Since the pandemic, opinions on access to outdoor spaces have shifted, and tenants want little more than private gardens and patios where they can extend their living space and enjoy the weather. However, your buy-to-let shouldn’t be reserved just for those rare sunny days in July and little more.
The landlords and property owners who see the most success with higher rental yields, quality tenants and higher asking prices when it’s time to sell are those which recognise the need for functional outdoor spaces that can be used all year long, regardless of light levels or weather fluctuations. The question isn’t whether your rental’s patio looks great but whether it can be used just as comfortably on a damp October morning as it can on a summer’s evening.
Adding shelter for year-round use
The primary obstacles to year-round enjoyment of outdoor spaces is the UK’s notorious rainy climate and windy seasons. Without any overhead protection, even the most beautifully designed patio remains unusable. So, the first step to transforming any patio is to create a sheltered area, whether that’s over the entire space or just a section to create a separate zone.
A fixed structure like a weatherproof pergola is ideal for creating an outdoor room that you can use no matter the weather, for movie nights, morning coffee in the garden, or for outdoor entertaining with loved ones. Pair your pergola with comfy seating, extendable tables and furniture covers to protect against unexpected showers, as suggested in this guide to outdoor entertaining from outdoor furniture supplier Suns Lifestyle.
If your patio is on the smaller side, you might prefer to install a retractable awning instead which can be fixed to the side of the property and unwound whenever your tenants need a spot of shade on a sunny day or escape from the rain.
Maintaining the warmth, no matter the weather
Even in the summer, temperature fluctuates so you want your patio space to be ready for anything. Strategically position seating areas to capture the earliest available sunlight, which makes it perfect for that first cup of coffee, even in the colder months where every ray of sunshine matters.
As the day progresses, cold breezes become a bigger factor in how warm or cold it feels. If you want people to feel comfortable midday, make sure you install a few effective windbreaks like privacy screens, trellises or larger trees and shrubs that will shield you from harsher winds.
Finally, in the evening, heat needs to come from an external source. You might consider a fire pit, which is a classic focal point for outdoor entertaining, but this can be risky in a rental. Instead, electric patio heaters provide a more efficient and directional warmth, not to mention more control over how cool or warm you want them to be, all without the concerns of safety or smoke.
Lighting the way
Light serves double duty in an outdoor space. It’s the perfect way to create an ambiance where people want to spend their evenings, and it also makes your patio space safer for all who use it.
Functional task lighting that’s positioned near seating areas or along steps and pathways helps to reduce accidents and injuries, while soft twinkling fairy lights or lantern lights strung around the perimeter are the ideal way to create an inviting mood. Uplighting near structural elements, boundary walls or even mature trees adds a layer of drama and can help to make the area feel more spacious and elegant.
Boosting the cosiness factor
With colder temps and damp weather for much of the year, patio areas require the right materials to avoid damage and the constant need for maintenance. Make sure that any furniture you add to the space is either powder-coated aluminium or treated wood that won’t rust or decay in wet weather.
You also need to add textiles that can survive the occasional downpour without falling apart, so waterproof or quick-dry cushions and rugs that can be thrown in the washing machine are perfect. They create a comfortable outdoor living area, up the perceived luxury, and soften hard surfaces to make it an environment where you or your tenants want to spend your time.
Practical storage is also essential to put throws, cushions, and other accessories away when they’re not being used. Storage benches or discreet cabinets are the perfect solution, keeping these items accessible for impromptu gatherings or surprise sunny days without them needing to sit out all year long.
Your property, extended
Taking an unused patio and transforming it into an all-weather space takes a few well-chosen accessories and furniture items, namely some shelter, cosy textiles and lighting to warm the space up, and a heat source. Together, they create a beautiful patio area that redefine the boundaries of the property, extend the square footage of your property, and provide a space that anyone can use no matter the time of year.
If you're looking to let or sell your property, we can help. Get in touch with your local branch or book in for a property valuation.
This post was written by guest blogger, Annie Button.
