There is loads of advice out there about getting properties ready to sell. Usually, they advise you to paint the walls a neutral colour and make the space seem big and light. But what about kerb appeal, and how your house looks from the outside? First impressions count – getting your property to appeal to the buyer before they have even opened the door is an important part of the selling process.

What is kerb appeal?

Kerb appeal is the term given to how the house looks from the street. If you’ve ever viewed a property to buy or rent, you’ll remember arriving and working out which property you’d be visiting. You probably crossed your fingers it wouldn’t be the one with the rusty caravan on the drive, and were very relieved when it turned out to be the one with the secure-looking door and tidy front garden. 

Kerb appeal harnesses the power of that first impression. When you’re selling your property, it’s important that the house or flat looks as good outside as it does inside. 

Why is kerb appeal important?

Potential buyers walk into a house with good kerb appeal in a positive frame of mind. This means they are more likely to put in an offer on your property. 

Kerb appeal also sets the tone. If the house looks loved and well-maintained on the outside, it will probably be the same on the inside. By the same token, a house with a trip-hazard path and overgrown garden will set alarm bells ringing – if the seller couldn’t be bothered to tidy the front of the house, what other problems have they ignored? When a potential buyer enters a shabby property, they might well start looking for problems instead of opening their eyes to the benefits. 

How do I get kerb appeal right?

Stand in the street and look at your house or block of flats as a stranger would. Take note of the problems and deal with them. Remember, those visible bins might not bother you, but could still put a buyer off. 

Pick up the litter and pull up the weeds. If there is any junk waiting to go to the tip, take it now – it will improve the look of the property and save you a job on moving day. If you have big items outside that you’ll be taking with you, like a car you’re doing up, ask a friend if you can use their drive to store it until you sell your house.   

Make sure the property looks clean and bright. Wash the windows and wipe down the front door. If you have pets, make sure you pick up after them.

If you live in a flat, check the outside of the building and do the same as far as possible. Between the public entrance to the block, and the front door of the flat, check that everything is clean and tidy. Chuck out the pizza leaflets, for goodness’ sake! Have a polite word with your neighbours about the bike on the landing or the pram in the hall – if it’s your own bike or pram, fold it away or hide it in your car. 

Sometimes a good tidy-up is all that’s needed. However, if your front garden is seriously neglected or anything is broken or unsafe, you might need to invest in some outside help. We can recommend contractors to help you improve your property – just ask! 

Sell your Guildford property with Cobbles

If you need advice on kerb appeal or any other aspect of selling your Guildford property, Cobbles can help. Call our expert team today on 01483 457 000.