In recent years, gardens have become one of the most sought-after features for homebuyers in the UK. Following the lockdowns of the pandemic, many people have realised the value of having their own outdoor space, whether it’s for relaxation, gardening, or enjoying some fresh air. With more time spent at home, people are now actively looking for properties that offer not just a roof over their heads but also a garden to retreat to. But where exactly are these homebuyers choosing to buy? Let’s explore some of the key areas where the demand for homes with gardens is on the rise.
The Rising Demand for Gardens
Before diving into specific locations, let’s take a moment to understand why gardens are so desirable. They’re more than just a patch of grass or a place to plant a few flowers. For many homebuyers, a garden offers privacy, space, and the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors without leaving home. In today’s fast-paced world, where people are working remotely and spending more time inside, a garden can provide much-needed breathing room. It allows for family gatherings, peaceful afternoons, and even a place to grow food.
With this shift in priorities, more and more buyers are looking for homes where they can create their own personal oasis. The question now is: where in the UK are they finding these garden-friendly properties?
South East: A Popular Choice for Garden Seekers
The South East of England has always been an attractive place for homebuyers, especially for those looking to settle in areas that offer spacious homes with gardens. Counties like Kent, Surrey, and Sussex are well-known for their greenery, and more buyers are flocking to these areas in search of homes that provide both outdoor space and easy access to London.
Kent, often referred to as the “Garden of England,” is a prime example of this growing trend. Its charming towns, such as Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells, offer a mix of beautiful gardens and large homes, making it a favourite for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Properties in these areas tend to feature gardens that offer more than just a patch of grass – many are large enough to accommodate vegetable patches, play areas for children, or even a small orchard.
Surrey and Sussex are also seeing increasing demand from homebuyers who want both a bit of countryside living and proximity to London. With towns like Guildford and Crawley providing easy access to the capital, these areas offer a perfect balance of space, gardens, and convenience. It’s no wonder that more and more buyers are snapping up homes in the region, where gardens are often a major selling point.
The North West: An Affordable Option with Plenty of Space
While the South East is popular for its proximity to London, the North West has become an attractive option for homebuyers looking for more affordable homes with large gardens. Cities like Manchester and Liverpool may be known for their urban vibrancy, but the suburbs surrounding these cities offer ample space for buyers seeking properties with outdoor space.
In areas like Cheshire, towns such as Wilmslow and Knutsford are experiencing an increase in demand for homes with large gardens. These towns offer a more peaceful, suburban lifestyle while still being within commuting distance of Manchester. The properties here often feature expansive gardens, making them an ideal choice for families, professionals, and those looking to enjoy a slower pace of life.
Further north, Lancashire is seeing a growing interest from buyers looking for homes with gardens, especially in towns like Preston and Blackpool. The cost of living is lower than in the South East, which means buyers can often afford larger homes with bigger gardens. These areas offer good value for money, with homes that provide plenty of space for families to grow and enjoy the outdoors.
The Midlands: A Region Offering Great Value
For many homebuyers, the Midlands is a hidden gem when it comes to finding homes with gardens. Areas such as Nottingham, Derby, and Leicester are offering homes with larger outdoor spaces at prices that are far more affordable compared to other parts of the country. As more people move away from expensive areas in the South, the Midlands is becoming an increasingly popular choice.
In towns and villages surrounding these cities, homebuyers are discovering the appeal of properties with larger gardens. The beauty of the Midlands is that you get more for your money. A larger garden is often part of the package, with some properties offering plots that are big enough to host gatherings, grow your own food, or simply enjoy the outdoors in peace.
Further afield, in areas like Northamptonshire and Worcestershire, buyers can find homes with generous gardens, often surrounded by stunning countryside. These locations provide a perfect escape from the city without sacrificing too much in terms of amenities. In fact, many of these rural locations have good access to larger towns and cities, offering the best of both worlds: a peaceful, garden-filled retreat, combined with modern conveniences.
The South West: Gardens with a View
The South West of England, including Cornwall, Devon, and Somerset, is another region where gardens are in high demand. People who are drawn to the area’s natural beauty and slower pace of life are increasingly seeking homes with gardens that can match the stunning surroundings.
In towns like Exeter, properties with large gardens are highly sought after. Devon, in particular, is known for its rural charm, and many buyers are drawn to its spacious homes with gardens that stretch into the countryside. With properties often set in peaceful villages or on the outskirts of larger towns, these homes offer plenty of space for people to enjoy the outdoors and soak in the views.
Cornwall, with its coastal beauty, is attracting buyers who want to live near the sea but also have access to a private outdoor space. Homes in places like St Ives or Falmouth offer not only beautiful gardens but also the chance to enjoy a coastal lifestyle. While properties here can be more expensive due to the popularity of the area, buyers are willing to pay a premium for a home that offers both a garden and proximity to the beach.
Wales: Secluded Gardens in Scenic Locations
Wales is another area that has seen a surge in interest from buyers seeking homes with gardens. From the picturesque countryside of Powys to the stunning coastline of Pembrokeshire, homes with gardens are a major draw for people looking to escape city life.
In the Welsh countryside, many homes come with large plots of land, providing ample space for gardens that are far bigger than what you might find in other parts of the UK. In towns like Brecon or Llandovery, buyers can find homes that offer seclusion and privacy, with gardens that extend into the hills or forests.
Pembrokeshire, with its rugged coastline and beautiful natural surroundings, has also become a popular area for buyers looking for homes with gardens. Whether it’s a cottage near the sea or a farmhouse tucked away in the countryside, these properties offer a peaceful, rural lifestyle with the benefit of a garden.
The London Suburbs: Smaller Gardens, Bigger Appeal
Even in the heart of London, the demand for homes with gardens is on the rise. While properties in central London may have little to no outdoor space, the outer boroughs are becoming increasingly popular for those seeking homes with gardens.
Areas like Richmond, Hampstead, and Chiswick offer a mix of both garden space and convenient access to central London. While the gardens in these areas might be smaller than in more rural locations, they are still a highly prized feature for buyers looking for a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. These suburban areas offer the perfect balance for people who want to be close to the action but still have a private garden to enjoy.
Scotland: A Garden Lover’s Paradise
In Scotland, the demand for homes with gardens is also growing. While cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow are known for their urban living, the surrounding countryside offers some of the best properties for those seeking outdoor space. The Scottish Highlands, in particular, are a haven for buyers looking for large homes with even larger gardens.
In towns like Inverness or Fort William, homebuyers can find properties that come with acres of land, allowing for gardens that are as expansive as the views. These homes often offer the peace and tranquillity that many buyers are seeking, along with the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors right on their doorstep.
Gardens Are a Top Priority for Homebuyers
As we’ve seen, there’s a growing demand for homes with gardens across the UK. From the bustling suburbs of London to the tranquil countryside of Wales and Scotland, more buyers are seeking out properties that offer the outdoor space they crave. Whether it’s for family activities, gardening, or simply enjoying some fresh air, gardens have become an essential part of the homebuying process.
For homebuyers, the garden is no longer just an added bonus—it’s a must-have. With the trend showing no signs of slowing down, it’s clear that for many people, a garden is now just as important as the house itself.