How to improve kerb appeal should be at the top of your question list when selling a property in Kingston, New Maldon, Wimbledon, Putney or other SW19 or SW20 neighbourhood. Buyers will decide how they feel about a home within just eight seconds so that good first impression really does count
While a smart façade’s impact on a property’s value may vary, it will certainly improve kerb appeal and encourage viewings. If buyers are greeted with peeling paintwork and damaged gutters, they may worry about what surprises are in store. Great kerb appeal and an attractive focal point can start the viewing on a positive note, and help secure a swift and successful sale.
We want your property to impress as many buyers as possible, so we’ve pulled together 10 essential steps that will improve kerb appeal, whether that’s in photos or in the flesh.
Potential buyers usually see the outside of the property first. In those brief seconds, they’ll make a snap judgement about whether to enquire further and book a viewing, or to move on.
Kerb appeal refers to how smart and attractive a home is when someone stops outside. People will evaluate the front door, windows, brickwork, front garden, paths, driveways and small details, such as door furniture and outside lights.
When faced with a poorly maintained, crumbling façade or a litter-strewn front garden, they may disregard the property on looks alone – even if the inside is immaculate! As such, sellers may lose a buyer based on exterior photos.
Don’t just take our word for it. A HomeOwners Alliance survey, carried out by YouGov, found 68% of UK homeowners listed kerb appeal as an important factor in their decision to buy a property. While there’s no concrete evidence of just how much a neat façade can add to a property’s value, we know, anecdotally, sellers who improve kerb appeal boost their sales chances.
| Step | DIY or Professional | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Front door | DIY for paint and furniture; professional for structural repairs | High |
| Path and driveway | DIY for weeding and pressure washing; professional for paving | Medium |
| Windows | DIY for cleaning; professional for frame or glass repair | High |
| Exterior lighting | Professional (qualified electrician) | Medium |
| Bins and storage | DIY | Low |
| Boundary lines and fencing | DIY for staining; professional for major fence repair | Medium |
| Front garden | DIY | High |
| Roof and gutters | Professional | High |
| External walls | Professional (rendering or repointing) | Medium |
| Finishing touches | DIY | Low |
Try these tips for a stylish front door with real kerb appeal. Carry out any repairs, then apply a fresh coat of paint. Take a look at front doors in your neighbourhood and see which ones stand out for the right reason. Also be guided by the colour of your brickwork or stone and choose a colour that complements it. If in doubt, paint your front door navy blue or back – classic and chic.
Boost your kerb appeal further by replacing door furniture. Consider installing a new, sleek door number and replacing a weathered letterbox with a more refined option. Ensure that both elements complement the age and style of your property. For example, chrome fixtures pair beautifully with contemporary homes. Look to reclamation specialists for heavy Victorian doorknockers and letterboxes for a period property.
Well-placed lighting on either side of the front door can instantly make it look more welcoming. Finally, if a dated uPVC porch covers your front door, consider removing it.
Don’t underestimate how important a well-defined, weed-free path and driveway are when it comes to making a good first impression. Potential buyers should arrive at your property and have a clear route to your front door. Likewise for driveways – there should be no trip hazards or eyesores.
Consider replacing a worn path with elegant paving stones or tiles, or carry out remedial work on cracked paving. The FMB says that repairing and improving the pathway of a UK house typically costs between £100 and £500.
You can instantly improve the kerb appeal of driveways and paths with a pressure wash. Clear away moss and weeds growing between the cracks, and tidy up any surrounding greenery too.
Clean windows set in well-maintained frames send positive signals. The HomeOwners Alliance survey found that 71% of homeowners see windows as one of the most important kerb appeal features when buying a home.
Even impeccable windows can benefit from cleaning. Make sure blinds and curtains are arranged evenly as well. Repair the window frames and windowsills if the paint is peeling or tired looking; if any are rotten, arrange repairs. If you invest in replacements, make sure they match the style and period of the property, noting the South West London standard.
The right exterior lighting can improve kerb appeal by setting a warm and welcoming tone, essential for twilight viewings. Potential buyers will appreciate the practical aspect too.
Work with the property’s age and style to maximise your home’s kerb appeal. Uplighters amplify your space while a lovely lantern sets off a portico entrance. Adding fixed exterior lighting to the house can cost between £250 and £750 and should be completed by a qualified electrician.
Use subtle solar lights to illuminate the pathway, trees, or your front garden’s best features without adding to your electricity bill. But keep things simple to avoid clutter.
Every home has refuse and recycling but you don’t have to draw attention to them – here’s what to do to improve kerb appeal. There’s now attractive static storage available, so you can stow bikes as well as bins if you have the space available.
You can also find well-designed bin stores to suit most properties or source inexpensive wheelie bin screen storage. If your aim is improving kerb appeal on a minimal budget, consider screens, which can cost as little as £50. If you’re limited on space, ensure bins are clean, fresh-smelling and neatly arranged in an inconspicuous location.
