Grotty decking is a turn-off for house-buyers, claims survey
TIMBER DECKING has been ranked as one of the biggest turn-offs for house buyers if it has been left to become dilapidated and slippery. Rotten, splintering decking is almost as unappealing as overflowing rubbish bins and falling-down sheds, according to a poll of 2,000 people by telly shopping channel QVC.Only shabby gardens littered with old fridges, mattresses, dog muck and broken toys were rated as less appealing for people viewing a property for sale. It is a far cry from decking’s golden days during the Ground Force makeover era (pictured).
QVC gardening presenter Richard Jackson said: “I think decking is a cost effective way of enhancing a garden – I’m just putting some in my garden!
“But badly maintained decking can be dangerous, slippery and an eyesore so I’d advise people to keep it clean. Regularly scrub off algae and moss, especially if you have a softwood deck, and treat it once a year with a wood stain or preservative.”
The study said homeowners looking to sell their property risked being hit in the pocket if the garden looked more like a jungle. Nearly half of buyers (45 per cent) would try to knock £5,000 off the asking price if the garden was grotty. And landlords should watch out too: 48 per cent of prospective tenants would want to negotiate a rent reduction of at least £600 per year if the garden was a tip.
