Should I Buy a House With a West Facing Garden?
A west-facing garden gets the afternoon and evening sun — which, for most people, is the sun that actually gets used. You are at work when an east-facing garden is at its best; you are home at six on a July evening when a west-facing one is.
It is usually cheaper than south-facing for a garden that, in midsummer, gets almost as many hours of direct sun. The real trade-off is winter, when the sun drops behind the houses opposite by mid-afternoon.
At a glance
- Direction
- Faces west
- Garden sun
- Afternoon & evening
- Best for
- Late-day relaxing & entertaining
- Value note
- Often below south-facing
🌤️ How much sun will the garden get?
A west-facing garden in London gets 8h 12m of direct sun at midsummer and 3h 48m at midwinter — afternoon and evening sun — the hours most people are actually home to use it.
| Time of year | Sun in the garden | Hours | Sun height at noon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midsummer21 June | 13:03 – 21:14BST | 8h 12m | 62° |
| Spring / autumn21 Sept | 12:53 – 18:51BST | 5h 59m | 38° |
| Midwinter21 Dec | 12:00 – 15:47GMT | 3h 48m | 15° |
Sun height matters as much as hours. At 15° in midwinter the sun barely clears a two-storey house, so a garden that is bright in July can sit in full shade from November to February. In midsummer it reaches 62°, clearing almost anything.
Calculated from solar declination and the equation of time for London (51.51°N), checked against published sunrise and sunset times. Clock times include British Summer Time where it applies. This is the astronomical maximum: it assumes a clear horizon, so neighbouring houses, fences, walls and trees will trim the start and end of each window, and can remove winter sun altogether. Treat it as the best case the plot can offer, then look at what is actually around it.
Key takeaways
- A west-facing garden provides afternoon and evening sunlight, making it great for outdoor activities, energy savings, and hosting gatherings into the night.
- A west-facing garden can help lower energy bills due to the extended daylight hours that reduce the need for artificial lighting.
- While west-facing gardens have their benefits, they may not command as high a price as south-facing gardens, a more desirable orientation in the UK housing market.
Should I Buy a House With a West Facing Garden?
Buying a house with a west-facing garden can be a great choice for those who value afternoon and evening sunlight, enjoy outdoor entertaining, and appreciate warm sunsets. Consider your lifestyle and preferences when making this decision.
A west-facing garden receives sunlight during the afternoon and evening, making it an ideal space for those who enjoy the warmth and light of the sun in the later part of the day. With a west facing garden, In the morning, the sun will be facing the front of the house.
The garden orientation can have a significant impact on various aspects of gardening and outdoor living. Here are some key factors to consider:
Sunlight Exposure
A west-facing garden receives sunlight during the afternoon and evening, making it an ideal space for those who enjoy the warmth and light of the sun in the later part of the day. This is particularly advantageous for people who work during the day and want to relax or entertain in their garden in the evening.
Plant Selection
The orientation of a garden affects the types of plants that can thrive there. In a west-facing garden, you'll want to choose plants that are well-suited to full or partial sun in the afternoon and early evening.
This might include many flowering plants, vegetables, and herbs that require ample sunlight to grow and bloom.
Outdoor Living
If you use your garden for outdoor living and entertaining, a west-facing garden provides a warm and well-lit space for afternoon and evening gatherings. You can enjoy sunset views, host barbecues, or create cosy seating areas to relax in the later part of the day.
Energy Efficiency
In homes, a west-facing garden can have an impact on energy efficiency. During the summer, the afternoon sun can cause rooms facing the garden to heat up, potentially increasing the need for air conditioning.
In the winter, the same orientation can help warm up the house when the sun is lower in the sky. If energy use is a priority, it's worth reading how to future-proof your home.
Garden Design
The orientation of a garden can influence its design. Gardeners may choose to create features like pergolas or trellises to provide shade during the hottest part of the day and to enhance the garden's aesthetics.
These design elements can also be used to grow climbing plants, which can provide additional shade.
What is a West Facing Garden?
A west facing garden simply refers to a garden that faces west. The direction in which a garden faces impacts the amount of sunlight it receives throughout the day, making it a crucial factor to consider when buying a house.
Determining the direction of your garden is relatively simple. You can use a compass or a compass app on your phone to point towards the bottom of your garden while standing against your house wall.
The compass will display the direction your garden is facing. Alternatively, you can use Google Maps and enter the address of the property you're interested in to view the house on street view and determine the garden's direction.
When Does a West Facing Garden Get Sun?
A property with a west facing garden enjoys sunlight in the back garden from around 1 pm onwards until sunset, as the sun sets in the west. During the sunnier months, the garden may receive sunlight even earlier, as the sun is higher in the sky.
However, it's important to note that the amount of sunlight your garden receives can be influenced by various factors such as nearby trees or neighbouring houses, which may cast shadows and reduce the overall sunlight exposure. Additionally, in the winter months, the amount of sunlight a west facing garden receives may be significantly reduced.
Pros of a West Facing Garden
If you're considering buying a house with a west facing garden, you might be wondering about the benefits it offers. Let's explore some of the advantages of having a garden that faces west:
Energy Bill Savings
A west facing garden can help you save on energy bills. Since the back garden receives sunlight from 1 pm until sunset, there will be plenty of natural light flooding into the rooms of the property.
