South-facing gardens remain popular with homebuyers despite recent heatwaves, according to new research from Yopa.

Homes with a south-facing outlook can still attract a 7% premium of £20,000, although most people say they have been avoiding their gardens recently.

Desirability

Yopa says that despite the hot weather, 82% of homeowners still prefer a south-facing garden, and more than a quarter – at 28% -would be willing to pay the extra.

But nearly one in five homeowners – at 18% – believe increasingly frequent heatwaves will reduce the value and desirability of south-facing gardens during the next decade.

Enduring appeal

Verona Frankish, Chief Executive Officer at Yopa, says: “South-facing gardens have long been one of the most sought-after features amongst homebuyers, and it’s easy to see why.

“More hours of sunshine means greater enjoyment of outdoor space, whether that’s entertaining, gardening or simply making the most of the warmer months, and that enduring appeal has naturally translated into a house price premium.

A changing climate and increasingly frequent heatwaves could start to diminish their appeal.”

“However, with temperatures already reaching record highs this year, many homeowners have found themselves actively avoiding their gardens.”

She adds: “So, while a south-facing garden remains the orientation of choice for many buyers today, a changing climate and increasingly frequent heatwaves could start to diminish their appeal.”