Take it from someone who has just sold their London flat: first impressions count. Especially when the first thing potential buyers see is a door handle with its uPVC coating peeling off, a broken front gate, bags of rubbish and a wonky blind staring back at them from the front window. Our kerb appeal was, frankly, non-existent.
We’d rented out the property trouble-free for years, so I'll admit its maintenance had gone by the wayside. Amazingly, the estate agent had already taken a set of snaps with these horrors visible. And – surprise, surprise – they’d had no interest. So we got the photos taken down and carried out a mini makeover for under £100. A new door handle, a bit of rubbish-clearing, a repainted and rehung gate and a blind put back in its proper place was all it took.
Two weeks later, we had an offer at the asking price. So, if your home is sitting on the market while buyers seem mysteriously unimpressed, don’t panic. We’ve rounded up some affordable kerb-appeal upgrades that could make your home look instantly more inviting, and, hopefully, get the right offers rolling in without a big injection of cash.
1. Repaint your front door and window frames
A tired front door can make the whole house feel neglected before a buyer has even stepped inside, so giving it a paint job should be your first point of call. An improvement in uPVC paint quality makes this possible too, whatever your door type.
"A fresh coat of paint is one of the cheapest improvements you can make, and has a disproportionately positive effect on that first impression," says Robin Edwards, a buying agent at Curetons Property Finders. "If you’re selling I’d generally keep the colour smart rather than too personal. Deep navy, black, dark green and classic muted front door colours tend to be much safer than something very bright or unusual."
Ronseal’s DIY expert and senior brand manager, Jimmy Englezos, tends to agree. "Sage green is definitely a popular choice at the minute, Ronseal’s UPVC paint in Sage Satin (available on Amazon), is one of the brand's most popular shades, and right now UK Google searches for ‘sage green front door’ are up 365% year-on-year," he tells us.
"Deep blues and greens are classic colours that work well across a wide range of materials, from brick to stone and give an elegant feel. Dark greens work especially well with red brick, while neutral tones tend to suit stone homes,” he continues.
Aside from painting your front door, Jimmy also suggests paying attention to window trims or any columns. "If your front garden has an iron fence and gate, painting it black can help make the property appear grander and highlight any intricate detailing," he adds.
Top tip: “Only apply uPVC paint on a warm, dry day above 10°C, as cold weather can prevent the paint from fully drying," says Jimmy. "It’s also important to leave new uPVC at least 12 months before painting.”
Robin has over 20 years experience across the prime and super prime Central London property markets working for some of the capital’s biggest and most respected companies within the industry. Recently described by the UK’s biggest selling newspaper, The Sun, as the “property advisor to the rich and famous," he has advised on the sale, purchase and rent of over £1bn worth of residential property over his career.
Jimmy is Ronseal's resident DIY expert and Senior Brand Manager, he regularly provides insights and guidance on how to properly prepare surfaces for treatment, as well as handy tips and inspiration on interior and exterior DIY projects. Ronseal offers a range of durable and hard-working garden and home products.
2. Replace your door hardware
As you'll need to remove your hardware to paint your door, it makes sense to give this a revamp, too. "Replacing a scratched letterbox, tarnished knocker, cheap plastic doorbell or tired house numbers can make an old door look considerably more expensive for relatively little money," says Robin Edwards. "Buyers notice these details subconsciously. Clean, solid-looking door furniture gives the impression that the rest of the property has been looked after, too.
And this is exactly where I started with my mini-makeover.
As our uPVC handle had lost its coating, we measured its dimensions and the door thickness and then popped to our local DIY store to buy an appropriately sized replacement. You will need to measure carefully, but uPVC handles come in a small selection of standard sizes, so not too much can go wrong.
To switch the old handle out, you'll need a tape measure, a Philips /crosshead screwdriver, and a flathead screwdriver - try this Rolson 28429 51 Pc Screwdriver & Bit Set from Amazon if you need some new ones.
Use the flathead to remove the caps that cover the screws on the inner door panel, pull out the handle pieces from either side, then line up the new panels and screw back into place before adding the new caps. It's that easy.
Shop replacement uPVC door handles
This Yale replacement handle has standard 92mm and 212mm fixing measurements designed to fit a wide range of uPVC and composite doors. It also carries a TS007 2-star Kitemark accreditation, meaning it can meet the security requirements of PAS24 and Document Q building regulations.
This classic handle is made from zinc alloy with a polished chrome finish, and is corrosion-resistant. It's suitable for doors between 44-75 mm thick, and also has a spring cassette – a feature you'll appreciate on any lever like this as it prevents any 'drooping'.
Finished in on-trend black, this purse-friendly handle also has standard 92mm backset and 210mm screw fixing measurements, so is suitable for a wide variety of doors. Switch out your tired old white handle for this one to make your door look more contemporary.
