For decades, south-facing gardens have been among the most prized features in British property, commanding price premiums of up to 4% and helping sellers push up asking prices by nearly £11,000 on average.
But new research suggests this long-held bias may be softening – at least among older homebuyers.
With over-50s accounting for a growing share of property transactions, particularly in the downsizer and retirement segments, the findings suggest that the garden premium may soon depend as much on shade as on sun.
A survey by Regency Living, a specialist in later-life housing, reveals that over-50s are increasingly turning their backs on the heat and glare of all-day sunshine.
GOLD STANDARD
Nearly half (44%) of respondents aged 50 and above said they would prefer a north-facing garden, which typically receives sunlight only during the cooler morning hours. Just 13% still favour the traditional south-facing option.
It’s a striking reversal of a market orthodoxy that has long underpinned residential valuations and marketing strategies.
The traditional south-facing garden, often seen as the “gold standard” in UK housing, is associated with higher asking prices and stronger buyer competition.
With the average UK home valued at £271,000, a 4% premium equates to an extra £10,857 – a not-insignificant sum for those looking to maximise a property’s value.
However, the data suggests that as the population ages, the assumptions underpinning such premiums may need a rethink.
Only 19% of the over-50s surveyed said they enjoy spending prolonged periods in direct sunlight. The majority (51%) prefer sun “in moderation,” while nearly a third (31%) actively favour the shade. Moreover, 83% reported finding the midday heat uncomfortable, choosing to avoid it entirely between noon and mid-afternoon.
BRING ME SUNSHINE
Tim Simmons, Sales and Marketing Director at Regency Living, says: “There’s a common belief that everyone wants as much sunshine as possible, but this simply doesn’t hold true as people age.
“For many downsizers, a south-facing garden can be more of a deterrent than a draw.”
Nearly half (47%) of those polled said their tolerance for sun exposure had diminished with age.
“These changing preferences are beginning to influence property choices – and could have knock-on effects for developers, agents, and even planning departments as they adapt to the UK’s ageing population and evolving lifestyle habits.
