South-facing gardens continue to command a price premium of approximately £20,000, or 7%, despite homeowners increasingly avoiding outdoor spaces during recent heatwaves, according to research from estate agent Yopa.
The findings suggest that traditional preferences for south-facing outdoor spaces remain intact, even as climate patterns shift and temperatures reach record levels.
Buyer preferences
The research found that 82% of homeowners still prefer a south-facing garden, with 28% willing to pay a premium for the feature. The preference reflects the enduring appeal of properties that receive more hours of sunshine throughout the day.
However, nearly one in five homeowners, at 18%, believe that increasingly frequent heatwaves will reduce both the value and desirability of south-facing gardens over the next decade.
Climate considerations
Verona Frankish, Chief Executive Officer at Yopa, noted that whilst south-facing gardens have long been sought-after features amongst homebuyers, many homeowners have found themselves actively avoiding their gardens during extreme temperatures this year.
“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,” Frankish said.
She added that whilst 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.
Market implications
The data suggests a potential shift in property valuations as climate factors become more prominent in buyer considerations. The findings come as new build housing listings fall to their lowest level since 2017, indicating broader changes in the property market.
The research highlights an emerging tension between traditional property features that have historically commanded premiums and evolving environmental conditions. As affordability concerns continue to affect millions of potential buyers, the premium attached to garden orientation may face further scrutiny in coming years.