In the recent depression of housing value the price awarded to property is increasingly important. Common sense shows us that showing your house in the best possible light will increase chances of selling, but it has become central to adding the value that could make a difference between a profit and a loss for the seller. Paul Barnes, of Lane Fox's Basingstoke office, states "a well looked after, decent sized garden can add between 10 and 15 percent value to your house."

The leading impression has never been so crucial and making the most of the outside space to invite your prospective investor is essential. Taking a long hard look at your property from outside, what does it say about you? The issue of gender arises about what would stop you purchasing a property, women tend to be repelled by the style of the property but it is the men who observe the state of the front garden and can be perturbed by a badly kept garden.

Catherine Riley, property editor of The Times Newspaper, states redesigning your garden is not always needed, a few changes can make all the difference to the aesthetics of your outside living space but with a possible increase of 10-15% at stake it would be a sound investment to add aesthetic appeal to the garden.

Tidying the outside space is vital, keeping any lawn neat, drive ways tidy and free of any obstructions and adding some colour through boxes or pots of flowers can make the approach to your home really welcoming. Boarders and fencing can also make a huge difference so refreshing paint work and ensuring wooden panels are looking their best.

The back garden is all about selling a lifestyle and giving someone somewhere to relax and enjoy themselves. The same guidelines apply in the back, that keeping everything tidy, neat and well maintained can be an advantage and even a selling point. If you can also dress the garden as an area to sit and relax, get your garden furniture out and on a summery day offer refreshment whilst the buyers are outside.

To make your property stand out, adding a calming water feature can really make your garden outstanding and has something special to give as an entertainment space. Ensure it's set up with seating and flowers and it can really create the calming influence that most home owners are seeking in a home.

For house owners with little outside space there are plenty of ways to be done to add value to what is there, flower boxes with jasmine, lavender or scented flowers will leave an effect on the mind as well as the eye. The crucial factor there is not to muddle and keep orderly any room you do have to offer possible buyers.