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How to Value Garden Land?

If you’re considering purchasing or selling garden land, you must know how it’s valued and how much it will cost. Valuing garden land is a slightly different process than valuing a property and many factors will influence this.

In this article, we discuss how much garden land is worth and the benefits of having a valuation carried out.

What is Garden Land?

Garden land is part of a property. It is classed as residential and it can be sold by the homeowner. It can be sold to potential buyers who may want to increase and extend their own garden space or develop in the area. It can be sold for commercial uses too.

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How Much is a Square Metre of Garden Land Worth?

The average price of garden land in the UK is £1,526 per square metre. Exact costs differ significantly based on the area it is located. Here are the average costs for garden lands in various areas of the UK:

LocationAverage Cost

Telford

£376

Sheffield

£393

Swansea

£403

Bristol

£471

Middlesborough

£520

Oxford

£1,266

Portsmouth

£1,390

Newcastle Upon Tyne

£1,587

York

£1,936

London

£2,348

* Data taken from The Grass People

How Can You Find The Land Worth in Your Area?

To gather information on the price for your specific garden land, a valuation will need to be completed.

If you’re looking for an estimation of the land worth in your area, you can search the HM Land Registry records. This will provide further information about the land. The GOV.UK website provides information on land value estimations in each local authority.

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Factors that Affect The Worth of Garden Land

During a garden land valuation, some factors will affect its worth. These include:

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The Location of the Garden Land

The land’s location will impact its market price. If the land is located in a rural or less desirable location including those with high pollution, the valuation will be lower. This is in comparison to garden land in a popular, sought-after area. The valuation will consider amenities in the surrounding locality. This includes roads, public transport links, and schools.

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The Size of the Garden Land

Size is a significant factor during the valuation process. The cost of garden land is measured in meters squared. Larger properties and plots of land will be more expensive compared to smaller gardens in the same area.

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The Value and Age of Neighbouring Houses

The property value of the houses next to the garden land is considered. Recent sales in the area can also affect the valuation of the land. The age of surrounding properties can also have an impact. Older structures can decrease the value of land compared to new build properties. This is due to structure deterioration and whether the area is unkempt.

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Zoning and Potential for Development

Zoning is a term used to describe the purpose of the land. This can encompass uses such as residential, commercial, and agricultural.

If the land can be used for development, it will typically increase its value. The land will be more attractive to businesses and can be used for profit. Planning permissions and regulations need to be taken into consideration by potential buyers. Regulations will include land use, premise level, floor area ratio and land tax. This will impact the valuation price.

Agricultural land and areas that cannot be developed on are still sought after, but they’re not as popular. Garden spaces that can be converted to off-road parking are particularly sought after.

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The Condition of the Garden Land

The condition of the land is important. The better the condition, the higher the land will be valued.

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Land Records

Land records are essential when selling garden land. They provide key information to the buyer about the boundaries and ownership. These records can be used for any potential disputes surrounding the land and how it can be used.

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Topography

Ensuring the land’s topography has been considered is another important factor. This will highlight any potential issues with the land. This can include the overall slope, drainage and soil quality. These are aspects buyers will need to be aware of. If the topography is poor, the value will be lower and the land less desirable.

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How Can You Calculate Land Price?

There are two ways to calculate the land price, using the comparable or the marriage value method:

1

The Comparable Method

The comparable method looks at and compares sales of land in the local area. This can also be referred to as the sales comparison method.

2

The Marriage Value Method

The Marriage Value will determine how much the value of a property will be increased when the value of the land is added. If land is being sold the value of the land will need to be taken off the property value. It is also known as the cost method.

Hiring a professional valuation surveyor is important if you want an accurate idea of what the land is worth. They will typically use both methods when valuing the land. They may also use the income method to determine how much profit the land can make over a longer period.

Benefits of Land Valuation

When buying or selling garden land, there are several benefits to consider:

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For Sellers

As a seller, having a land valuation will ensure you are selling the land for the correct price. It means the land won’t be sold for less than it should be. A correct valuation is also important if Capital Gains Tax, Inheritance Tax or Stamp Duty Land Tax need to be considered.

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For Buyers

When buying garden land, a valuation will ensure they are paying the correct price for the land and aren’t being overcharged. A piece of land that has been valued correctly will be more trustworthy from a buyer’s perspective. It will also allow them to make an informed decision.

Exemption from Capital Gains Tax

If you are selling land that’s part of the only property you own, you will be exempt from paying Capital Gains Tax on the profit made from this. This is because it will be covered by Private Residence Relief (PRR). This relief will typically apply to any property with up to 1.2 acres of land.

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Key Takeaways

If you are looking to sell garden land, it’s beneficial to hire a surveyor to carry out a professional survey. This will ensure the land is being sold for the correct price and will make the sale more legitimate in the eyes of the seller.

A surveyor will consider factors such as the location and size of the land and its usability to determine how much it will cost.

Fill out our online form today to be connected with up to six professional surveyors who can assist with your garden land valuation.

All our surveying partners offering valuation services are trusted, reliable and RICS-regulated. You can rest assured knowing you will be provided with the best possible service. We can also help you to save money on your valuation report.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Sell Part of my Garden Land to a Neighbour?

You can sell part of your garden land to your neighbour. This process is fairly straightforward if your property is mortgage-free. While it’s still possible to sell part of your land if you have a mortgage, the process is slightly more complicated.

Will I Need a Conveyancing Solicitor to Sell Garden Land?

Selling garden land is a legal process, therefore it’s recommended to hire a conveyancing solicitor to guide you through the process. They will ensure the legal requirements and documentation of the sale have been completed correctly.

They can also check whether you can sell the land and if it’s part of a conservation area. Restrictions apply in this instance.

When selling the land, you will need to inform the Land Registry about the change of ownership. The document required to sell your land is a Transfer of Part Registered Title Form. This is also known as a TP1 form.

Can I Sell Garden Land if my Property is With a Mortgage?

If you have a mortgage on the property, this sale must be approved and accepted by your mortgage lender. This is because it’s part of the property you are paying a mortgage for. You may need to pay your lender a percentage of your total mortgage payment to do this. The ultimate decision is down to the discretion of your lender.

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Written by

Last updated

3rd Feb, 2025

Read time

7 minutes

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