If you’ve been pondering how to make the most out of your garden or looking for ways to increase the value of your property, a garden room extension could provide the perfect solution. Read to find out all you need to know about garden room extensions and how they might impact property value.
What is a Garden Room Extension?
Essentially, a garden room is a stand-alone structure typically situated in your garden. Unlike traditional home extensions, garden rooms are separate buildings that can serve a variety of purposes, from home offices and gyms to art studios and guest accommodations. They are designed to be usable year-round, offering insulation and heating solutions to keep them comfortable in all seasons.
Garden rooms have become increasingly popular in the UK, In 2021 Rightmove reported an 89% increase in the number of buyers searching for garden room-related terms like “annexe”.
With many more people working from home since the global pandemic hit, garden offices have grown in popularity in particular, providing a much-needed way to separate home and work life.
Far from only being utilised as offices though, garden rooms provide versatile extra space that can be used for a variety of purposes.
The Benefits of Garden Rooms
Versatility and Functionality
One of the main attractions of a garden room is their versatility. These spaces can be customised to meet a wide range of needs. Whether you’re looking for a quiet office away from the distractions of the main house, a dedicated workout area, a craft studio, guest accommodation or a cosy retreat to relax and unwind, a garden room can be tailored to your specific requirements.
Increased Living Space
With space often at a premium in UK homes, especially in urban areas, a garden room provides an excellent way to increase your living space without the need for major renovations. It’s a great solution for families needing extra room as children grow or for those who regularly host guests or need to look after older family members.
Connection with Nature
Garden rooms provide a unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty of your garden all year round. Large windows and doors can create a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing you to enjoy natural light and views of your garden while being protected from the elements. This connection with nature can have numerous benefits for your mental well-being, reducing stress and improving overall happiness.
Quick and Cost-Effective Installation
A garden room can often be installed in days rather than many weeks, and when compared to a traditional home extension, garden rooms are generally quicker and more cost-effective to install.
Energy Efficiency
Modern garden rooms are designed with energy efficiency in mind and some are built to building regulations. High-quality insulation, double glazing, and energy-efficient heating systems mean that these spaces can be used comfortably throughout the year without causing a significant increase in your energy bills. Some garden rooms even come with sustainable features such as solar panels, further reducing their environmental impact.
Do Garden Rooms Increase Property Value?
Now, let’s address the big question, will a garden room extension increase the value of your property? The answer is generally yes, though the extent of the increase can vary depending on several factors, including the quality of the garden room, its functionality, and how well it integrates with the existing property.
Appeal to Potential Buyers
A well-designed garden room can make your property more appealing to potential buyers. The added versatility and extra space can be a major selling point, particularly for families or professionals who may be looking for a home office. The aesthetic appeal of a garden room, coupled with its practical benefits, can make your property stand out in the competitive UK housing market.
Boost in Property Value
While it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact figure as estimates vary, various sources cite that a garden room can add up to 5-15% to your property’s value. This can be a significant return on investment, especially considering the relatively low cost of installation compared to other types of home extensions.
Of course, the actual increase will depend on the quality of the build and how well it meets the needs of potential buyers.
Enhanced Lifestyle
Even if you’re not planning to sell your home immediately, a garden room can enhance your lifestyle in the meantime. The enjoyment and functionality you get from this extra space can improve your quality of life, making your home more enjoyable and better suited to your needs.
Will I need to obtain planning permission for a garden building?
The answer to this question depends on the type of garden room you choose. According to Rubicon Garden Rooms, a single story garden room usually doesn’t require planning permission under Permitted Development Rights.
These guidelines state that for rooms, pods or annexes classed as an ‘outbuilding’ with a single story below 3m will generally be permitted without the need to seek planning permission, however this does depend on a few things, like whether your house is located within an area of outstanding natural beauty or whether the building you live in is listed.
So whilst in many cases planning permission is not needed, you will need to ensure that Permitted Development Rights apply to you and that the garden room you’re considering meets permitted specifications.
If you’re wondering how much your home is currently worth, you can get a fast free online property valuation here.