If you have a garden and want to make some extra money, why not rent it out to individuals or even to a company? It’s a simple and quick way to make some extra money without too much effort. You won’t get rich from it, of course, but plenty of people are looking for a private green space for various reasons that we’ll explore in this article. Renting out your garden can also be an opportunity to meet new people and diversify your income in a friendly way.
- Here's the program
- Why rent out your garden?
- You have a swimming pool?
- Offering complementary services
- Maximizing your income
- Promote your garden
- Administrative and legal formalities
- Tips and tricks
- Conclusion
- EcoTips
- Pros and Cons
- Information recap
Why rent out your garden?
The idea might seem surprising, but it offers really interesting potential. Renting out your garden meets a variety of growing needs in our society. Indeed, more and more people are looking to enjoy private green spaces for various reasons. This can be, for example, for:
- Birthday parties
- Wedding ceremonies and/or parties
- Funeral (a drink after the ceremony)
- Company meeting or drink
- Camping site for a few nights
- Employees or freelancers who, on a nice summer day, want to work outside with their computer
- Your neighbor who would like to maintain a little vegetable garden
- Sunday picnic or family barbecue
- Natural tanning sessions
- Outdoor yoga classes
- Organization of the local rugby cup (if your garden is big enough 😋)
This trend offers opportunities to transform your garden into a source of additional income. You might be surprised by the demand and the possibilities that renting out your outdoor space can offer.
You have a swimming pool?
If your garden is equipped with a pool, it can be a significant advantage in attracting renters, especially in the summer. Having a pool adds extra appeal to your garden, making it perfect for summer events or simply for relaxing days. Families, groups of friends, and even professionals looking for an original setting for their meetings will be drawn to the opportunity to cool off and have fun in the water.
Additionally, having a pool can allow you to charge a higher rental fee, especially during the hot months when the demand for private pools is at its peak. However, be sure to limit the number of people who can swim at the same time for safety reasons.
Renting out your pool also comes with certain drawbacks and additional responsibilities. You must ensure the safety of your renters, especially if there are children, by installing protective barriers and providing safety equipment. The maintenance costs of the pool, such as regular cleaning, water treatment, and potential repairs, can also add up. Finally, it is crucial to check that your insurance covers accidents related to the use of the pool.
A pool will probably boost the number of bookings, especially during the summer months.Offering complementary services
Depending on the case, you will need to provide a complementary service. Freelancers will need a WiFi connection, your neighbor will need some water and maybe electricity to grow his salads, campers will need access to toilets and a shower, etc. But it’s also a good way to offer additional services for a fee. For example, for weddings, you may well offer to make the food yourself or cater it. For office workers, offer them the possibility to order various refreshing drinks or even food.
To attract more clients and justify higher rates, you can enhance your garden with some simple yet effective additions. A relaxation area with hammocks or lounge chairs, a comfortable garden table for meals or meetings, a barbecue, and even a ping-pong table can make all the difference.
Consider also offering leisure equipment like board games or light sports gear, such as badminton rackets or pétanque balls. These small touches can make your guests’ experience more enjoyable and memorable, increasing the chances they will return or recommend you to their friends and colleagues.
Safety first!
Safety is a crucial aspect to consider when renting out your garden. Ensure the space is well-maintained, without any obstacles or potential hazards like falling branches or slippery surfaces. Also, check that electrical installations, such as outdoor lights and outlets, are in good condition to avoid any accidents. Be extra vigilant if there are children!
Maximizing your income
If you are lucky enough to live near a big city, have a spacious garden and enjoy good weather, you could potentially earn a solid income. Just be sure to carefully consider everything that this entails before starting. In the case of a wedding, most guests will come by car. If there is no space on your street, this can quickly become complicated. Your campers may need access to public transportation to visit the city.
Consider the seasonality of your offer. In summer, the demand for outdoor spaces is naturally higher, but don’t overlook the other seasons. For example, you can set up a covered or heated area for events in autumn and winter. By diversifying the types of events and adapting your offer, you can maintain a steady income stream throughout the year.
