Whether it’s a home office, a yoga studio, or a multi-purpose entertaining space, a well-designed garden room has evolved from a luxury to a must-have for many prospective buyers. But how much garden room value does it really add?
Below, Horto explores how garden rooms can improve the appeal and price of your property, what features buyers expect, and how to make your bespoke Horto garden room a real selling point.
Why garden rooms are so popular
The post-COVID shift to remote and hybrid working has changed the way people view their homes. Spaces once used occasionally have become daily necessities. Spare rooms are now offices, sheds are studios, and in many cases, garden rooms have become the ideal solution, providing a dedicated, detached space designed for modern living.
Buyers now actively seek properties that cater to this new way of life. Garden rooms are no longer seen as a box at the end of your lawn; moreover, they are a lifestyle upgrade, signalling flexibility, modernity, and thoughtful design, all attractive traits for today’s homebuyers.
How much garden room value can you expect to add?
While exact figures vary depending on location, quality, and use, UK property experts estimate that a professionally built garden room can increase a home’s value by 5–15%. In some cases, especially in urban areas where space is at a premium, the return can be even higher.
That value is not purely financial. A garden room can also make a property stand out in listings, often generating more viewings and offers. Rightmove, Zoopla, and other property platforms have reported spikes in searches for homes with dedicated outdoor rooms and workspaces since the pandemic, and the trend is continuing to rise.
What buyers are looking for in 2025
Buyers’ expectations have changed, and it’s no longer enough to offer a space; you need to offer a solution. Here’s what prospective homeowners are looking for in 2025:
1. Work-from-home ready
A garden office remains the most desirable use for a garden room. But not just any space will do. Buyers want:
- Reliable Wi-Fi or wired internet connectivity
- Plug sockets (ideally with USB ports)
- Heating and insulation for year-round use
- Natural light and good ventilation
- Privacy and soundproofing
If your garden room ticks these boxes, it could be a great selling point for professionals.
2. Multi-functional spaces
Single-purpose rooms are a thing of the past, and more buyers are seeking flexibility with their garden rooms. Can your garden room function as a home gym, a guest bedroom or a studio? Showing off multiple potential uses during a viewing can help buyers imagine how they’d make it work for their lifestyle and needs.
3. High-quality design and build
Gone are the days of makeshift garden buildings. Buyers in 2025 expect:
- Professional craftsmanship
- Quality materials that match or complement the main house
- A stylish design inside and out
- Low-maintenance finishes
- Secure doors and windows
Garden rooms should feel like a natural extension of the property, not an afterthought.
4. Seamless indoor-outdoor flow
Buyers are increasingly drawn to homes with excellent indoor-outdoor living space. A garden room that opens onto a patio or decking, with outdoor lighting, planters, and seating areas, creates a smooth transition. The addition of bifold doors or sliding glass panels will help achieve this effect well.
5. Energy efficiency and sustainability
Eco-conscious design is a growing priority for homeowners. Garden rooms with proper insulation, LED lighting, and optional solar panels are particularly appealing. Buyers want a space that’s cost-effective to run and kind to the planet.
Things that can lower garden room appeal (and how to fix them)
Not all garden rooms are the same. Here are a few potential issues for buyers:
- Poor installation or visible wear: A shabby exterior or damp patches will raise alarm bells. Keep your garden room well-maintained.
- No heating or insulation: If it’s unusable for part of the year, buyers may see it be put off, do it is well worth investing in proper insulation.
- Weak Wi-Fi signal: Ensure strong connectivity, it’s often a dealbreaker for professionals.
- Lack of purpose or identity: If the room feels like an empty shell, stage it for viewings and show how it could be used.
Should I add a garden room to my property before selling it?
When considering ways to increase your property’s appeal, assessing potential garden room value is key. If you’re considering selling in the next year or two, adding a garden room can be a good investment, especially if your home lacks a dedicated office or extra living space. The key is to design it with broad appeal:
- Choose neutral colours and simple, modern styling
- Keep the layout flexible
- Avoid overly niche themes unless easily adaptable
Buyers should be able to see themselves using it in a way that fits their needs.
Tips for maximising the value of your garden room
- Position it well: Ensure the room doesn’t block key views or create awkward garden layouts.
- Integrate it visually: Use matching materials or landscaping to connect the garden room to your home’s design.
- Provide access: Lay a proper path or decking so it’s easily accessible in all weather.
- Consider amenities: Adding electricity is essential, while a small sink, toilet or kitchenette can further increase value if space allows.
- Seek planning advice: While most garden rooms fall under permitted development, professional builders can ensure all regulations are followed.
Garden rooms vs. traditional extensions
Compared to a full house extension or loft conversion, a garden room is often:
- Faster to build (weeks, not months)
- More cost-effective
- Less disruptive to daily life
- Frees up space inside the home without major renovations
In many cases, it delivers a comparable return on investment, especially when designed with versatility in mind.
As remote work, flexible lifestyles, and multi-functional living continue to shape buyer priorities in 2025, a garden room offers a future-proof solution that meets these changing needs. Whether you’re staying put or planning to sell, investing in a bespoke garden room is a move that could pay off both practically and financially.