Estate agent warns this one common garden feature can knock £20,000 off your property’s value

When selling your property, homeowners often have a long list of jobs to do to get their house ready for market. From touching up paint to decluttering and cleaning, it’s important to make your home look its best to draw potential buyers in.

But an estate agent has now warned that when it comes to your garden, there is one common feature that can knock a sizeable chunk off the value of your home – or worse – deter buyers from purchasing.

Whilst the debate of real versus fake grass is often down to personal preference, one leading property expert has warned that having an artificial turf can lower offers on your home by as much as £20,000, as he discovered at a recent house viewing.

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Liam Gretton, an independent estate agent in the Wirral, said: “Artificial grass can have varying effects. Property type is one crucial aspect to consider.

“When it comes to affluent areas or high-end properties, artificial grass might detract from the overall appeal and could potentially reduce the property’s value.

“Buyers in these markets often prioritise authenticity and natural features, and artificial grass often does not align with their preferences.”

Liam says the installation of artificial lawns can vary and this often influences the impact it can have. He said: “Poorly installed artificial grass that is of low quality can certainly deter buyers because it’s another job to do and potentially decreases property value by thousands of pounds.”

A recent property Mr Gretton viewed was valued at £320,000 – it had three bedrooms, a driveway with parking for multiple vehicles and a large rear garden – which had undergone a significant transformation before hitting the market.

“Most of the natural green had been replaced with either artificial grass or a concrete base in areas,” Mr Gretton explained.

“After conducting six viewings, we consistently received feedback from prospective buyers indicating that the artificial grass detracted from the overall appeal of the property.

“When we posed the question about their offer price, if the property met their preferences, the average response was £300,000 – £20,000 below its initial marketing price.”

But all is not lost for those who are selling a home with an artificial turf, as lawn experts insist it’s not too difficult to replace your fake grass and grow a real lawn from seed.

Chris McIlroy, from The Grass People said: “For most issues – whether that’s a shaded garden, a clay soil or no time to maintain – there is usually a seed specific for the lawn’s needs. Clover lawns are increasing in popularity due to being a low-maintenance option.

“Adding value to your property is just one benefit of ditching fake turf. You’ll provide a boost to local wildlife and reconnect with nature.

“Artificial grass can also harbour bacteria and moisture which can be unpleasant. Pet owners who allow their four-legged friends to relieve themselves on the lawn will notice a stench.

“Due to the lack of drainage, even rain water can become stagnant and release a foul smell. With summer coming up, now’s a great time to get on top of transforming our gardens.”