Additionally, you can diversify your income sources by offering additional services like gardening classes, outdoor yoga workshops, or meditation sessions. These activities can attract a different audience and add extra value to your offer. Remember to set competitive prices and adjust your rates according to demand and seasons.
How to determine the price of each rental?
To calculate the price of renting your garden, start by evaluating the size of your space and the available amenities, such as WiFi, access to restrooms, or leisure equipment. Compare the rates of similar rentals in your area, if any, to get an idea of the standard price range.
Then, adjust your rate based on seasonality, days of the week, and the duration of the rental. Don’t forget to consider additional costs for complementary services you offer, like catering or equipment rental. Finally, test different rates and adjust them based on demand and feedback from your clients to find the optimal price.
Promote your garden
To promote your garden, you can start by placing a few ads in local newspapers. Creating a small website with beautiful photos to showcase it is also a good idea. If all goes well, word of mouth should then take over.
Recently, several platforms specializing in garden rentals for individuals and businesses have emerged. If you find one that covers your area, it should significantly boost the number of renters. Here are some platforms I found during my research:
- Peerspace (Worldwide) : Peerspace is known for renting workspaces but also offers gardens and outdoor spaces for professional events. Listings include detailed information on available facilities and additional services.
- Borrow My Garden (UK) : An online platform that allows you to rent out all kinds of spaces, including gardens, by the hour.
- Welcome To My Garden (USA): This site offers camping spaces in private gardens, connects garden owners with campers, and allows travelers to camp in unique and personal settings.
- Shared Earth and Yardyum (USA): These platforms offer garden plots for rent, connecting people who want to grow their own vegetables with available gardening spaces.
- Campspace (Worldwide) : Campspace is a site specialized in “gamping”, allowing garden owners to welcome campers.
For other countries, a quick Google search should help you find them. If you have other good tips of this kind, especially for other countries like USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and other English-speaking countries, feel free to share them with us in the comments.
On the other hand, consider using social media to promote your garden. Create a dedicated Facebook page or Instagram account where you can regularly share photos and testimonials from satisfied clients. Social media is an excellent way to reach a wide audience without investing a lot of money. Additionally, encouraging your clients to leave positive reviews online can greatly improve your visibility and reputation.
To maximize the impact of your advertising efforts, consider creating engaging content such as video tours of your garden, interviews with satisfied clients, or blog posts about successful events. This content can be shared on your website and social media platforms to attract even more visitors.
You could also rent a hammock in your garden.Administrative and legal formalities
From an administrative standpoint, the first thing you should consider is getting good insurance coverage in case of mishaps (BBQ explosion, attack of a swarm of Asian hornets, Martian invasion, or who knows what else). Call your insurer; they should be able to help you.
But before you start anything, you must absolutely check the local regulations to ensure you comply with all applicable laws. Some municipalities may require specific permits or have restrictions on certain types of events. Being prepared for these details ensures you can manage your activity with peace of mind and avoid potential sanctions.
Finally, don’t forget to keep written records of all your agreements and contracts with renters. This can include clear terms and conditions regarding the use of your garden, the responsibilities of each party, and cancellation policies. Well-structured documentation can prevent misunderstandings and protect your interests in case of disputes.
How to avoid conflicts with neighbors?
If you have neighbors, and unless they have severe hearing problems, renting out your garden can become problematic for them. Indeed, if parties are regularly organized at your place and they last late into the night, they might not appreciate it. That’s why it’s essential to maintain good relationships with them and communicate regularly.
Inform them in advance about planned events and their duration, and try to limit noise, especially in the evening. Respect quiet hours and consider installing fences or hedges to maintain their privacy. If issues arise, be ready to discuss and find amicable solutions.
You can also offer them a small compensation, such as occasional access to your garden. Finally, involving your neighbors in your projects and seeking their opinions can enhance their sense of consideration.
Tips and tricks
Before concluding this article, here are some practical tips that should help you successfully implement this idea.
- Offer virtual tours: Create a virtual tour of your garden using videos or panoramic photos to allow potential renters to envision the space before booking.
