Staycation - here to stay?

With the amazing weather that we’ve been experiencing over the last couple of months, combined with the aftermath of the much debated credit crunch, the ‘staycation’ seems set to … stay!.
So rather than rushing around cashing in your sterling for euros, making holiday cover arrangements for the pets – and buying all those last minute travel essentials, why not make better use of your time and money by investing in your outdoor space?

Think how much pleasure you and your family will get from a revamped garden – certainly more than the short and sweet two weeks enjoyment derived from on the average summer holiday. And don’t forget any improvements made in the garden will not only enhance your family’s ability to spend more time in the outdoor room, it will also add value to your property.

According to popular web site UpMyStreet.com, a well-kept garden is a valuable asset with 73% of UpMyStreet users preferring a property with a garden than one with a guest room and 8 out of 10 people saying they were willing to a pay a premium for a property with a garden (according to Halifax, buyers are willing to pay a £10,000 premium to secure a property with a garden).

And if you needed any further persuasion regarding the merits of putting your hard earned cash into your outdoor space rather than towards a trip overseas, think about the positive impact you will contributing to our natural environment, by - quite literally - going green!

Outdoor Room Boom

The advent of the UK ‘staycation’, the move for UK householders to increasingly view their gardens as a retreat offering a safe haven from the threats of crime and “Big Brother’, combined with the growing doom and gloom associated with the economy – all of these factors are contributing to a boom in garden centre and nursery sales (the HTA reports sales were up 42% this April), as Brits realise the many benefits of an outdoor room.


So whilst you may not be able to enjoy your traditional two week beach break, take comfort in the fact that any investment you make in your outdoor space, will enhance your “home “ holiday this summer, not to mention benefit your family year round. And could also potentially increase the overall value of your property.