Properties boasting south-facing gardens continue to attract a significant price premium, commanding an average of £20,000, or 7%, more than other homes. This is according to new research from the estate agent Yopa, which reveals that traditional preferences for sunnier outdoor spaces persist even as the UK experiences increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves, leading some homeowners to avoid their gardens during peak temperatures.
The study indicates that a substantial 82% of homeowners still express a preference for a south-facing garden, with just under a third (28%) prepared to pay extra for this feature. This enduring appeal is attributed to the desire for outdoor spaces that receive more hours of sunshine throughout the day, ideal for entertaining, gardening, or simply enjoying warmer weather. However, the findings also highlight a potential shift in sentiment, with almost one in five homeowners (18%) anticipating that a rise in heatwaves over the next decade will diminish both the value and desirability of south-facing gardens.
Verona Frankish, Chief Executive Officer at Yopa, acknowledged the long-standing appeal of south-facing gardens but noted the recent paradox where many homeowners have actively avoided their gardens during extreme heat. She stated that while more sunshine historically meant greater enjoyment of outdoor space, translating into a house price premium, a changing climate could start to erode this advantage. The research suggests an emerging tension between ingrained property preferences and evolving environmental realities.
This data comes at a time when the broader property market is experiencing shifts, with new build housing listings falling to their lowest level since 2017. The premium associated with garden orientation may face further scrutiny in the coming years, particularly as affordability concerns continue to impact millions of potential buyers across the country. The findings from Yopa are not peer-reviewed but are based on their internal market analysis and homeowner surveys, reflecting current trends in buyer behaviour and property valuation.
In the context of existing research, the premium for desirable garden features has long been established, with aspects like size, privacy, and landscaping consistently influencing property values. However, Yopa's report adds a contemporary layer by directly addressing the impact of climate change and extreme weather on these traditional preferences, indicating a potential re-evaluation of what constitutes a 'desirable' garden in a warming climate.
Source: Yopa