The ‘race for space’ has been talked about to death, but there’s no getting around the fact that, now more than ever, access to the outdoors is a huge draw for homebuyers. Last year, the Evening Standard found that London homes with gardens were priced £64,000 higher on average than those without; the highest premium is paid in Kensington and Chelsea, where homes with gardens are £166,000 more expensive.

And it makes sense, right? What could be better than kicking back in your own little slice of nature – having drinks on the terrace, friends over for barbeques, or passing a Saturday afternoon planting and preening. It adds a whole other dimension to your home that many Londoners are simply unwilling to do without. On which note, we’ve done some research to find houses with exceptional gardens currently on the market, from sprawling country-style acreage to stunning landscaped terraces.

Chelsea Waterfront, SW10

Communal outdoor space isn’t for everyone, but for those who are partial to the idea of leaving the gardening to someone else, the rewards can be immense. Take Chelsea Waterfront, for example – the redevelopment of the historic Lots Road Power Station. The attached gardens are designed by landscape architect Randle Siddeley Associates, which was a Silver Gilt medal-winner at Chelsea Flower Show in 2016. In fact, the Chelsea Waterfront gardens are inspired by the flower show, as well as the Chelsea Physic Gardens – another botanical SW3 institution originally opened as the Apothecaries’ Garden in 1673.

Guide price: £5,026,000, savills.com

Lancer Square, W8

As buyers’ desire for outdoor space persists post-pandemic, developers are throwing more and more at the proposition. Lancer Square – the mixed-use development on Kensington Church Street – is no exception. It is set around a secluded courtyard which draws inspiration from Lancer Square’s horticultural past: it is built on the site of the original Kensington Palace grounds and kitchen garden, which later became Kensington Barracks, HQ for cavalry and infantry including the Royal Lancers.

Four-bed apartment priced at £15,020,000, savills.com

Broomhouse Lane, SW6

Garden parties reach new heights at this extensively refurbished property; the courtyard garden is primed for outdoor entertaining, as is a marble patio and suntrap terrace complete with expansive barbeque. This six-bedroom, seven-bathroom, two-living room home overlooks the ever-popular Hurlingham Park, and is home to a host of lifestyle amenities including a heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room, cinema and gated driveway.

£15,000,000, jll.co.uk

Albion Square, E8

This 1840s home boasts a prime position on Albion Square, a coveted enclave of Grade-II listed villas in trendy London Fields. The four-bedroom property has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment by the current owners, including a new kitchen, bathrooms, and bespoke joinery, while retaining original period features such as fireplaces, cornicing, and glorious bay and sash windows. The garden, meanwhile, is expansive and designed by a Chelsea Flower Show Gold winner.

£2,850,000, knightfrank.co.uk

Home Road, SW11

This architect-modernised, end-of-terrace home is located on a quiet cul-de-sac just off Battersea Park Road. You enter on the ground floor to a spacious reception and dining room which gets bathed in natural light thanks to the dual aspect. We also love the kitchen’s walk-in larder, the Crittal doors to the garden, and, of course, the garden itself: this south-facing sun trap is landscaped with mature trees and a pond.

£1,600,000, knightfrank.com

Egerton Crescent, SW3

This Grade II-listed townhouse boasts just over 3,000 square feet of combined traditional and modern design. The ground floor hosts a kitchen and dining room, and an adjoining dining area offers ample space for more formal gatherings. Here, large windows look out onto one of the property’s biggest draws: a gorgeous south-east facing garden.

£11,500,000, knightfrank.com

St Leonard’s Terrace, SW3

The south-facing garden at the Grade II-listed St Leonard’s Terrace property boasts fabulous views over the grounds of Burton Court, the park of the Royal Chelsea Hospital. This four-bedroom Georgian townhouse occupies a corner plot; as a result, the reception room has four windows, through which pours an abundance of natural light.

£4,750,000, tedworth.co.uk

Randolph Avenue, W9

Nestled in the charming surrounds of Little Venice, this white stucco period home comprises 316 sq m and a pretty patio garden. The property was subject to a major renovation in 2013 and now boasts expansive open-plan living spaces as well as five double bedrooms, three with en-suites. Further benefits include working fireplaces and air conditioning throughout.

£6,100,000, arlingtonresidential.com

Oakhill Avenue, NW3

Set back behind a gated driveway and mature front garden on the west side of Hampstead, this substantial residence has been in the same family for nearly 30 years. Indeed, with its 474.5 sq m span, seven bedrooms, and character features (including fireplaces), this is the perfect family home. That’s not to mention the vast southeast-facing garden and not one, but two, terraces.

£7,500,000, arlingtonresidential.com

Read more: London homes for sale with swimming pools