First impressions always make the most significant impact. If you can nail down a buyer’s first impression of your property with kerb appeal, you’ll have a much better chance of selling the rest of the house if they’ve already decided they like it.
Kerb appeal provides the opportunity to entice property buyers before they’ve even walked through the door. So much attention and status are tied to the appearance of the front of a property. So much so that an uninviting looking property can make up the minds of buyers before they know anything else about the house.
If you’ve had trouble shifting your property, there is a high chance that you’re lacking in kerb appeal. In this article, My Conveyancing Specialist will highlight our top 15 ways to improve your kerb appeal to capture the attention of your potential buyers.
What is ‘Kerb Appeal?’
Kerb appeal is a popular term used to describe the outer appearance of your property, typically as seen from the ‘kerb.’ A property with kerb appeal is said to be aesthetically pleasing, tidy, well maintained and decorated.
Even buyers who might not think the property’s exterior will sway them could ultimately offer less for your property due to its appearance. Boosting your kerb appeal can help you quickly and easily increase the value of your property.
15 ways to boost your Kerb Appeal
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Spruce up your front door
Your front door is the first thing potential buyers will see when they pull up to your property, so it’s essential to make sure it looks presentable.
A fresh coat of paint in a complementary colour can do wonders for the overall look of your property. You could even replace the door entirely if it’s looking particularly worn or dated.
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A well maintained front garden
A front garden full of overgrown weeds and dead plants will be an instant turn-off for potential buyers.
By taking the time to spruce up your front garden, you can create a much more inviting entrance to your property.
Pull up any weeds, trim back any overgrown plants, and add some fresh flowers or plants to create a welcoming space
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Add some outdoor lighting
Outdoor lighting is a great way to create a warm and inviting ambience around your property. It also creates a sense of safety and security, always a bonus for potential buyers.
There are a few different options for outdoor lighting, so you can choose something that fits in with the overall style of your property – string lights along your fence line or porch or add some solar lights along your walkway.
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Power wash your exterior
If your property’s exterior looks a little bit grimy, a power wash can work wonders.
Power washing will remove any dirt, dust or pollen that has built up on the outside of your property, leaving the paint or brickwork looking clean and fresh.
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Fix up any peeling paint
If your property’s paint looks worn or faded, it can make the whole property look rundown and remove any efforts of creating kerb appeal.
By taking the time to sand down and repaint any areas looking worse for wear, you can give your property an instant face-lift.
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Wash your windows
Dirty windows are another sign that a property has been neglected.
Ensure to wash both the inside and outside of your windows, and ensure they open and close properly. Many buyers will test their function and condition as this can typically be a costly replacement.
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Tidy your pathway and drive
A pathway and driveway full of weeds, broken pavement or gravel can be a real eyesore.
Tidy up your pathway and driveway by removing debris and replacing it with some neatly arranged paving stones or pebbles.
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Clear your gutters
Clogged gutters can cause water to run down the side of your house and can eventually lead to damage which distracts from your kerb appeal.
Make sure to clean your gutters before viewing, so that water can flow freely and not cause any damage or degradation to your property.
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Repair any damage to fences or walls
If your property has any damaged fences or walls, it can make the whole property look unkempt.
Make sure to repair any damage as soon as possible so that your property can look its best.
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Add some potted plants
Potted plants are a great way to adorn the exterior of your home. They can add a nice splash of colour to your front garden and give the impression that your property is well cared for.
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Get rid of any unwanted clutter
If your property is cluttered with unwanted items, it can make the whole space look smaller and less inviting.
Take the time to clear out any children’s toys, rubbish materials or any other clutter from the front of your property so that potential buyers can envision the space without distraction.
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Put up some new curtains or blinds
Curtains and blinds that look worn or discoloured can make your property look outdated.
Invest in some new curtains or blinds, so that potential buyers will be impressed with the overall look of your home.
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Create a relaxing outdoor seating area
Creating an outdoor seating area on your porch or patio is great to boost your kerb appeal.
Add some comfortable furniture and some lovely outdoor décor, and you will create a relaxing space that potential buyers are sure to love.
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Install some new house numbers
If your property’s house numbers look worn or faded, it can make your home look less inviting.
Installing new house numbers is a quick and easy way to give your property a fresh look. It will also help potential buyers identify the property with the estate agent after spotting a ‘for sale sign.
Final Thoughts
There are many ways to improve your kerb appeal, from cleaning up the exterior of your home to adding aesthetic appeal with décor and potted plants. One of the most important things to consider is making sure that your home looks well-maintained and cared for.
Creating a good first impression is key to securing a positive association with the rest of the property. By following the tips above, you can be sure to make a great impression on potential buyers and help your property sell quickly.