The kind of house you want to buy will largely be dictated by what particular stage in life you’re at. However, over the last year and a half, there’s one house feature that has been proving universally popular among house hunters of all ages and ilks - and that’s the option of having a garden.

This is perhaps unsurprising, given that we’ve all had to spend a lot more time at home over the course of the pandemic because of lockdown… which has led to us all yearning to connect more with nature and get outside in the fresh air, finding simpler ways to spend our time with much of the world cut off from us for months and months.

Last year, a YouGov survey revealed that a third of buyers looking to move in the next 12 months said that the pandemic had made having a garden more important to them, while 14 per cent said that having a balcony or terrace was more important to them now than it was before the covid-19 crisis. That same study also found that 26 per cent of people intending to buy soon are now looking for more green space because of the pandemic, with growing numbers looking to move away from urban centres and out closer to nature.

The top garden purchases revealed!

Further research, carried out by Quick Move Now and published in May 2021, revealed just how much money we’ve all been investing in our gardens since the coronavirus crisis kicked off - and it’s certainly interesting to see what in particular has been focused on. It might even prove to be the inspiration you need to get your own garden makeover project started.

Topping the list were new plants, new garden furniture and new outdoor lighting, followed by new fencing, more play equipment for the kids, growing your own fruit or vegetables for the first time, new outdoor cooking equipment, new patios, new garden sheds, water features, decking, new turf and artificial grass.

Top tips for your new patio

If a garden patio is top of your priority list for your home, take some time to research the different options for your patio paving. There are all sorts of different materials, finishes and colours to choose from - and it’s important to ensure that your choice ties in well with the rest of your home and suits your practical requirements, as well. See our blog all about choosing the right flagstone for your needs here.

Take time to plan the layout properly, taking into account how you’re going to use the space and what sort of furniture you’ll need. Don’t forget to account for the negative space required too, so you have enough room between your furniture and the edges of the patio.

Inspiration