From stylish home offices to cosy garden gyms, garden rooms are popping up everywhere.
But if you’re thinking of adding one, you probably have the same question as everyone else:
Do garden rooms add value to your home?
The short answer? Yes – in many cases, they can. But how much they boost your home’s appeal (or price tag) depends on what you build, how you build it, and what buyers in your area actually want.
Let’s look at why garden rooms are suddenly so popular – and whether they’re a smart move for your property.
What Exactly Is a Garden Room?
Let’s be clear – we’re not talking about a flimsy shed with a plug socket.
A proper garden room is a fully insulated, purpose-built structure that sits in your outdoor space. Think of it as a mini extension – just not physically attached to the house.
Most garden rooms come with:
- Fully insulated walls and flooring
- Electric sockets and lighting
- Heating or air-con
- French or bi-fold doors
- Double glazing
And unlike traditional extensions or loft conversions, many don’t need planning permission (as long as you stay within permitted development rules).
So, Do Garden Rooms Add Value?
Here’s what the estate agents say:
A high-quality garden room can add up to 5–15% to your property’s value – especially if it creates extra usable space that appeals to buyers.
In a market where square footage often dictates price, a functional, attractive outbuilding can make your home stand out.
But it’s not just about resale value. Outdoor rooms can also:
- Help your home sell faster
- Widen your target market (think home-workers or families with teens)
- Solve space issues without the cost or mess of a full extension
It’s particularly useful if your main house is already at capacity, or you’re limited by planning restrictions.
What’s the Cost to Build a Garden Room?
The cost depends on size, materials, and extras. But as a rough guide:
Basic room: £10,000–£15,000
Mid-range (fully wired and insulated): £20,000–£30,000
Luxury garden lodge: £40,000+
The good news? In many cases, you’ll see a return on that spend if it’s done properly.
What Increases the Value Most?
Not all garden rooms are created equal. Here’s what adds the most value:
- A Clear Purpose
Buyers love flexibility, but a defined use can help people imagine living there.
Top uses include:
- Home office
- Gym
- Studio
- Guest room
- Teen hangout
Just make sure it’s not too niche. A full-on recording booth might be impressive, but not everyone wants it.
- Good Access and Views
Don’t hide it at the end of an overgrown garden. Make it easy to reach, with a proper path and tidy surroundings.
- Professional Finish
Cladding, glazing, roofing – the quality needs to match the price bracket of your home. DIY jobs rarely cut it.
- Heating and Electrics
Power, light, and heat are must-haves. Nobody wants a glorified shed they can’t use half the year.
What Could Hurt the Value?
There are some situations where a garden room could put buyers off:
- It takes up too much garden, especially in small urban plots
- Poor build quality: Wobbly walls and damp patches won’t do you any favours
- Too personalised: If it’s painted neon pink or filled with snakes, don’t expect a queue of buyers
And remember – if it’s not built to code, it could be flagged during a survey and cause delays.
What Buyers Are Really Looking For
Post-lockdown, remote working is here to stay. More buyers are searching for flexible spaces – not just bedrooms and kitchens, but places to work, relax, or escape to.
A garden room ticks all of those boxes, without turning the spare bedroom into an office. That makes it particularly appealing in commuter towns or areas with small footprints.
Win All Round
So, do garden rooms add value? For many homeowners, the answer is yes – both financially and practically.
As long as it’s well built, sensibly located, and easy to repurpose, a garden room can make your home more attractive, more versatile, and more desirable.
And if it saves you from having to move house just to get a bit of extra space? That’s a win all round.
