When preparing to sell, homeowners often focus on redecorating, staging, and gardening, but one major factor is often overlooked: your neighbour’s property. According to recent research by Churchill Home Insurance, a poorly maintained neighbouring home could reduce your property valuation by as much as £61,545 in the South East.
At Christopher Anthony Property Experts, we understand how surrounding properties can influence buyer decisions and ultimately impact the final sale price. Here’s what every homeowner should know before listing their property.
Why Your Neighbour’s Garden Matters
First impressions matter and not just yours. The Churchill study reveals that unsightly or neglected neighbouring homes can slash your home’s property valuation by an average of 16%.
This includes issues such as:
- Rubbish-filled front or back gardens
- Broken or boarded windows
- Overgrown shrubs or lawns
- Excessive garden ornaments (yes, even garden gnomes!)
In the South East, where the average house price sits around £384,659, a 16% drop equates to over £61,000 lost—simply due to what’s visible next door.
A Friendly Chat Could Protect Your Valuation
While you can’t choose your neighbours, 97% of estate agents recommend speaking to them before listing your home. A polite, friendly conversation might be all it takes to:
- Get a shared fence repaired
- Tidy up bins or garden clutter
- Move distracting ornaments out of sight
- Make the area more presentable for viewings
A small effort could add thousands back onto your property valuation.
Boosting Your Kerb Appeal (and Your Valuation)
To maximise your property valuation before you go to market:
- Audit your home’s exterior – Step outside and view your home (and your neighbour’s) as a buyer would.
- Tidy what you can control – Maintain your own garden, clean windows, and remove visible clutter.
- Use screening where appropriate – Fences or shrubs can help minimise visual impact from neighbouring neglect.
- Get expert advice – Our team can offer practical tips to increase your home’s appeal and valuation.
Selling This Summer? Protect Your Property Valuation
The summer market is active—and buyers are selective. Don’t let something as avoidable as a neighbour’s untidy garden cost you tens of thousands of pounds.
At Christopher Anthony Property Experts, we help sellers take every possible step to achieve the highest property valuation. From styling advice to smart marketing strategies, we ensure your home—and its surroundings—are ready for the spotlight.
Use our free instant valuation tool to discover your property’s current value.
