Kerb appeal, the attractiveness of your home’s exterior, is crucial in the UK, both for increasing value and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re planning to sell or simply want to spruce up your place, discover how to add kerb appeal to a property.
How Can I Make the Front of My House More Attractive?
Simply, it’s all about ensuring your house is the best looking and smartest on the street. According to the Home Owners Alliance, 68% of buyers think external appearance is important when buying a home. Which means it may be time to look at the exterior of your property with a fresh pair of eyes. That’s where the idea of kerb appeal comes in.
Exactly What is Kerb Appeal?
Kerb appeal (or ‘curb appeal’ as it’s sometimes spelled) is the concept of improving your driveway, exterior landscaping, porch area and overall home exterior. The goal is primarily to enhance the appearance of the property but there are functional benefits too.
What Adds the Most Curb Appeal?
There’s no single element that reigns supreme in kerb appeal, but some aspects hold more weight than others. Cheap kerb appeal ideas include: cleaning windows, pruning greenery and repainting your front door. A bigger investment might look like: redoing your landscaping, repaving a driveway or installing a composite entrance door to give a contemporary appearance.
How Much Does Curb Appeal Add to Home Value UK?
Leading publication House Beautiful says 93 per cent of potential buyers in the UK are more likely to attend a house viewing if a property’s exterior is nicely maintained. They also claim homeowners can increase the property value by at least £55k ‘thanks to the kerb appeal phenomenon.’
How Can I improve My Kerb Appeal Fast?
Creating an Action Plan
While all kerb appeal ideas contribute to the end result, the most impactful depends on your specific situation, overall budget and project timeline. So, what’s the best way to prioritise and begin your journey to an attractive home exterior?
Starting Point
If your exterior paint is peeling or your roof looks worse for wear, addressing those issues first will have a significant impact.
Budget
A fresh coat of paint or pressure washing can be relatively inexpensive, while a complete garden overhaul might be more costly.
Time Commitment
Maintaining a perfectly manicured lawn takes time, while adding a few potted plants requires less upkeep.
Explore how to add value to a property with our detailed article. Just what you need to create your kerb appeal checklist with total confidence.
Kerb Appeal Ideas: High Impact Elements
Well-Maintained Exterior
This includes a clean and fresh front door, windows free of streaks and grime and a roof in good condition. It creates a sense of care and investment in the property.
Landscaping Magic
A tidy lawn, trimmed hedges, neat topiary and colourful seasonal plants in pots or window boxes add vibrancy and life to the exterior.
Welcoming Entrance
A clean and inviting doorway with a stylish doormat and well-maintained hardware (doorknob, letterbox, house number) makes a positive first impression.
Learn how how to choose a mailbox and how to choose a door knocker to really take your curb appeal to the next level. It’s the little details that tie everything together, after all.
Kerb Appeal Ideas: Cleanliness Matters
Power Play
Borrow or rent a power washer to blast away dirt, grime, and mildew from your driveway, siding, and walkways.
Window Wizardry
Grab a bucket of soapy water and a squeegee and give your windows a good scrub. Sparkling windows instantly brighten your home’s exterior.
Sweeping Sensation
Regularly sweep away leaves, debris, and cobwebs from your porch, walkways, and driveway.
Budget Friendly Kerb Appeal Ideas
Focus on Maintenance
A clean and well-maintained exterior goes a long way.
A Pop of Colour
A fresh coat of paint on the front door or colourful hanging baskets can add vibrancy.
Simple Upgrades
Replace outdated door hardware or add a stylish doormat for a quick and easy refresh.
Potted Paradise
Repurpose old buckets, tins, or upcycle old teapots into unique and eye-catching planters for your porch or steps.
Lighting Luminary
String lights hung around your porch or doorway can add a warm and inviting touch in the evenings. Use fairy lights or inexpensive solar-powered options.
Think: Small Touches, Big Impact
Many of these tasks can be done yourself, saving you money on professional services. Look for deals on discount doors, paint, plants, and outdoor décor at clearance stores or charity shops to keep your project under budget.
Kerb Appeal Ideas: Door Delights
Ready to order a new front door? Wondering what doors add the most kerb appeal? As a general rule, it’s best to choose entrance doors that match the style of your property. High quality hardwood doors look great on a traditional property while composite doors suit modern new builds. Double front doors make a grand entrance.
Give unfinished external doors a fresh coat of paint in a bold colour or classic black. Another idea is to try on trend anthracite grey front doors for some additional design flair.
You could even make a statement with an industrial black Crittall Style doors. Just like our customer, home influencer Jade Doutch. This iconic design is ideal for introducing character, letting in additional natural light and tapping into the coveted black home exterior trend.
Our ultimate tip? If you go for an oak front door, take time to learn how to treat an oak door and what the best treatments are for exterior oak doors to get a worthwhile return on investment for your purchase.
Read about the benefits of wooden front doors and composite front doors using our in depth guides to make your final decision on which front door is best.
Other Ways to Improve Kerb Appeal
Garage Doors
This feature is often overlooked but plays an important part in creating a good first impression. Use our garage doors guide to find out which garage doors are most popular and which garage doors are the best value. Plus, find out what colour is best for garage doors.
Fences and Gates
Don’t forget to refresh fences, gates or any other outside fixtures. A lick of paint in a shade that complements your bricks or stonework can make a world of difference. Soft greys and subtle greens are just two of the best colours to paint fences and gates.
Garden and Patio Area
Glimpses of your garden or outdoor space can sometimes be seen from the street. Show your home in its best light (from all angles) by choosing patio doors that complement your property. Also, think about how to add privacy to your garden or patio. A great way to enhance your daily lifestyle or add property value if you’re looking to move.
Underrated Kerb Appeal Solutions
Say Bye Bye To Bins
Hide unsightly wheelie bins with discreet storage solutions or by screening them with trellis and climbing plants. Go one step further with a stylish DIY wheelie bin storage.
Be Proactive About Pick Ups
Take care to hide away muddy shoes and dog walking gear. If you’re renovating or having a clear out, schedule prompt collections for bulky waste and unwanted items to avoid them cluttering up your space. Your local council might be able to help with this.
Add Personal Touches
A small bench by the door or seasonal decorations such as door wreaths infuse a touch of personality and show your property at its most inviting. Consider investing in stylish window treatments. Think: shutter blinds or linen curtains.
Keep The Look Local
Consider the architectural style of your home and the surrounding area when making design choices. Take time to ensure any changes comply with national and local regulations.
Sustainability Matters
Go for low-maintenance plants and water-efficient features for landscaping that looks good and does good for the environment. Choose features such as high quality FSC® Certified doors wherever possible.
Make a Lasting Impression
Improve home exterior and kickstart a total transformation with our UK kerb appeal ideas. But don’t stop there. Upgrade any property with our spotlight-stealing selection of entrance doors. The perfect way to increase kerb appeal and ensure a professional quality finish.
Choose from the best value exterior doors available and buy front doors, back doors and doors for a porch in just a few clicks. Complete the look with gates and garage doors. Need bespoke doors for a special project? Get in touch with our friendly team today.
