Garden shortage gives landlords an edge

Landlords offering a home to rent with a well-kept garden could have an advantage when attracting tenants, as outdoor space is absent from almost two-thirds of advertised rentals in major UK cities.

Research by CIA Landlords found that only 36.2% of the 72,930 homes examined included a garden.

Leeds recorded the lowest proportion at 25.7%, leaving 74.3% of available properties without one.

Liverpool followed on 28.2%, while Nottingham reached 29.3%.

Outdoor space opportunity

Nick Long, the firm’s managing director, said: “Our research shows that finding a rental property with outdoor space remains a challenge in many of the UK’s largest cities, despite it being an important consideration for almost three-quarters of renters.

“For landlords, this presents an opportunity.”

He added: “In areas where outdoor space is in short supply, a well-maintained garden can make a property more attractive to prospective tenants.

“However, landlords must also be clear about who is responsible for garden maintenance and make sure their insurance reflects the condition and features of the property.”

Garden access varies

Newcastle ranked fourth among the cities with the lowest availability, with gardens included in 30% of listings.

Sheffield completed the bottom five at 32.4%.

Edinburgh offered the greatest availability, with 55.5% of advertised homes providing garden space, followed by Coventry at 50% and Glasgow at 49.7%.

Bristol recorded 47.5%, Brighton and Hove reached 46.4%, while earlier research found 74% of tenants considered outdoor space important.