The garden and outside space

The short answer

Outside space sells strongly, but only when a viewer can see how it would be used. Cut, edge, weed and clear, define a seating area, and remove anything broken or stored. Full landscaping before a sale rarely returns its cost. In a flat, a maintained shared green or a cleared, furnished balcony does more than any planting.

What the work involves

Cutting and edging, weeding paths and beds, pruning back overgrowth, removing broken items and clutter, and setting out a simple seating arrangement.

Rules and responsibilities in Scotland

Tree work in conservation areas or on protected trees needs council consent. Boundary responsibilities follow the title deeds. Shared greens in tenements are common property.

What commonly goes wrong

Spending on new landscaping days before marketing, and photographing a garden in deep winter when the property could wait three weeks for growth.

What it usually costs

Indicative ranges only, to help you judge a quote. They are not an estimate for your property — only the business doing the work can give you that.

• A one-off garden tidy is inexpensive relative to its effect on photographs.
• Simple outdoor furniture defines a seating area and can be borrowed or reused.
• Landscaping projects rarely return their cost at sale.

What to do, in order

1. 1Cut, edge and weed, then clear everything broken or stored.
2. 2Prune back growth that blocks paths, light or views.
3. 3Define one seating area with simple furniture.
4. 4Clean paving, decking and any garden furniture.
5. 5Photograph in the best season the sale timing allows.

Local detail for the Lothians

• Tenement back greens are common property, so a tidy shared green needs neighbour cooperation rather than solo effort.
• Edinburgh gardens in conservation areas need council notification before significant tree work.
• A drying green, bike store or bin area that is well kept reassures city buyers about how the block is run.

When you need a professional

A gardener for a one-off reset, and an insured tree surgeon for anything above light pruning.

Common questions

Is landscaping worth it before selling?

Rarely. A thorough tidy, defined seating area and clean surfaces achieve most of the effect at a fraction of the cost.

Does the season matter for photographs?

Yes. Where timing allows, photograph outside space in growth. Otherwise focus the images on structure, surfaces and outlook.

Related pages

• Kerb appeal

  The front door, the frontage and the first photograph a buyer sees.

• Photography day

  The final hours before the camera and the Home Report surveyor arrive.

• What not to spend money on

  The pre-sale work that does not return its cost, and why.