When it comes to selling houses, it’s not just about getting the inside of your house in order – tidying up the outside is just as important. In fact, it’s so important, it could boost your home’s value by as much as a quarter.
Research by Dulux Weathershield found that UK house buyers were willing to pay 25% more for a property with a fresh lick of exterior paint. With the average house price now £226,906, that’s a potential increase of more than £56,000 or £121,000 if you’re in London.
But new paintwork isn’t the only way to improve your property’s kerb appeal – here’s what else you can do to make your home stand out from the crowd without crippling your bank balance.
- A warm welcome: if repainting your whole house is more than you can face, then a spruced up front door can be the next best thing. Clean PVC doors with soapy water or a specialist cleaner (avoid bleach and abrasives) and brighten up wooden doors with varnish or new paint. In a survey, Country Life found that estate agents voted blue as the colour most likely to sell a house.
- Name it or number it: Your home isn’t going to sell if potential buyers can’t find it, so make sure your house name or number is clear, neat and visible.
- Light the way: Lights by the front door aren’t just welcoming, they’re practical and a wise security measure. If you don’t have outdoor sockets, solar powered lamps can be just as effective – B&Q have a broad range of mains, solar and battery powered outdoor lights.
- Keep pathways clear: If you can, invest in a pressure washer or hire one to clean up driveways and paths to get rid of moss and grime.
- Perfect porches: If you’re lucky enough to have a porch area, make the most of it with decorative pots and easy to keep plants – herbs are a practical choice that will add some zing to home cooked meals as well as make your porch smell good.
- Tidy the garden: An overgrown front garden was voted one of the top turn offs for home buyers according to House Beautiful. While no-one’s expecting the Chelsea flower show, a neat, mown lawn and tidy beds go a long way to making your property look cared for and desirable.
- Weed in between cracks: Weeds are the plants nobody wants and letting them take hold just makes your property look unloved – which might make potential buyers think what else might need cleaning up.
- Make your windows sparkle: This benefits both the inside and outside of your home. Clean, smear free windows will let light pour in and make rooms feel brighter while scrubbed sills and frames will help your property look well maintained.
- Storage: Bins, bikes and welly boots may well be necessities but it doesn’t mean that buyers want to be reminded of everyday banalities. Tuck bins somewhere out of sight or think about bin stores – Wayfair have a selection for under £200. Declutter the rest of your front entrance and put bikes in sheds and muddy boots by the back-door, Wayfair also offer a wide choice of racks starting from just £13.99.
- Refresh gravelled areas: Gravel is practical, relatively cheap and easy to maintain but it can get messy over time and start to resemble an untidy litter tray. Refreshing gravel with a new top layer will instantly neaten and revitalise your home’s frontage.
For more little changes that can make big improvements, take a look at our home hub where you can find inspiration with budget DIY ideas, ways to spruce up a small garden and how to welcome spring house buyers.