We're property pros

NOBODY wants to devalue their home – but it seems everyone is making the same mistakes that could lead to exactly that happening.

Luckily, the experts are on hand to reveal the most common errors they see in people's homes that are taking the pounds off of their properties so that you can avoid repeating them – and they’re all to do with the garden.

Property Experts at Park and Bailey have come up with a handy guide to make sure you don't "instantly put off a potential buyer".

It includes all the garden do's and don'ts from avoiding elaborate water features to giving your old furniture an upgrade.

But perhaps one of the most surprising details is that fake grass is a big no-no.

After they explained that many people don't like the aesthetic, they continued to say why else it could be more hassle than it's worth.

They told the Express: "Removal costs can add up, mainly when you include the price of preparing the garden for seeding a new lawn."

The second thing to bear in mind when looking at your garden is what furniture you have.

While it's likely that it will be coming with you to wherever you move next, there's no denying it contributes hugely to people's first impressions.

So it could be a good idea to upgrade your current set and really make it stand out.

Park and Bailey continued: "Staging your garden is essential as you want your house viewers to picture themselves living here.

"They certainly won't be able to see themselves relaxing in your garden on tatty old garden furniture."

Water features are the third point on the list – and should be avoided at all costs as they’re described as "an instant turn-off".

The property pros went on: "A permanent water feature such as a koi pond or landscaped rockery waterfall can knock off up to £8,000 off your asking price."

It's also important to consider what plants you have in your outside space and what they say about your home.

According to the Park and Bailey pros, plants commonly used on fences, such as Japanese knotweed, rhododendron ponitcum or green alkanet, should be thought through carefully.

They explained: "These invasive plants can quickly choke out other greenery in your garden and overwhelm your garden fences.

"They are very tricky to get rid of and can cause some structural damage to building foundations if planted too close to a wall, outhouse, or shed."

What's more, they’re expensive to remove, which could put potential home buyers off of investing.

However, it's important to get the balance right, as the fifth and final tip from the property gurus is to avoid "a sparse-looking garden with empty beds and borders."

That's because others will think that it looks like "a lot of hard work", whereas a space which includes evergreens, shrubs and some plants will be all the more enticing, as they believe it looks after itself.

The property experts concluded: "Remember that you are selling your house and your garden to prospective buyers, so you need to make sure you present them both as an enticing package."