Five cheap garden features and fixes from just £6 that can increase your house value by £1,000s

A KEY place to add value to your home is your garden - and it doesn't need to break the bank.

With so much uncertainty surrounding the housing market as mortgage costs spiral, now may not seem like a good time to sell.

But rather than move, you can take steps to improve instead.

We spoke to Holly Jones, expert from garden furniture shop Garden Street, about some of the cost-effective ways people can increase the value of their property by using their outdoor area.

She told The Sun: “A few simple tweaks to your garden needn’t cost the earth, and could potentially bump up the value of your home by thousands of pounds.

"What’s more, lots of these improvements will work even if you only have a very small outside space.”

Here we take a closer look.

1. Brush up

Replacing fencing can come with a hefty bill, but freshening it up can be done for a fraction of the cost, according to Holly.

“You should be able to pick up a tin of paint for less than a tenner,” said the gardening supremo.

“A lick of paint can instantly make your fencing feel fresh and new, as opposed to old and tired.”

This is a job you can easily do yourself, and is a simple way to add value to your home.

At B&Q, a five-litre tin of Ronseal "Fence Life Plus" paint is reduced from £12 to £8, while Dunelm is selling a same-sized tin of Johnstone's shed & fence paint for £5.60, down from £8.

“A coat of paint can give your garden a new lease of life without burning a big hole in your wallet,” said Holly.

“While you’re at it, try giving sheds a facelift, too.”

Try an "on-trend" shade such as sage green, sky blue or coral, to add a burst of colour.

2. Keep it tidy

One of the most cost-effective ways to command a higher asking price for your home is simply by keeping your garden neat and tidy.

“With some hard work, and a relatively small outlay, this can make a real difference to the value of your property,” said Holly.

“Focus on keeping the flowerbeds tidy, and make sure the lawn is mown.

"Weeds can make your outdoor space look really unkempt, so be prepared to put some elbow grease into removing them.”

At Asda, "Weedol Rootkill plus" weedkiller spray (three litres) is reduced to less than a tenner.

Better still, why not create your own version for next to nothing by mixing together vinegar, water and soap?

On Amazon, you can buy a five-litre bottle of white vinegar for around £6.

Don’t forget to give your patio a sweep and a scrub, too.

Go onto local groups, such as the Nextdoor app, to see if you can borrow a pressure washer to give your patio or decked area an extra good clean.

3. Light up

Making your garden attractive and visible at all times of day with lights can also help boost your home’s value.

“Think about putting solar lights in the flowerbeds, or adding wall lights or string lights to the fencing,” said Holly.

“You can even try wrapping lights around trees or shrubbery.”

You shouldn’t have to fork out too much to create a cosy environment.

At The Range, a set of 80 LED bubble string lights are reduced from £12.99 to £6.99.

At Argos, a set of six solar fence lights are down from £18 to £14.

Holly added: “Lighting can help you showcase your garden even when it’s dark. A luxurious glow helps create more ambience.”

This can be an appealing feature for those looking to entertain late into the long summer evenings.

4. Prioritise privacy

There are a host of simple steps you can take to make your garden feel more private, boosting the appeal of your home to potential buyers.

“Those who like hosting will value privacy especially highly,” said Holly.

“Climbing plants such as honeysuckle and clematis can be a great way to shield your property from passers-by, and help your home feel less overlooked by neighbours.”

While some climbers should be tied to a support, others will climb up a surface on their own.

The good news is, most need little care and attention.

If a mature plant is out of your price range, consider growing plants from seeds.

This can work out a lot cheaper, but will take time, so you need to think long-term.

“As an alternative to climbers, you could also look at investing in a privacy screen,” added the green-fingered whizz.

“Making your garden feel private could mean you can command a premium on the asking price.”

On Amazon, you can pick up the Papillon bamboo slat natural garden fence screening roll (4m x 1.8m) for less than £40.

5. Grab a gazebo

If you’re prepared to invest a little bit of cash, a good way to add some value to your bricks and mortar is by making your garden an extension of your home, according to Holly.

“Use a gazebo or pergola to bring the inside outdoors,” said the gardening supremo.

“Not only will one of these fixtures provide shade from the sunshine, but it can also offer shelter from any unexpected rain.”

At Wilko, the Outsunny cream and metal gazebo (2.5 x 2.97m) is priced at £150.

“By creating a decent-sized covered area, this delivers more space for entertaining,” said Holly.  

“Being able to spend more time outside can be very attractive to a potential buyer, and can help boost your property’s value.”