3. Invest in a new door
Sometimes, no amount of painting or shiny new hardware additions can get away from the fact you need a replacement door. Now this may seem like a major renovation to make in the midst of a house sale, but it needn't be costly, time consuming or challenging.
Built to standard sizes, uPVC designs are often an easy switch that can cost under £500. You might even be able to fit the front door yourself.
If you are looking for something special, wood is attractive, eco-friendly (when sourced from sustainably-managed forests) and suits traditional properties. Hardwoods like oak and walnut can be especially effective with their stunning hues and variations.
"Timber doesn’t date, and it can be renewed by sanding back and retreating," adds Elizabeth Assaf, designer and co-founder at Urban Front. "It’s also easy to be creative with a bespoke design using wood."
Once you've fitted your new door, a little seasonal dressing won't go amiss either. "Nothing says a home is loved and cared for quite like a lovely autumn wreath on the door," says Jade Oliver, showroom stylist at Express Bi-Folding Doors. "It's such a small, inexpensive touch, but it instantly makes a property feel warm and homely rather than empty and unloved, which is exactly the feeling you want a buyer to walk away with.
"Pair it with a smart new doormat and a couple of seasonal pots either side of the door filled with autumn planting, and you've transformed the entrance for next to nothing."
Tip: If you are thinking of adding some decor, make sure you find out the best way to hang a wreath on your front door to avoid any unecessary damage.
4. Fix any fencing
A wonky gate or broken fence panel can quickly make an otherwise smart-looking home look neglected. So do a quick boundary audit, replacing any fence panels that are loose, broken or obviously weathered. A fresh coat of paint or stain can also make tired timber look considerably smarter. Avoid anything too quirky though. Picket fences painted in different candy colours might be to your taste, but they won't be everyone's.
If paint, stain or a handful or nails won't cut it, new fencing might be worth the investment. Again, it needn't cost thousands – a replacement picket fence can cost a few hundred pounds.
"Whether it's a luxurious new build or a small-scale renovation project, a striking entrance gate and attractive perimeter fence will help elevate a property," says says Leigh Barnes at Jacksons Fencing.
"When it comes to choosing the style and finish of the gate, countless options exist. From ornamental metal designs to traditional timber, there’s something to suit every home. Flanking timber fencing can also be specified to emulate any curvatures or undulating forms in the gate’s design."
If you are adding or replacing fencing, think of the type of buyer you want to attract before deciding on a fence type. "For example, metal railing options are more exposed than solid timber ones," says Leigh. "Therefore, you're selling to a young family, it is worth considering the latter as they provide increased privacy."
Leigh has over 20 years of experience in the timber and construction industry. Since joining Jacksons Fencing in 2019, he has been instrumental in leading the retail team, focusing on driving the timber division side of the business.
5. Disguise your bins
Nowadays, we all have a full-on collection of bulky bins to contend with – for recycling, food, garden waste and landfill – and, well, they aren't exactly pretty. On a warm day, they can get rather stinky, too.
"Wheelie bins lined up outside the front door are one of my pet hates when viewing properties," says Robin Edwards. "They’re unavoidable, but if they can be moved to the side of the house, behind a screen or somewhere less prominent for photographs and viewings, do it. The same applies to recycling boxes, hoses, children’s toys and dead plant pots. Buyers should be looking at the house, not your rubbish collection arrangements."
That said, keeping them too hidden has its own issues. If there's no obvious place that your bins live, your potential buyer may wonder where theirs will go.
This is where organising your bins with smart storage can make a difference. “Wheelie bin storage in the front garden can further elevate a property’s kerb appeal, and can be customised to accommodate the various receptacles used for general waste and recycling,” says Leigh Barnes. “Disguising them results in a cleaner, better-organised storage system, reducing unpleasant odours and maximising outdoor space.”
You can enhance the stores further by surrounding them with vibrant and fragrant planting, to mask their smell.
Shop smart bin stores
Made from stained spruce, this very charming housing will store two bins. The design features a slanted roof so that rain will run off easily and two bolts to keep the doors shut in windy weather.
For those 'blessed' with a trio of bins, Dunelm has come up trumps with this extra-large store. It's made from spruce, which can be painted or stained to suit your outdoor set-up.
Protect your bins from scavengers like foxes with this fully enclosed store from Keter. It will hold two 120ltr bins, is fade free and weather resistant, comes in light or dark grey and is guaranteed for 5 years.
6. Wash and repair paths and driveways
"Similarly to if you were greeted by a broken gate, or chipped paint on doors and window frames, cracked and damaged or stained paving will instantly make prospective buyers feel as though there is work to be done and money to be spent," says Elaine Penhaul, director of home staging experts Lemon+Lime Interiors.
"It’s well worth your time to clean and mend the slabs where necessary to limit the chances of a low offer.”
