The number of searches for ‘garden offices’ between August 1 2023 and July 31 2024 stood at 397,200, staying well above pre-pandemic levels, analysis from Legal & General Surveying Services has revealed.
Terms such as ‘garden rooms’ and ‘summer house’ received 726,000 and 1,086,000 searches over the past year.
The rise in hybrid working has prompted many homeowners to make better use of their existing garden space, but garden rooms are also being used for hobbies and as an extension of the home.
Research conducted by The Property Centre suggests homeowners have the potential to significantly increase the value of their property by constructing a garden office.
The analysis found that the cost of building a garden office is nearly £9,000, and the potential to increase the home’s value by 8.4% on average, equating to approximately £22,739 in the current market.
With insights like this, homeowners can confidently add to their property’s value, while enjoying the added functionality of a dedicated workspace in their garden.
Malcolm Webb, of Legal and General Surveying Services, said: “Garden offices and outhouses don’t just attract different types of buyers – they add value to homes in a number of ways.
“The addition of a garden office provides both sellers and buyers with a significant edge in standing out in a competitive market.
“In the wake of the pandemic, many companies adopted successful hybrid work models, increasing the demand for dedicated home office space.
“Garden offices meet this need, allowing homeowners to add vital space to their homes without removing valuable living areas inside.”
Webb added: “As more and more workers embrace hybrid work arrangements, homeowners are increasingly improving their properties to suit their evolving needs.
“Incorporating a garden office can offer massive advantages for both current homeowners and prospective buyers, providing valuable extra space and potential financial benefits.
“However, we always recommend seeking advice from your local authority to determine if planning permission is required for building a garden room.
“Steps like this are crucial for ensuring a more successful transition into flexible ways of working, which can play a massive part in increasing the value of a property.”
