When it comes to property and home improvements, maximise investment is important to many homeowners. No one wants to be out of pocket do they?
Improvements like garden rooms are slightly different. They are practical additions, solving a problem you have (usually extra space or a specific purpose) and offer plenty of lifestyle benefits.
Rather than being a cost, many homeowners want to know if garden rooms actually add value to your home?
So, Do Garden Rooms Add Value?
The answer is a resounding yes, garden rooms do add value to your home.
In today’s competitive housing market, where extra space is at a premium, a professionally built garden room can be the feature that sets your property apart.
A quality garden room can increase your property’s value by between 5-15%. Many estate agents report that a well-designed garden room can often return 1.5 times their installation cost in added property value. Take a closer look here on how much garden rooms cost on average.
Depending on your location in the UK, this could translate to between £35,000 and £100,000 in added property value. Not bad at all.
These figures show that garden rooms can pay for themselves through added property value alone, without even considering the immediate benefits they provide from using it on a regular basis.
The key factor in achieving these returns is quality. We’re talking about permanent, professionally built structures with proper foundations, full insulation, electrical installations and weatherproofing – not basic garden sheds or temporary structures.
Why Do Garden Rooms Add Value to Your Property?
1. Increased floor space and footprint
Like a traditional extension, a garden room increases your property’s total floor space, but with significant advantages. Recent research shows that property is valued at between approximately £1,456 and £5,106 per square metre, depending on location. The highest of these values tends to be in London, the South East and East Anglia.
A garden room contributes to your property’s total functional area. For example, if you live in South Manchester or Cheshire and build a 24 square metre garden room, you could potentially increase your property’s value by £50,000-£100,000 and more!
Unlike traditional extensions, garden rooms can be installed much more quickly and with far less disruption to your daily life. While an extension might take months and require significant structural work, the process of installing a garden room usually takes just 3-4 weeks from start to finish.
2. Functional, Purpose-Built Space
Many modern-day buyers value flexible, purpose-built spaces that can adapt to certain lifestyle needs as they change. A garden room ticks all of these boxes and can offer:
- Dedicated workspace – With remote working now commonplace, a proper garden office provides dedicated workspace separate from the main house – far more appealing than a converted bedroom or dining room setup.
- Multi-purpose functionality – Whether used as a garden gym, entertainment space or cinema room, garden rooms offer the flexibility that modern families value.
- Year-round usability – Properly insulated garden rooms with heating and electricity can be used throughout the year. This makes them excellent functional spaces rather than fair-weather additions like a summer house.
3. The ‘Wow Factor’
Garden rooms provide something unique that helps properties stand out in the market. Estate agents consistently report that properties with quality garden rooms are more attractive to buyers and can help achieve higher sale prices.
And as we know, garden rooms are both impressive to look, versatile and practical.
What Garden Room Features Add Value?
Quality of construction
The construction quality of your garden room is perhaps the most significant factor as to how much value a garden room adds to your property.
Permanent, well-built structures with proper foundations, comprehensive insulation and professional electrical installations add far more value than basic or temporary buildings.
Key quality indicators include:
- Solid foundations – we recommend ground screw foundations for their durability and environmental benefits
- Full insulation in walls, roof and floor
- Professional electrical installation
- Quality materials and weatherproofing
Design and functionality
Well-designed garden rooms that integrate with both your main property and garden add the most value. Essential design considerations include:
- Lighting and space – Bright, well-proportioned spaces with adequate natural light feel more like permanent additions to your home rather than outbuildings.
- Essential utilities – Electrical connections, WiFi or data provision and heating make sure the space is truly functional for modern needs.
- Aesthetics – Since garden rooms are often visible from the house, they should complement your property’s style and make your garden even more attractive.
- Energy efficiency – Modern buyers value energy-efficient features, making proper insulation and smart heating systems important value-adding elements.
Location and Market Conditions
The value addition from garden rooms varies by location and local market conditions. In areas where space is at a premium, such as London and in city areas, garden rooms can add more value than in regions where larger properties are more common.
Local buyer preferences also influence value. In areas with high numbers of remote workers, garden offices may command premium value additions.
Maximising Your Garden Room’s Value
Here are a few tips to make sure you garden room adds maximum value to your property.
- Choose appropriate sizing – The garden room should be proportionate to your property and garden, whilst being big enough to be fully functional for its intended use. Our garden room sizes guide can help you determine the right dimensions.
- Invest in quality – While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option, higher-quality construction materials and professional installation deliver better returns through higher value addition.
- Include essential features – Make sure your garden room includes proper insulation, electrics and heating. These shouldn’t be optional extras if you want to use your room regularly – they’re also essential for creating a space that adds genuine value.
- Consider planning requirements – Most garden rooms fall under permitted development rights, but understanding planning permission requirements ensures your installation complies with regulations and won’t cause issues during property sales.
Garden Rooms Are A Smart Investment For Your Home
Garden rooms represent a home improvements that usually pays for itself through added property value while providing immediate lifestyle benefits.
The combination of increased floor space, modern functionality and good looks makes garden rooms highly attractive to today’s property buyers. As working from home becomes more established and people increasingly value flexible living spaces, this appeal is likely to continue growing.
For homeowners looking to add space without the disruption and expense of traditional extensions, garden rooms offer an ideal solution.
At Lux Garden Rooms, we specialise in creating bespoke garden rooms that maximise both your immediate enjoyment and long-term property value. Feel free to contact us today and we’ll be happy to give you a free, no obligation quote.
FAQs
How much value does a garden room add to a property?
Quality garden rooms usually add 5-15% to your property’s value, depending on the construction quality, location and local market conditions. Many estate agents report that well-designed garden rooms can return up to 1.5 times their installation cost in added property value.
Are garden rooms a good investment for increasing property value?
Yes, garden rooms are considered one of the best home improvements for adding property value. They provide both immediate lifestyle benefits and strong returns on investment, often paying for themselves through increased property value alone.
Do garden rooms require planning permission?
Most garden rooms fall under permitted development rights and don’t require planning permission, provided they meet certain size and location criteria. However, there are exceptions for listed buildings, conservation areas and other designated locations. Read more on garden room planning permission.
What are the key factors that influence the value added by a garden room?
The main factors are construction quality, design and functionality, size appropriateness for the property and local market conditions. Professional installation with proper foundations, insulation and installed utilities adds more value than basic structures.