Should I Buy a House With a West Facing Garden?

England certainly isn't as hot and bright as some countries. However, you would have noticed how hot it can get, and having direct sunlight beaming on your property only makes it harder to cool down.

That's why when buying a house you need to consider the pros and cons of buying a house with a west facing garden.

In this insight, we tackle the question, should I buy a house with a west facing garden?

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 cozy 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.

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 purchasing 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.

Conclusion

Buying a house with a west facing garden can be a rewarding experience, but it's essential to weigh the benefits and drawbacks before making a decision. While a west facing garden offers extended hours of sunlight, energy bill savings, and the opportunity to cultivate beautiful flowers, it can also lead to increased heat inside the house and potentially affect the property's value.