The Pros And Cons Of Homes With A North-Facing Garden

Should you purchase a property with a north-facing garden? We have all the answers you need to make that choice.

For UK home buyers, a north-facing garden might be a deal-breaker. The garden will sit in the shade for most of the day. A north-facing home is still a bargain if the house itself is particularly beautiful and what you are shopping for (and the shady garden is not a problem for you).

Still undecided about whether you should go for that lovely home with the northern garden? Let’s look at all the pros and cons in detail so that you can make an informed decision!

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The Truth About A North-Facing Garden And Home

In the UK, a north-facing garden might not be for everyone. The way the sun rises and sets means that such gardens are shady for most of the day. This does not mean that you are stuck with a lemon. Nope. Whether a north-facing property is “good” or “bad” depends a lot on what you want.

But there are also other things you need to look at before deciding to buy such a home. Too much shade can cause water damage, moss problems, and even mould to appear on the northern side of your property.

Read Next: Pros and cons of an east-facing garden .

So What Is Good About A North-Facing Home?

Two things make buying this type of home worthwhile.

1. The benefits offered by the home itself.
2. You do not mind the shade in the garden.

The Home Is Your Dream House

Here is a scenario. You are hunting for that house you have been dreaming of your entire life and then, lo and behold, you find it! The home is everything that you could have hoped for and even the price is perfect. But the garden faces north. Would you really throw the house away just for that?

The truth is, some people might. Their dream home also includes a sunny garden where they can grow their favourite plants, vegetable garden, and entertain their friends.

You Do Not Mind The Shade

Whether this is your dream home or just an adequate house, you might choose to buy it because a shady garden is not a factor for you. Indeed, you might even get a great house for a reduced price because the garden faces north!

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What Are The Drawbacks Of A North-Facing Garden?

Okay, on to the yucky stuff. If you are concerned about too much shade in the garden, here are some of the top reasons why north-facing gardens are not too popular with sun worshippers.

Plants Are Difficult To Grow

Alright, let’s be fair. There are species of plants and trees that flourish in the shade. Some plants will die in full sun or even partial sun. So, you do have options. The problem is that most of the plants that you want to grow probably cannot do well in permanent shade. Things like roses, flowering shrubs, herbs, and other popular plants will eventually die.

Needless to say, you will fight a losing battle to keep your vegetable garden strong and healthy. While some veggies, like carrots and cabbage, do well in dappled shade, most vegetables need adequate sun - something a north-facing garden just cannot provide.

Even grass might struggle, especially when trying to grow in poor-quality soil. Overall, the north-facing garden is a big problem for people who love to grow lots of different plants. If you do not have grass in the garden or you are tired of it looking bad due to the moisture, you can always consider adding the best artificial grass that you can.

If you are a serious DIY gardener and own a few lovely hedges, you can read all about the best long-reach hedge trimmers that are available today.

Moisture Might Be A Problem

One issue with north-facing gardens is that the lack of the sun’s warmth creates a moist environment. There is a lot of shade for most of the day. When it rains, the water hangs around in the soil and even the concrete for longer.

This can cause several of the following problems:

• Mould and mildew can develop on walls, pathways, and even get into the house.
• Moss can take over in the garden.
• The lawn can turn soggy and wet in certain areas.
• Paint on the northern walls can suffer from water damage.
• Concrete can also suffer from water damage.
• The walls might develop a damp-like odour.

In some cases, there is a chance that the moisture might aggravate physical conditions. Especially those that tend to do poorly in a moist environment, especially arthritis sufferers.

If you already have a steady invasion of moss and want to do something about it, relax. We already did the homework and found the best moss killers for lawn products that you can read about.

The House Might Be Too Gloomy

There is nothing better than a home lit by natural light during the day. It feels fresh and cosy at the same time. Unfortunately, a north-facing home will not have a lot of sunlight streaming in through the windows. Due to all the shade, the house inside will be a bit gloomy especially in the afternoon.

This situation is not ideal for people who need sunlight to function better emotionally. Indeed, several studies show that we need plenty of sunlight to feel positive and that too much gloominess can make depression and anxiety worse.

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The Property Might Struggle To Sell Again

The most sought-after garden is the opposite of what we are currently analysing. That’s right! The south-facing garden is so popular that home buyers will purchase properties faster and for a higher price. The reason why these homes are so popular is due to the fact that south-facing gardens get the most sunlight overall.

This is not the case for gardens that face north. A lot of people are wary of investing in something that might not have worth in the future and a north-facing home often fits those fears.

The home might not go for a higher price or sell quickly but remember, not everyone is bothered by lots of shade. If the property has other valuable assets, one should not automatically consider throwing away a great opportunity purely based on the direction of the garden.

You can always add extra value to your property by adding extra assets. These can include the best garden shed and the best wood preserver for permanent wooden features like fences and outdoor furniture.

A Quick Summary On The Pros And Cons Of A North-Facing Garden

• A north-facing garden tends to get the least amount of sunlight every day (in the UK).
• Such properties have both benefits and drawbacks.
• The benefits mostly tend to apply only to those who do not mind a shady property, do not like the sun or find that the house itself is more than enough to make them happy.
• The main drawbacks include issues caused by too much moisture, a gloomy interior, struggling to grow a garden, and also struggling to sell the house.
• The lack of sunshine in the garden and home can aggravate conditions like arthritis and depression.

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