewers to see kids’ toys, leaves or anything else lying around. Mow the lawn, trim the edges and remove weeds. Re-seed patchy grass or put down fresh turf. You might also want to add a pop of colour with plants and flowers, including potted species.

Another idea is to showcase the scope and versatility of your garden with different ‘zones’. These are distinct areas for dining, playing and relaxing and could give viewers a strong idea of how they might use the space. You could also add trees, fencing or hedges if necessary to provide privacy; a secluded garden will always be a hit.

Here are two other points to consider:

1.) **Add A Garden Studio**

A standalone garden studio can boost a home’s value by up to 20% These cost-effective, sustainable structures are simple and quick to build and typically you won’t need planning permission, provided you meet certain criteria.

What’s more, bespoke garden studios are incredibly versatile. Use yours as an office, gym, den for teenagers, or somewhere to unleash your creativity through writing, music or painting. The fact that it’s separate from the main house allows you to focus in privacy while remaining close to the outside world of your garden.

2.) **Don’t Forget Outdoor Furniture**

Boost the appeal of your garden with outdoor furniture, arranged to anchor the space and create a focal point. Gorgeous-looking teak coffee tables make the perfect resting place for drinks, plates, books and anything else you’ve taken outside. These items also complement your open-air seating, plus there are styles and sizes to suit all spaces. Additionally, teak pieces offer a stylish alternative to the standard dining table, particularly in smaller gardens.

With superior durability and strength, this hardwood requires minimal maintenance, so can stay outdoors in all weathers and lasts for decades, its colour naturally changing over time from golden to an elegant silvery-grey. It shrugs off the wear and tear of regular use, plus damage from decay, rotting and insects.

Equally, teak’s natural oils mean you don’t need chemical products to cultivate it. Finally, this hardwood is a renewable resource which can be grown without excessive irrigation, on certified plantations, so it’s also highly sustainable.

*Collaborative post