Most buyers make up their minds about a property in the first few minutes of arriving for the viewing, according to the HomeOwners Alliance.
It’s no wonder then that a property with ‘kerb appeal’ is most likely to leave a positive lasting impression with potential buyers.
In fact, a YouGov survey of 2,000 homeowners commissioned by the HomeOwners Alliance revealed the initial appearance of a home was one of the most important factors when choosing the home they wanted to buy. More than two thirds said ‘kerb appeal’ was crucial.
Neat and tidy
Features such as well-maintained windows and a roof that was in good condition were important to buyers. As was a tidy front garden, immaculate pathways, neat fences and a well-painted frontage.
In fact, even clean gutters, concealed wheelie bins, a brightly-lit exterior and an attractive front door can earn sellers brownie points which will put their property ahead of the competition.
If you are concerned your house is failing slightly in the kerb appeal department, there’s no need to be too concerned as it need not cost a great deal to improve these features.
Paula Higgins, chief executive of the HomeOwners Alliance, said: “The good news is that a lot of solutions are simple and cost very 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. But where you do need a professional to help, make sure you get a few quotes before starting work.”
Homeowners could have a tidy front garden from as little as £150 and the cost of fixing broken roof tiles can start at £190.
Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) said: “That all-important ‘wow factor’ is essential when selling your home.
“These small jobs can be completed in a matter of days and are guaranteed to help make a property stand out from the crowd.”
He recommends, for jobs involving a tradesperson, sellers should use a reputable and experienced builder. You can either ask friends or family for recommendations or the FMB offers a ‘Find a Builder’ service to help locate independently-vetted and inspected professionals in your area.
Buyers’ top 10 kerb appeal features
According to the HomeOwners Alliance, the top features which contribute to kerb appeal can be delivered for under £2,830 – a figure which is based on the average three-bedroom house. It said these jobs could be completed in a week by a small team of tradespeople.
- Windows in good condition (71% of survey respondents said this was important)
The FMB said the cost of repairing and redecorating wooden windows that have not been touched for a decade would be between £1,000 and £2,000. For upstairs windows, scaffolding may be required instead of a ladder and, if so, it typically costs £400 a day to rent.
- A roof that appears in good condition – with no missing tiles (68%)
The FMB said replacing five missing, loose or cracked roof tiles would cost around £190 and would take up to one day. Scaffolding may be needed.
- A tidy front garden with no weeds and trimmed hedges (67%)
According to the FMB the cost of tidying an overgrown front garden would be around £150 for a day’s work.
- A well maintained pathway/ drive (59%)
Repairing and improving the pathway or drive up to the house could typically cost between £100 and £500 depending on the extent of the damage and the surface, said the FMB.
- Well-maintained fences and walls (56%)
Repainting a fence costs about £90 per panel (including labour) while building a new fence could cost up to £1,500, depending on the materials used.
- A well-decorated exterior (54%)
The FMB estimates it would cost around £550 to repaint the front of a house. Scaffolding may be needed.
- A well-maintained and attractive front door (52%)
Redecorating a front door would typically cost £200, according to the FMB.
- Clear, functioning gutters (50%)
The FMB said clearing and repairing gutters would cost around £250. Scaffolding may be needed.
- Hidden wheelie bins (36%)
A natural willow wheelie bin screen storage costs as little as £49.99.
- A well-lit house (26%)
The FMB said adding an exterior light to the house can cost between £250 and £750 and should be completed by a qualified electrician.
