Whether you are downsizing, upsizing or simply relocating,moving isn't much fun, especially if you have to leave behind a much-lovedgarden - so why not soften the blow by making as much as you can from youroutdoor space?



Get some kerb appeal

First impressions count, so make sure your front garden willentice potential buyers through the front door, rather than send them heading inthe opposite direction. Fortunately you don't need to spend much as theproblems are usually cosmetic. Trimming the hedge, tugging out weeds, sweepingthe path and removing any rubbish that has blown in from the road will make amassive difference.

If you grow plants in containers, make sure they are healthyand replace any that are on their last legs. Flaky paint will make a propertyseem shabby, so if necessary treat walls, fences or gates to a fresh coat.Finish by squirting a few drops of oil into the hinges of your gate toeliminate unwelcoming, piercing squeaks.

Add a patio

Although a lawn is considered the most desirable gardenfeature among house hunters, a patio or place to sit is not far behind. If youhave made a spontaneous decision to put your house on the market then it's notreally feasible to add a patio to your garden, but if you are planning onselling within the next couple of years then it may be worth considering theinvestment.

Quick colour

Dull gardens can be given an instant pick-me-up by fillingcontainers with seasonal bedding plants bought from the garden centre ornursery. Placed near the door, on windowsills or in a spot on the patio wherethey can be seen easily from the house, colourful containers will add a homelytouch and a bit of cheer  -  essential if you are trying to sell in themiddle of winter. You could also consider hanging baskets, which will help tobreak up the monotony of walls or draw attention away ugly finishes, such aspebble dashing.

Plan ahead

While estate agents will do their best to sell your home bypromoting it on their website or sending out detailed listings to prospectivebuyers, some of pictures they use do not do a garden justice. Taken at a timeof year when the garden is not looking its best, the shots will fail to helpwith any marketing. Ideally plan your sale well in advance and ask your estateagent to take pictures of the garden when it's at its peak (usually inmid-summer). These pictures can be put on the listings whenever you sell.

Problem solving

If a survey picks up problems with your property then abuyer could be put off or may ask for a reduction in the asking price. Toprevent this, ensure that any new paths or patios are not built above the dampproof layer course of the house and consider whether it is cost effective torectify any existing problems yourself.

De-clutter

Thanks to a glut of television shows on how to sell ourhomes, most of us are aware that a minimalistic look is more likely to appealto buyers than rooms full of clutter. The same goes for outdoors. You may lovethem, but a garden full of knick-knacks, object d'art, gnomes, empty pots,tools or toys will make it look untidy and will have the effect of making asmall garden seem even smaller. My advice? Stash it all in the shed.

Last minute jobs

Before potential buyers arrive, nip outside and do some lastminute jobs. Dead head flowers in pots, water flagging plants, hoick out anyobvious weeds and remove any pet mess from the lawn. If you're selling inautumn, it's a good idea to sweep up leaves from paths and patios. Finish offby cleaning the windows so the garden looks great from the inside.

The opinions expressed are those of the author and are notheld by unless specifically stated.The material is for general information only and does not constituteinvestment, tax, legal, medical or other form of advice. You should not rely onthis information to make (or refrain from making) any decisions. Always obtainindependent, professional advice for your own particular situation.