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Plants that can devalue your home

You may be surprised to learn that there are certain plants which could devalue your home. Read on to find out which plants give people a good – and bad – impression of your garden.

Plants that can devalue your home

Pampas grass may turn prospective buyers away from your home.

The top 10 worst plants

  • Leylandii (71%)
  • Ivy (67%)
  • Pampas Grass (55%)
  • Conifer Trees (50%)
  • Wisteria (49%)
  • Magnolias (47%)
  • Privet (36%)
  • Geraniums (31%)
  • Bamboo (29%)
  • Carnations (18%)

6,000 people were surveyed for our study to find out the common garden plants which leave a bad impression when it comes to selling houses. The results give some key pointers for those who want to maximise the value of their homes.

Worst offenders
Leylandii topped the poll with seven out of ten respondents concerned about the speed at which the plant grows. Ivy, another old favourite, came second on the list with 67% of respondents revealing the potential building damage the plants could cause would put them off a property if it was covered in dark green leaves. Pampas grass completed the top three with half of those surveyed revealing that the plant's old fashioned look and shooting stems would put them off buying a house. Check out our top ten plants to avoid in the garden.

Plants named and shamed
The study indicates that Britain is becoming a nation of plant snobs. We prefer attractive flowers to hardy perennials like the traditional magnolia (47%) and geranium (31%), which also appear in the top ten. Many respondents revealed thought these flowers were old-fashioned, preferring instead more modern and exotic plants. Other plants to be named and shamed included carnations, wisteria and conifer trees.

Other garden turn offs
It’s not only plants that can devalue a house. See our list below of top turn offs:

  • 67% of respondents said that the humble garden gnome would create the wrong first impression.
  • 55% said they would refuse to buy a property that had a pet cemetery in the garden.
  • Water features and ponds were also unpopular, especially for those with young children and people who wanted to add their own character to the garden.
  • Rotten greenhouses and sheds and poor fencing were also a deterrent for potential buyers.

    Plants that add value to your home
    It’s not all bad news though! The survey revealed what attracted people to a garden and how this could add value to their home.
  • Roses topped the list of most attractive plants in the garden. Create a rose garden
  • Jasmine and lavender are also favourites for potential buyers.
  • Respondents revealed that well kept lawns and vegetable patches are also attractive. Get the perfect lawn

    If you're now worried that your garden is the epitome of all that is hated by home buyers, don't despair - read our guide to choosing plants for your garden.

    • Related sections: Garden design , Property , Plants & plant care , Selling property , Outdoor maintenance

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