Kerb appeal can create a lasting first impression
FIRST impressions count so if selling your home this autumn then spending time and money sprucing up its exterior could pay off.
Fixing broken roof tiles, touching up doors and windows, improving paths and fences, and tidying up your garden could help secure a quicker sale at a higher price.
Concealed wheelie bins, a brightly lit exterior and a freshly- painted frontage can all make a big difference.
More than two thirds of homeowners say “kerb appeal” was an important factor in their choice of home, according to new research by the HomeOwners Alliance.
Jobs vary in cost, starting from £ 50 for an attractive wheelie bin screen, £ 190 for fixing loose or cracked roof tiles, to around £ 550 to repaint the entire front of the house, according to the Federation of Master Builders ( FMB). Repairing and redecorating wooden windows costs between £ 1,000 and £ 2,000, as it may require scaffolding.
HomeOwners Alliance chief executive Paula Higgins said kerb appeal creates a lasting first impression as most buyers make up their minds in the first few minutes. “The good news is that a lot of solutions are simple and cost little, from putting your wheelie bins out of sight, to repainting your front door and weeding your paths. Some jobs don’t even require a tradesperson.”
FMB chief executive Brian Berry added: “Small jobs can be completed in days and give your property the all- important wow factor.”
If you need a professional to help, seek recommendations from family and friends, use the FMB’s “Find a Builder” service, and get a few different quotes.