Flower Bud Ring

In the current fluctuation of the housing market it appears that getting the right price is more important than even. All property shows advise that showing your house in the best possible light will help to sell but it is now crucial to add those extra thousands on the asking price that could make a difference between a profit and a loss for the seller. According to Paul Barnes, of Lane Fox's Basingstoke office, "a well-maintained, good-sized garden can add between 10 and 15 percent value to your house."

First impressions have never been so important and making the most of the outside space that greets your prospective buyers is essential. Go outside and really look at your front garden, what does it say about you? There is supposedly a gender divide about what would put off a buyer, women tend to be repelled by the appearance of the building but it is the men who noticed whether your lawn is mowed and can be offended by a badly kept garden.

Catherine Riley, property editor of the times, states there is no need to make the entire garden over just a few well placed features can make a huge difference to the appeal of your garden but with a increase of 10-15% to think of it may be worth adding something to increase the appeal.

Tidying and maintaining the outside space is essential, keeping lawns trimmed, drive ways swept and cleared of any obstructions including your car where possible and adding some colour through boxes or pots of flowers can make the approach to your home really welcoming. Fencing can also make a huge difference so retouching any paint work and ensuring wooden panels are in good repair will have an impact.

The back garden as cliched as it has become is all about showing off an entertainment space and giving someone somewhere to relax and enjoy themselves. The same rules apply here that well maintained fencing, lawns, plants and areas of colour can be a massive selling point. If you can also dress the garden as an area to sit and relax put your garden furniture out and on a sunny day offer refreshment whilst the buyers are outside.

To make your property stand out adding a water feature can really make your garden memorable and has something special to offer as an entertainment space. Make sure it's dressed with seating and flowers and it can create the sense of relaxation most people are looking for in a home. For people with little outside space there is always something you can do to improve what is there, flower boxes with jasmine, lavender or scented flowers will leave an impression on the senses as well as the eyes. The important thing there is not to clutter and keep tidy any space you do have to offer potential buyers.

Chelsea is a intermittent journalist, writing infrequent pieces on - who specialise in ornamental water features and deliver throughout the UK, with our showroom based near to Doncaster.