Heatwaves haven’t diminished love for south-facing gardens
The latest research from Yopa reveals that despite 81% of people saying they have been avoiding their garden during the recent heatwaves, south-facing gardens continue to be the preferred orientation of choice for UK homeowners, attracting house price premiums of over £20,000 on average. However, the insight from Yopa also suggests that should heatwaves become a more current occurrence over the coming years, it could dent the added value of the south-facing garden.
Yopa surveyed 1,000 UK homeowners to find out how the UK’s recent heatwaves have impacted people’s taste for south-facing gardens – long prized for benefiting from maximum direct sunshine compared to a garden that faces north, east, or west.
South-facing gardens are so sought-after that they often command a significant price premium. The latest listings data analysed by Yopa shows that properties in England with south-facing gardens commanded an estimated average price premium of 7.1% which, at the current average house price of £291,445 (in England) is equivalent to £20,689.
However, Yopa’s survey shows that so far this summer, recent heatwaves have meant that 81% of people have been actively avoiding spending time in their garden.
When asked about the biggest garden-related downside of incredibly high summer temperatures, the most common response was that it becomes too hot to sit outside. This was followed by the strain the heat puts on lawns and plants, the lack of available shade, and the higher water bills that come from trying to keep gardens alive and cool off using paddling pools.
Despite these drawbacks, 82% still say a south-facing garden would be their preferred option and 28% would happily pay the house price premium attached in order to secure one.
But this might not be the case should temperatures continue to climb over the coming years and UK heatwaves become increasingly common.
Whilst one in 10 of those surveyed said they believe a south-facing garden will continue to hold its added value over the next decade, almost one in five (18%) think this value will fade due to hotter summers.
Verona Frankish, Chief Executive Officer at Yopa commented:
“South-facing gardens have long been one of the most sought-after features amongst homebuyers, and it’s easy to see why. More hours of sunshine means greater enjoyment of outdoor space, whether that’s entertaining, gardening or simply making the most of the warmer months, and that enduring appeal has naturally translated into a house price premium.
However, with temperatures already reaching record highs this year, many homeowners have found themselves actively avoiding their gardens.
So, whilst a south-facing garden remains the orientation of choice for many buyers today, a changing climate and increasingly frequent heatwaves could start to diminish their appeal.”
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