- Provide a welcome kit: Prepare a welcome kit with local information, snacks, and drinks to pleasantly surprise your renters upon their arrival.
- Organize activities: Offer gardening workshops, yoga classes, or outdoor movie nights to attract different types of renters.
- Create themed zones: Set up distinct areas for different activities, such as a relaxation zone, a dining area, and a play space for children.
- Offer customization options: Allow renters to personalize certain aspects of their event, such as decorations or furniture, to meet their specific needs.
- Collaborate with local influencers: Invite local bloggers or influencers to use and promote your garden, which can increase its popularity and attract more clients.
- Request a deposit: Ask for a deposit from your renters, especially if the rental involves any financial investment on your part, such as ordering catering services!
You will need to decide whether or not to accept pets in your garden. This can bring you potential additional renters, but they can also cause damage and certain nuisances. If you do allow pets, consider setting clear rules regarding their behavior and the areas they are allowed to access to avoid any inconvenience.Conclusion
Turning your garden into a source of additional income is a rather original idea (since it is still relatively uncommon) that meets various and growing needs. By following the tips in this article, you can offer services tailored to each type of rental, maximize your income by diversifying your offers and adjusting your rates according to the seasons, and effectively promote your space using modern communication tools.
Make sure to prepare your garden well and stay flexible to the needs of your renters. Providing an exceptional customer experience and diversifying your additional services can help you attract and retain a varied clientele.
What about you? What do you think of this idea? Have you ever considered renting out your garden? What would be the main challenges for you to start this activity? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
EcoTips
Environmental and climate change issues are more than ever at the heart of the concerns of this 21st century, which is why I am proposing a few ideas that will enable you to limit the negative impact that the implementation of this idea could have.
These solutions that I suggest are sometimes largely insufficient to compensate for these negative impacts, such as carbon offsetting. Unfortunately, there is not always an ideal and 100% efficient solution, far from it. And if you have others, please do not hesitate to share them in the comments below.
While not catastrophic for the planet, renting out your garden can have some negative environmental impacts, especially if certain precautions are not taken. For example, hosting many guests or campers can lead to increased waste, higher water consumption, and greater electricity use. The soil in your garden can also suffer from repeated trampling, which can damage vegetation and disrupt the local ecosystem.
To limit these impacts, you can implement several eco-friendly practices.
- Start by encouraging your renters to sort their waste by providing clearly labeled recycling and compost bins.
- Consider using eco-friendly cleaning products to keep your garden clean after each rental.
- Install rainwater harvesting systems to water your plants and consider dry toilets for campers. These solutions reduce potable water consumption and lower your water bill. Additionally, using native and drought-resistant plants in your landscaping can decrease the need for frequent watering.
- If possible, install solar panels to power outdoor lighting and electrical outlets. This will reduce your dependence on fossil fuels and decrease your carbon footprint. Opt for LED lighting to consume less energy while providing effective and durable illumination for your renters.
- Keeping part of your garden wild can be extremely beneficial, as leaving the lawn unmowed and allowing native plants to grow promotes biodiversity and provides a natural habitat for many insects. This wild area becomes a refuge for local wildlife, contributing to the overall health of your garden’s ecosystem.
Finally, raise awareness among your renters about eco-friendly practices. Provide information on the importance of respecting the environment and how they can reduce their impact. You can also offer educational activities on composting, sustainable gardening, or water conservation.
Pros
- Work at home
- Social contact
- Potentially high additional income
- Flexible hours
- Opportunity to enhance and beautify your garden
Cons
- Risk of damage
- Random income
- Potential for conflicts with neighbors
Info
- Location: At home.
- Investment: Relatively low, unless you still need to buy the garden and the house that goes with it.
- Earnings perspective: Difficult to determine, but there is potential.
- Required: Be sociable, have organizational skills, good communication skills, a sense of hospitality, and the ability to deal with the unexpected and maintain an attractive garden.
- Risk level: Low to moderate, depending on the equipment you need to buy for your garden.
- Implementation time: Very fast.
- Material needed: Deck chairs and umbrellas? This will depend on the services you offer.
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