Brits splash in fancy fill pools and British households will spend over £600 each on the garden
Curtain pullers are responsible for a sharp increase in demand for new garden furniture and above-ground swimming pools this summer, according to new research.
Households are expected to spend an average of more than £600 apiece on garden refurbishment this year – with half of this money often splashing down to cool off in a pool.
At least a quarter of our money goes to barbecue sets and trying to impress the neighbors with entertainment. Much of the rest is spent on outdoor chairs, dining chairs and tables.
Pooling resources: homeowners splash in pretty paddling pools and the average household spends £600 on their garden
Leanne Fox, head of purchasing for home and garden at Argos, who conducted the survey on how we spend our money, says: “Searches for barbecues and sun loungers are twice as high this summer, while there has been a 300 per cent surge in interest in above ground splash baths.’
The report found that for half of us, the inspiration to make the outdoor space look better comes from looking out the window or peering over the fence to admire a neighbour’s manicured yard.
Argos’ biggest summer hits include a £90 gazebo to provide shade from the sun and a £380 hanging egg chair. Those looking to cool off spend around £300 on 12ft family pools.
The garden isn’t just a great place to relax for those staying: according to estate agent Sold.co.uk, investments in fixing up the garden and buying garden furniture add as much as 20 per cent to the value of a typical home.
toby.walne@mailonsunday.co.uk