How to give your house kerb appeal

What is kerb appeal?

Kerb appeal describes how attractive your property looks from the street. A well-maintained exterior can help create a welcoming atmosphere and show care.

If you're planning to sell your home, a strong kerb appeal can influence a potential buyer’s first impression of the property during a viewing.

Kerb appeal checklist

We’ve put together a list of ideas for refreshing your home’s exterior. From fresh paintwork to a well-maintained garden, adequate lighting and discreet storage solutions, there are several ways to spruce up your outdoor space.

Paths, driveways and paving

A clean, safe and well-maintained approach to your home sets the tone, so tidying up paths, driveways and paving can help improve kerb appeal. Here are some simple maintenance tips:

• Pressure washing to remove dirt, stains and built-up grime

• Removing weeds, cutting back overgrown plants, sweeping leaves and clearing debris from these areas

• Repairing broken slabs or loose paving can improve appearance and also help prevent trip hazards

Front door 

The front door is often the focal point of your home’s exterior, so you may want to consider the following:

• A fresh coat of paint in a modern or heritage shade can make a dramatic difference

• Updating ironmongery such as handles, knockers and letter plates refreshes the look. High-quality hardware can make the entrance feel premium

• Cleaning the door and polishing hardware can refresh tired finishes

Plants 

Greenery can lift the appearance of your home, provided it is well-maintained:

• Well-maintained shrubbery, lawns and weed-free pathways or flowerbeds help give your garden a cared-for look

• Potted plants, window boxes and hanging baskets can add colour and charm

• Seasonal flowers add vibrancy, while evergreen shrubs provide year-round foliage

Outdoor lighting 

Lighting can play a major role in kerb appeal at night, making your home look welcoming and lived-in:

• Good lighting can improve safety when it’s dark while also highlighting your home’s entrance and architectural features. You could consider installing wall lights on either side of the entrance to highlight your front door

• Pathway lights or solar-powered garden lights can create a welcoming glow at ground level, without the need for wiring

• Landscaping features can be highlighted with up-lighting, such as around trees

Bins and storage 

A cluttered driveway, porch or side entrance can impact your home’s kerb appeal. Clutter-free exteriors can make homes feel more spacious and better maintained:

• Try to keep bins out of sight where possible, or consider purpose-built bin stores to conceal them

• Consider sheds or other outdoor storage solutions to tidy away tools, empty plant pots and children's garden toys

Façade and windows

Your home’s façade is one of the most noticeable aspects of its exterior. To keep it well-maintained, you could:

• Clean windows and frames regularly

• Refresh tired or peeling paintwork on exterior walls, trim and fencing. Choose weather-resistant paint for durability and longevity

• Repair or repaint fences and gates to enhance the overall look and improve security

Tips for taking listing photos

With many buyers starting their home search online, digital kerb appeal is essential if you’re selling your home. Taking good listing photos can help make your home look its best, which may help generate more interest in your property. The following tips may be helpful when taking listing photos:

• Outdoor areas can be tidied before photographing – consider removing any bins, toys and tools from view where possible

• Try to shoot in bright natural light, ideally in the early morning or late afternoon

• Try to include the front door, pathway and windows for a clear picture of your home’s external layout

• Consider showcasing any unique architectural features, especially if your property has elegant brickwork or heritage-style detailing