Define your property’s boundary lines by trimming hedges and refreshing fences. Damaged fences instantly create the impression of a run-down property, so repair broken fence panels and gates as a priority. Does the gate open and close smoothly, or is it creaky and rusty?
Once repairs are complete, stain and varnish wooden fences for a polished finish, and maintain tidy floral borders to boost your home’s kerb appeal. If any weeds are encroaching from a neighbour’s garden, ask if you can take care of these at the same time.
Improve kerb appeal with a front garden that is vibrant and well maintained. Start by tidying up. Put away bikes, scooters and garden tools, remove rubbish, and cut back overgrown hedges or shrubs. Sweep up any leaves and pull up weeds.
If you enjoy gardening, enhance kerb appeal with thoughtful landscaping. You don’t need to be an expert, just keep the lawn and plants healthy. Make an impact with potted plants, hanging baskets and window boxes with bright perennials. Try larger shrubs for structure, or introduce planters with lavender and rosemary for welcoming scents. Take a look at these large garden ideas and designs if you have something more ambitious in mind.
Buyers can be wary of a damaged roof or gutter, so replace missing or broken roof tiles. Otherwise, buyers will wonder about the property’s general state of repair, and your property could stand out for the wrong reasons.
Arrange repairs for broken gutters and loose fittings, have moss covered slates cleaned, and don’t forget to clear all the property’s gutters to remove moss and weeds. Blocked gutters have the potential to cause damp, mould and even structural damage over time.
Checking your external brickwork could be a good investment when you sell. Get quotes for exterior rendering, repointing or a fresh coat of paint if required. If you’re changing the paintwork, select a subtle colour in keeping with the period and style of the house and neighbouring properties.
Now that everything looks smart, add a few finishing touches. Welcome prospective buyers with a stylish doormat, and make sure that the doorbell works. Replace a tired-looking house number with a bold contemporary font or traditional hand-painted slates. House numbers written into fanlights can be impressive. Consider adding potted plants on either side of your front door too.
So we have answered the question how to improve kerb appeal. You’re now probably wondering how much it might cost.
The good news is the most impactful ways to improve kerb appeal are free: tidying, sweeping, weeding, clearing, pruning, and a little elbow grease to clean windows and the front door.
More involved jobs don’t have to break the bank either. A tin of exterior paint, suitable for uPVC surfaces and many front doors, will set you back in the region of £30. Check out this range from Rust-Oleum. And for less than £50 you can buy a pre-planted hanging basket or a pot you can fill yourself with flowering plants.
If stubborn grime has built up over time, it may be worth hiring a professional exterior cleaning company. They’ll use jet washes, specialist solutions and poles to tackle paths, driveways, soffits, fascias, gutters and even exterior walls. Expect to pay in the region of £150 for a driveway to be pressure cleaned.
How can I improve kerb appeal on a budget?
Start with the tools and resources you already have. A broom and bin bag are all you need to tidy up and get rid of litter. If you have a flowerpot in your rear garden that’s looking good, bring it to the front and place on your doorstep – an instant focal point for free! A cloth is all you need to shine your door furniture, and you can use the low-cost way of cleaning windows – newspaper and vinegar – to add some sparkle.
While repeated surveys show buyers are impressed by kerb appeal – and they may prioritise a home with a neat exterior over an untidy one – every South West London sale is unique. It’s difficult to pinpoint how much value kerb appeal adds but we do know making improvements won’t harm your chances of selling.
Exterior lighting is often overlooked but it is to be encouraged! Whether it’s a contemporary fitting or a period-style lantern, an exterior light casts a welcoming glow. It’s a practical addition too, making it easier for viewers to see your house number, doorbell or steps to your front door.
Routine work like painting, cleaning and swapping door furniture doesn’t usually need permission. However, parts of Wimbledon Village and other SW19 streets fall within conservation areas, where window and door replacements can require consent. Worth checking with Merton Council’s planning department before ordering replacement windows or altering a period exterior. (Conservation area boundaries vary by street, so worth verifying which specific roads are affected.)
Kerb appeal mainly affects how quickly a property sells rather than the valuation figure itself, since valuations are based on comparable sales, size and location. A well-presented exterior does encourage more viewings and stronger offers though, which helps sellers avoid dropping the asking price after weeks without an offer.
If you’re thinking about selling your home in South West London, in Roehampton, Coombe, Kingston, Putney, Raynes Park, Wimbledon Chase, Merton Park or surrounding areas, contact us today. We would be delighted to give you a valuation and help prepare you for a residential sale.
Looking to Sell or Let Your Property? Book Your Free Property Valuation with one of our experts.
"*" indicates required fields
Book a quick phone consultation with one of our negotiators.
"*" indicates required fields
