Savills Portugal

Gardens and outdoor space, regardless of their size, offer city dwellers the chance to relax and escape the pressures of metropolitan living, particular since the pandemic. While cities may be home to fewer properties with outdoor space, an urban garden can be created in even the smallest nooks and crannies, regardless of whether they are void of sunshine or entirely made of concrete.

Large or small, outside space can come with a premium.

In the North and East London region properties with medium and large gardens can achieve a premium of 15.4 per cent and 11.9 per cent respectively, according to Savills latest Q3 Prime London Index.

Properties with just a balcony or terrace in Prime South West London for example, command a 3.5 per cent uplift in value over properties in the same area with no outdoor space at all. Those with a small garden rise in price by 7.2 per cent, versus those without.

Properties in West London, where gardens and outdoor space are more readily available, see an 8.6 per cent increase for a small garden versus one in the same area with no garden.

Although clearly not without their limitations, there is plenty you can do to create the perfect urban garden. For properties that have a paved courtyard or a small concrete balcony, artificial turf is a sure way to inject some greenery into a space. Although best to check with a landlord if you’re renting, this splash of colour can help draw the eye from your interior to the exterior of your home, plus it’s evergreen and you won’t require a lawnmower.

Mirrors are also a great way to create the illusion of extra space by ‘doubling up’ your garden. They can also draw in and reflect light into a space, ideal for city balconies.

For those that are more green fingered, container gardening is ideal for small patios or balconies. Buckets, raised beds, window boxes – virtually any container can be used to create an outside oasis.

If you’ve a little more space then small trees, climbers and bamboos can provide living green screens, while fencing, pergolas and trellis are great ways to build in privacy. Festoon lights, deck lights and spotlights can also be used to elevate a space while creating a cosy atmosphere.

To help inspire you here are some of our finest London properties with gardens currently on the market.

Join Savills on 30 September, between 2pm and 4pm, for drinks and nibbles at the rare Yellow Book Garden property in Englefield Road, featured top and below. Further details on 020 7226 1313.