If you’re selling your home in 2023, you should definitely take a few steps to boost your property’s kerb appeal.
By making it look more neat and tidy, well-maintained and in perfect condition, you’ll create an excellent advert for your home and could even increase the selling price of your property.
The good news is that this doesn’t mean spending a lot of money or time – you can easily give your house instant roadside appeal on a tight budget and within just a few hours.
Drawing on our vast experience within the UK property market, we’ve learned a trick or two about what works and what doesn’t. Today, we’re here to share with you our eight best tips.
1. Paint your front door
One of the first impressions that potential buyers have of your home is your front door. If you want to get them excited about seeing the rest of your home, you need to give it some TLC. If the door is old, dull, damaged, mouldy or covered in peeling paint, you could actually deter them from buying.
Start by applying a new coat of waterproof paint to give it that fresh, clean look and while you’re at it, why not consider a brand-new colour? If you have a plastic or uPVC door, look for products that can clean and brighten it up.
Should your door be too damaged, consider replacing the entire thing. By doing so, you’ll also help improve your home security. Once you’ve done this, consider whether you need to get a new door handle, letterbox, number or even a wireless doorbell to further boost your kerb appeal.
2. Spruce up your doorstep
It’s not only your door itself that matters. You should ensure that your potential buyers feel as welcome and comfortable as possible when they enter your home. If you have a porch, make sure it’s clean and tidy and consider adding furniture to boost that homely feel.
Details such as a tasteful welcome mat, potted plants and lighting on either side of your front door and hanging baskets can also make a huge difference. For an extra touch, add brightly coloured flowers to add character and boost that welcoming feel.
3. Clean up!
Make the exterior of your home look clean, tidy and well cared for by cleaning your garden(s) and driveway before you welcome potential buyers. By doing this, you’ll also boost the perceived value of your home and help your property have a big impact.
Firstly, fix your fence by spending time repairing any damage and then repainting it. If it’s rotten, mouldy or beyond repair, consider replacing sections or the entire thing.
Secondly, clean your path and driveway to remove moss, mould, fungus and other types of dirt. A jet wash or power washer can be your best friend here as it delivers outstanding results in much less time.
Lastly, replace any cracked paving stones to help your front and back gardens have a big impact.
4. Give your windows some TLC
Everyone loves clean windows! When they are dirt and grime-free, they welcome in plenty of light and can really help boost the perceived value of your home. Make sure you place this task at the top of your list.
When you’ve done this, consider whether your window frames would benefit from a lick of paint. If you decide to do this, make sure you use painter’s tape to protect your windows and deliver that pro finish.
Whilst you’re at it, consider what you could display in your windows to help your home appear more cosy and loved. Well-positioned and tasteful plants, candles and decorative items can make a huge difference to your kerb appeal.
5. Wash your facade
Over time, even the best cared-for properties can develop mould and weather stains on the exterior that can affect its kerb appeal and even reduce the perceived value of the home.
Take time to pressure wash the walls, removing these stains using bleach and water if necessary then give them a fresh coat of paint if needed. You’ll be amazed at the difference this can make to your home’s appearance.
6. Hide your bins
Many of us keep our wheelie bins at the front of our homes for easy access. However, this can add to the clutter around your home, look dirty and ruin your kerb appeal.
Therefore, before prospective buyers come to visit your home, consider moving them to another location that is less noticeable such as the back of your home or a garage.
7. Fix broken gutters
If your gutter is hanging off your property, broken or blocked with leaves and other debris, it will affect the kerb appeal of your home and could create potential problems for the buyer. Show your home is well maintained and avoid issues by fixing or replacing sections of the gutter or the entire thing to improve the condition of your roof and gutters.
8. Take care of your gardens
After you’ve cleaned up the exterior of your home, fixed your fences and jet-washed the outside of your property, turn your attention to making the front and back gardens look as beautiful as possible.
- Cut the grass and consider using a lawn feeder if looking yellow
- Prune shrubs or trees and remove weeds
- Consider adding potted plants or a window box
Once you’ve done this, set aside regular periods of time to keep it looking attractive and well-maintained.
Final Words
By making these simple changes to the exterior of your home, you can boost your kerb appeal, increase the value of your property, and find the ideal buyer more quickly.
For more expert advice from a trusted independent estate agent, contact us today.