‘Kerb appeal’ refers to how your property looks from the street to passers by, visitors or potential buyers; in simple terms, it is the first impression people will get of your house before entering. Enhancing your kerb appeal can not only make your home more attractive to you but it can also genuinely increase its value if you’re looking to sell. This article will explore ways to improve your kerbside value to make your property stand out.

Front door

One of the most fundamental ways to improve the look of your home is to invest in contemporary front doors. When people ask, “What’s the value of my house?” they often overlook basic alterations that could significantly affect the overall value. A new door suggests that your property is up-to-date and well-maintained to new buyers. A solid, durable material or a colour that harmonises with your exterior will solidify this impression. You can also use laminate if you are more drawn to solid wood doors, so you can have both the appealing benefits of a contemporary door while maintaining the look of traditional wooden doors.

Greenery

A touch of life in the exterior of your property can make a huge difference. Studies have shown that well-maintained green spaces can increase the value of your home by up to 15%. 

• If you have only a small front porch area, use potted plants around the outside, water them and keep them green.
• If you have a lawn patch, ensure it is tidy, your flower patches are healthy and any aggressive plants are not taking over.

Lighting

Good lighting can significantly impact kerbside value by increasing visibility during evening viewings and indicating better property security. 

You can choose a lighting colour that matches your property’s general aesthetic and colour theme. For example, a cosy cottage would look best with warm lights, whereas a sleek modern property may look better with cool white lights.

Wall colours and cleanliness

The easiest and potentially first thing you should do if you want to sell your property is to ensure everything is clean and tidy. This applies to your external walls, which are often forgotten about. 

In terms of colour or paint, you want it to look uniform and even, with no big blotches or cracks. Choose a colour that will match the rest of the external design.

Windows

Windows must also be clean and match the rest of the exterior. The window frames should typically be the same or a similar (complementary) colour to the front door. 

If you’re replacing your windows, consider both the frames’ colour and material and the aesthetic of the glass. For example, go for clear glass if you want a simple and modern look and stained glass if you want character and charm.

It’s completely understandable if you don’t want to replace older windows. Ensure your current windows are cleaned to a high standard and consider giving the frames a fresh coat of paint.

Accessories

Accessories are usually the final touch when polishing and finishing your designs. Choose matching metal front door accessories like doorknobs, letterboxes and doorbells. If you want to portray a house with character, consider items like wind chimes.

Tying everything together

Finally, the main thing to consider when preparing a property to be more valuable on the market is ensuring everything works together. Think about each section and a general aesthetic theme you have in mind. Do you want lots of colour, a sleek and modern look, or just a plain canvas for new people moving in? 

After applying these tips, consider a professional valuation for advice on final improvements. Remember that people often prefer a plainer design for renting, but cohesion is still a priority. So, start today by listing your house’s exterior features and how to jazz them up with these tips – you will thank yourself later when your property sells for more.