Robin Edwards highly recommends buying or hiring a pressure washer to tackle dirty drives. "This is probably one of the best-value kerb appeal jobs you can do," he says. "Front garden paths, steps and driveways gradually become dirty and discoloured, and many homeowners often don’t appreciate quite how bad they look until they’re cleaned. A few hours with a pressure washer can make the entire frontage look brighter without actually changing anything."
If cleaning alone won't work, you might want to consider a full makeover. "If you’ve got a small front garden, mix hardscaping – pathways, cobbles and gravel – with naturalistic planting such as evergreens and perennials to create zones and a sense of space and depth," suggests Isabel Fernandez, director at Quorn Stone.
Not only does this approach look extremely chic, it can cut costs versus paving the entire area.
Shop pressure washers
This cordless pressure washer from Stihl is super handy. Just connect the trigger unit up to a hose, or to the 20ltr water bag provided, and get cleaning. You'll get 15 minutes of cleaning time from each of the two batteries provided, and can use up waste water for cleaning if there's a hosepipe ban.
Topping most 'best on test' lists, the Karcher K4 is powerful, simple to use (thanks to its easy-to-read trigger display), and packed with features like a car cleaning kit and a patio stone cleaner. It also has a reel for easy hose storage.
Stay on budget with this affordable Bosch cleaner. It lacks the brute force of the Karcher, but can handle jobs like cleaning your patio and windows effectively, and is really simple to assemble and pack away.
Elaine Penhaul is the founder and director of national home staging firm Lemon and Lime Interiors. The team does everything necessary to get a property onto the market looking its best for potential buyers, whether it is decorating and repair work, de-cluttering, changing furniture or the function of different spaces in a home.
7. Get rid of weeds and define edges
"While you’re tidying up the paving, it is also a quick and easy job to pull up any weeds that are making the space feel neglected and unkept," advises Elaine Penhaul. "If roots are allowed to grow, there’s a risk that slabs can become dislodged and the jointing will need repairing. Moss can be a slip hazard too and can reduce the appeal of wanting to make the most of front garden space."
You might also want to look at how well any paths, lawns and driveways are defined and employing some garden edging or driveway edging ideas if you find them lacking..
"Most front paths just fade into whatever is either side of them, so the eye has nothing to follow," says Michael Wheat, founder of Ponds by Michael Wheat. "A hard edge, whether that is a brick soldier course, a steel strip or just a clean cut line against planting, makes the whole approach read as deliberate. It costs very little and it makes a tired path look maintained rather than replaced."
8. But don't ditch the greenery entirely
"Paved gardens are at risk of feeling dull and drab, making it hard for buyers to picture themselves in the space," says Elaine Penhaul. "It’s a great idea to add some potted plants of different shapes and sizes, or even some raised beds add a new dimension to the space, as well as colour and interest.”
"Climbers are an excellent way of adding interest to the front of your house," suggests Alexandra Hollingsworth, a garden designer at Dig Club. "Clematis (shown), Wisteria and climbing roses (we like the ‘Generous Gardener’ variety) bring impact, and both colour and coverage, too."
"Also, don't be afraid to use pots," she says. "They allow you to reconfigure your front space, and make changes easily year on year. Introducing symmetry is also an effective way to quickly smarten up your front garden – with a large pot for trees pruned into 'lollipop' shapes either side of your front door. Bay, Olive or Prunus all work well for this type of arrangement."
Finally, consider the time of year. "People stage a front garden in June and then sell in December," says Michael Wheat. "If you are marketing before Christmas, anything that relies on flowers is wasted money. Clipped box or Ilex crenata, a pittosporum, some structural ferns: they hold shape in the months when buyers are actually viewing."
Perfect front garden shrubs
Ilex crenata 'Dark Green' has small, glossy green leaves that can be clipped into almost any shape, and is perfect for growing directly into the soil or in well-insulated, thick-walled pots.
This hardy plant arrives in a standard, lollipop-like shape, with a head of green foliage above a clear stem. You'll need to clip it annually to keep its form – handy, as the leaves can be used for flavouring food.
These 'viewing ready' olive trees come as a duo, perfect for placing either side of a front door. They measure approximately 210cm high and the price includes delivery.
9. Get guttering in order
When budgets for improvements are limited, our experts all suggest prioritising improvements that make a property look cared for.
“Many homeowners assume adding value and kerb appeal means spending thousands on an extension or loft conversion, but that’s not always the case. Some of the most effective improvements cost less than £1,000," says Chris Hall, marketing manager at GAP (General All-Purpose Plastics).
“Also, because they are classed as maintenance or external improvements, they often fall under permitted development or routine maintenance, meaning planning permission is not usually required."
