With all the time and energy that we put into creating beautiful interiors, the exteriors of our homes can often be overlooked.
However, whilst we are told to never judge a book by its cover, this old maxim doesn’t always apply, especially when it comes to selling your home.
In fact, according to a survey from the Home Owners Alliance, more than two thirds of buyers say that kerb appeal was a key factor when choosing their home and the majority of buyers will form a strong opinion of your property before they’ve even walked through the front door.
So, how can you maximise your home’s kerb appeal for would-be buyers?
We take a look at the key kerb appeal features buyers are searching for and how you can achieve these, attract buyers and sell your home for the optimum price.
The Front Door
As the entrance to your home, your front door sets the precedent for the rest of the property and buyers will be paying attention to it.
Giving your front door a deep clean or even a fresh lick of weatherproof paint will make sure the front of your property gives the kind of welcome you – and potential buyers – will love. Pinterest and Instagram are a fantastic resource for a bit of front door inspiration!
It is worth considering painting any garage doors or front gates to match, to give a coordinated look.
Remember, the devil is in the detail so think about sprucing up your handle, knocker, letterbox or house number to really add to your home’s appeal.
Finally, don’t neglect your doorstep! Making sure that your doorstep is clean and well-kept will go a long way to adding to a positive first impression.
The Doorbell
Make sure things don’t get off on the wrong note by checking that your doorbell is working properly.
You can always go one step further and invest in a doorbell with a camera or intercom to create the impression that your home is well-loved and secure.
Outdoor Lighting
A well-lit entrance feels safe, warm and welcoming, as well as having the obvious practical benefits. Adding matching wall lights to each side of your front door will create symmetry and enhance your home’s kerb appeal.
Adding lights to your home and driveway are a sure-fire way to brighten up and accentuate the key features of your property, especially for viewings taking place in the darker, wintry months.
Roofs and Gutters
We’ve noticed that prospective buyers, especially experienced ones, will frequently step back from the property and look up to the roof before entering a home viewing. Broken, wonky or missing tiles are incredibly off-putting for buyers so if yours are in bad shape, getting them fixed should be a priority.
Equally, broken guttering should be taken care of before viewings take place. Not only are these visually unappealing but they can cause reason for alarm that future maintenance issues will arise.
Front Windows
A whopping 71% of homeowners believe that well-maintained windows contribute significantly to a property’s kerb appeal.
Giving your windows, and window frames, a good scrub will not only look more attractive but will allow more light into your home, helping create a brighter interior.
It is also important to consider what can be seen through your front windows. Acting as a sneak peek into your home, it is important to stand outside your home and see what buyers will be able to see and dress your front rooms accordingly.
The Driveway
Appeal to a wide variety of buyers by keeping your driveway maintained and well-looked after. Remember, having a driveway is a huge allure to buyers, you want to show its full potential!
Tackle those ever-growing weeds and pressure wash away any dirt or moss from the paving to keep the approach to your home looking impressive.
If you have a gravel driveway, laying some fresh gravel can go a long way to revitalizing the space.
Your Boundary
Buyers will inevitably be curious as to where your property starts and ends so it’s a good idea to keep your boundary lines looking attractive.
Give fences and gates a new coat of paint or varnish, trim hedges neatly, and cut back any overhanging tree branches to really show off the space on offer.
Front Gardens
Consider placing potted flowers on your porch, adding new shrubbery to front garden beds or even adding a hanging basket to welcome viewers. This kind of attention will not only add a pop of colour to the exterior of your home, it will show that you love living there, and that they could too!
If you have a front lawn, keep the grass well mown and looking its best. Sweep away fallen leaves and keep all shrubs and plants looking neat and tidy. And it goes without saying that weeds are a big no-no when marketing your property!
Hide the Bins
Many of us keep our bins near the front of the house for easy access on collection day. However, there’s no doubt that unsightly wheelie bins and recycling boxes don’t make the best first impression.
Keep these out of sight, either around the back or in the garage, to increase your kerb appeal. Alternatively, roofed bin stores are a popular option as they look stylish and are accessible for collections.
Are you considering selling your home in 2023? Book a valuation with one of our local property experts today for more information on your property’s value.