As a result, you can reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day, leading to lower energy consumption and cost savings.
Extended Entertaining Hours
With a west facing garden, you can enjoy longer and later hours of outdoor entertainment. The garden receives sunlight throughout the afternoon and evening, allowing you to host gatherings and enjoy outdoor activities well into the night.
The extended daylight hours provide ample time for socialising and make your garden a perfect setting for hosting memorable events.
Ideal for Certain Flowers
As mentioned earlier, there are several flowers that flourish in west facing gardens. Whether you have a passion for gardening or simply enjoy the beauty of flowers, a west facing garden offers an excellent opportunity to cultivate a vibrant floral display.
From the elegance of roses to the charm of tulips and the fragrance of jasmine, these plants thrive in the afternoon sun and bring life and colour to your garden.
Family-Friendly Shaded Mornings
A west facing garden provides shaded areas in the morning, making it ideal for families with young children. The shaded environment allows kids to play outside for several hours in the morning without the risk of excessive sun exposure or sunburn.
Parents can relax knowing their children can enjoy outdoor activities while minimising their exposure to harmful UV rays.
Morning Sunlight at the Front of the House
In addition to the back garden, a property with a west facing garden will also receive sunlight at the front of the house in the morning. This is particularly beneficial for those who appreciate waking up to natural sunlight, as the rooms at the front of the house will be bathed in the invigorating morning light.
Cons of a West Facing Garden
While there are many advantages to having a west facing garden, it's important to consider the potential drawbacks as well. Let's explore some of the cons associated with a garden that faces west:
Increased Heat Inside the House
During the summer months, the extended hours of sunlight in a west facing garden can lead to increased heat inside the house, particularly in rooms facing the garden. This can make the interior uncomfortably hot and may necessitate the use of air conditioning or fans to maintain a comfortable temperature.
However, it's important to note that these cooling solutions can contribute to higher energy bills.
Potential Impact on Property Value
In the UK, south facing gardens are typically the most desirable, as they receive the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day. As a result, houses with west facing gardens may not command as high a price as those with south facing gardens.
If you're considering buying a house with a west facing garden, it's essential to bear in mind the potential impact on the property's value when it comes time to sell.
Limited Playing Hours for Children
While a west facing garden is advantageous for families in terms of shaded mornings, it also limits the hours of playtime for children. The hottest part of the day usually falls in the afternoon, making it less suitable for outdoor activities.
This can be challenging for parents, as they may need to find alternative ways to keep their children entertained during those hours.
Dimly Lit Back Rooms in the Morning
Due to the orientation of a west facing garden, the back rooms of a house may receive limited sunlight in the morning, creating a relatively dimly lit environment. This can give the impression of a more enclosed space, as natural light is essential in creating an open and airy atmosphere.
However, with the right interior design and lighting solutions, you can still create a welcoming ambience in these areas.
Excessive Morning Sunlight
While a west facing garden provides morning sunlight at the front of the house, it can also result in excessive sunlight for some individuals. If you find the intensity of morning light overwhelming, you may need to consider installing blackout curtains or blinds to regulate the amount of light entering your living spaces.
The Best Direction for a Garden to Face
While a west facing garden offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages, it's important to note that there is no definitive best direction for a garden to face. The ideal orientation depends on personal preferences and individual requirements.
However, it's worth mentioning that south facing gardens are generally considered the most desirable, as they receive the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day. South facing gardens can enhance property value and provide optimal conditions for gardening and outdoor activities.
Ultimately, the decision on the direction of your garden should be based on your specific needs and priorities.
Alternatively, an east facing garden would have more morning sunlight than a west facing garden.
Is West Facing Garden Better Than South?
Whether a west-facing garden is better than a south-facing one depends on personal preferences. West-facing gardens receive afternoon and evening sunlight, making them suitable for late-day relaxation and outdoor activities, while south-facing gardens get more direct sun throughout the day.
Consider your lifestyle and needs.
Frequently asked questions
Is a west-facing garden good?
Yes, particularly if you use the garden in the evening. It gets direct sun from around lunchtime until sunset, which in midsummer means sun until after nine. It is generally cheaper than an equivalent south-facing property, for a garden that is only modestly less sunny in the months you would actually use it.
Is west or east facing better for a garden?
West, for most households. They receive a similar number of sunlit hours, but a west-facing garden gets them in the afternoon and evening when people are home, while an east-facing garden gets them in the morning and falls into shade after lunch.
How much sun does a west-facing garden get?
In London, roughly eight hours of direct sun at midsummer, from about 1pm until sunset, and under four hours at midwinter, ending mid-afternoon. Use the calculator above for your own city — the figures shift noticeably further north.
Does a west-facing garden affect house value?
It typically sits between south-facing and north-facing. South-facing commands the clearest premium, but the gap to west-facing is usually smaller than the difference in sunlight hours would suggest, which is what makes west-facing reasonable value.
Which way does my garden face?
Stand with your back to the house looking down the garden and check a compass — most phones have one built in. The direction you are facing is the garden orientation. On a listing, look at the site plan or the position of shadows in the photographs.
Sun hours are calculated from solar position for the city you select and assume a clear horizon — neighbouring buildings, fences and trees will reduce them, and can remove winter sun altogether. General information, not financial advice.