For Chris, rainwater systems are top of his list. "Replacing damaged or outdated guttering and downpipes with modern high-capacity PVC-U drainage systems is an affordable improvement that often costs well under £1,000," he explains. "It helps protect brickwork from water damage, enhances the appearance of the property and gives buyers confidence that the home has been well maintained."
Even if you don't have to replace them, giving your gutters a good clear out can make all the difference. f you're confident on a ladder, you can do it yourself, or call a local guttering maintenance company.
"Gutters are one of those things buyers may not consciously notice when they’re working properly, but they certainly notice when they’re not," agrees Luke Burford, founder and managing director of Buckland Building and co-founder of Compare Builders.
"Clear out leaves and debris, check that they’re secure and make sure there aren’t obvious leaks or areas of staining. It’s a small maintenance job that can prevent buyers worrying about bigger problems."
10. Let there be light
"As the nights draw in and the days get greyer, lighting around the front door becomes so important, especially for anyone viewing after work," says Jade Oliver. "A warm, welcoming light either side of the door, or a lantern style fitting, makes a home feel safe and inviting the moment it gets dark, and it's a small detail that photographs beautifully, too. Solar options are an easy, low cost way to do this without any rewiring."
Just keep it understated – you don’t want the front of the house looking like a football stadium. As Michael Wheat points out: "Cold, bright and aggressive, security floodlights make the front of a house look like a car park at exactly the time of year the light matters most."
He prefers to place a warm uplighter into a small tree, then add low-level path and garden lighting. "Winter viewings often happen in the dark and most front gardens simply disappear," he says. "Good lighting can remedy that."
Shop front door lighting
This pretty IP44-rated wall light should stand up to most weather conditions and should add some character and class to a period porch.
Handmade in France, this zinc and solid brass design with a tapered shade has been inspired by harbourside lighting, so would work well in coastal setting.
We love this modern black metal and brass caged light. If you're looking for something contemporary and chic, it nails the brief.
Q&A
Why is kerb appeal so important?
According to Robin Edwards, making a good first impression has never been more important. "The property market is quite slow at the moment, and there are also more properties on the market than usual," he explains. "As such, buyers have plenty of choice and are being far more selective. The summer has been particularly quiet, but we’re definitely starting to see things pick up as we head into autumn.
"Sellers need to be realistic on price, though, and make sure their property stands out from the competition from the moment a buyer arrives," Robin adds. If you genuinely want to move by Christmas, September is the time to get serious.
"Kerb appeal won’t rescue an overpriced house, but good presentation can absolutely be the difference between somebody booking a viewing, making an offer or scrolling straight past."
The statistics back this up. Homebuilder Redrow, who recently surveyed 500 homeowners to find out what creates the strongest first impression, found 79% of homeowners admitting to judging a property by its exterior, while 46% say they've been put off viewing or buying a home because of the appearance of its front garden.
And it's not just online where kerb appeal matters.
"Buyers will often take a drive past a property they are interested in before booking a viewing, so first impressions are incredibly important," explains Elaine Penhaul. "If your home looks badly maintained from the outside, then many buyers will assume it needs renovating on the inside as well, and be put off entirely."
What can distract from a home's kerb appeal?
Redrow's survey also reveals the biggest 'kerb appeal killers'. Top spot goes to overflowing bins, putting off 66% of buyers, followed by driveway clutter (62%), peeling paintwork (51%), broken fencing or walls (50%) and overgrown lawns (48%).
"In my view, the biggest kerb appeal mistake is an untidy entrance from overgrown planting hiding the front door, or a doormat and pots that have seen better days," says Jade Oliver. "Little things like dead flowers, a faded wreath left up too long, or bins left in view on viewing day can undo all the good work elsewhere. It doesn't take much time or money to put right, but it makes a real difference to that all important first impression."
Michael Wheat, meanwhile, cites large expanses of gravel as a big issue. "People think that just chucking gravel over everything will make their garden look smart and low maintenance. But I say it's not not low maintenance, but low effort. Within two years a gravelled garden is full of weeds, looks unstructured and is thinned out where cars turn. It reads as neglect, not minimalism."
Where do I start?
Not sure where to start? "If you’re preparing your home for sale, I’d literally stand on the opposite side of the road and look at it as though you’re seeing it for the first time," says Luke Burford. "What catches your eye? What looks tired? What looks overgrown? What would you notice in the first ten seconds?"
If in doubt, start by giving everything – including windows, doors and paving – a good clean.
"You don’t need to make the house look brand new," Luke adds. "The objective is to create the impression that it’s been well looked after. If the front garden is tidy, the windows are clean, the door looks smart and there’s nothing obviously broken or neglected, you’ve already done a lot to create a positive first impression."
Of course, selling your home also means inviting people inside, so for more advice on speeding up your sale, find out what to do before you even ask for a home valuation. Then, make sure you have the necessary documents to sell a house prepared, and easy to find, for when that all important offer comes in.
