12 ways to boost your home's kerb appeal
They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but the outside of a property can make a lasting impression on visitors and potential buyers, so it’s important to get its appearance right. Whether you’re welcoming guests, preparing to sell, or simply want to feel a little extra pride when you pull into the driveway, giving your home’s exterior a refresh doesn’t have to mean a full-scale renovation.
In fact, some of the simplest updates are quick, affordable and can boost the perceived value significantly – think freshly painted front doors, a few well-placed plants, and lighting that makes your home glow, even on the gloomiest evenings.
Here, we’ve rounded up the best ways to help you enhance kerb appeal, with minimal fuss and maximum impact.
1. Pep up the exterior
A fresh lick of paint can make a world of difference anywhere in the home, but if the outside of your property is looking tired, then this can be a cost-effective way to significantly boost its perceived value by up to 7%.
You’ll need to use a quality masonry paint, specifically formulated for exterior use. And, when it comes to choosing a colour, as a rule of thumb, stick to neutral tones.
‘It’s worth considering whether your shade is common in your area,’ advises Cathryn Sanders, head of creative at Earthborn. ‘It’s also helpful to take your property’s orientation into account. North-facing homes may benefit from warmer tones to counter cooler light, while south-facing can handle cooler shades without losing vibrancy,’ she adds.
2. Landscape the garden
Front gardens might be small, but they act as a welcoming entrance to your home.
‘While buyers won’t expect landscaping worthy of a show home, they will notice if the grass is overgrown, or the path’s covered in moss,’ says Tim Simmons, property expert at Regency Living. ‘This immediately signals that, if they buy the house, they will have to spend extra time and money to rectify the problems, making them a point of negotiation on the price.’
Spending a little time and budget on a front garden refresh could add 8-12% value to your home, but it doesn’t have to be costly. ‘Just tidying up, cutting the lawn, shaping hedges, or jet-washing the drive can make a difference,’ explains Tim.
‘You don’t need to go overboard with planting either – just a couple of potted shrubs near the door or a smart border is often enough. What really matters is that the space looks neat, easy to care for, and like it hasn’t been forgotten. This alone can nudge up a home’s perceived value by thousands.’
3. Refresh your front door
As the first thing your visitors see when they come to your home, a front door is an obvious feature to revamp if you’re hoping to enhance kerb appeal.
‘Whether that means a fresh coat of paint, upgrading the hardware or replacing the door entirely, it’s one of the quickest and easiest ways to improve the look of a property,’ says Robin Edwards, property buying agent at Curetons.
‘Updating your front door instantly modernises the facade, creates a great first impression and signals to buyers that the property is well-maintained and cared for,’ he adds.
It’s also a relatively straightforward and affordable DIY project: painting your door will cost less than £200 on average. Replacements are more costly, around £500 to £1,200 including installation, depending on the style and materials used.
‘A stylish and good-quality front door can add around 3-5% to a home’s value, especially when the colour and design complement the architecture of the property and the rest of the exterior,’ Robin suggests.
4. Improve your windows
Decent double- or even triple-glazed windows are a must for most homes today. Not only can they improve energy efficiency, but they also provide added security and boost kerb appeal. They can, however, cost thousands, with prices starting from around £500 per window. When investing in new windows, consider your home’s age and architectural style to ensure your choice is sympathetic.
‘Aluminium frames can contribute to a 3-7% uplift in perceived value, particularly in homes with modern layouts or recent renovations,’ suggests Andrew Boast, property expert at SAM Conveyancing.
‘However, these frames work best in contemporary or architecturally “clean” properties. Introducing them to a traditional or cottage-style home can feel visually jarring, so matching the style of the frame to the character of the home is key,’ he adds.
‘Sensitive upgrades, such as restoring sash windows with timber or sash-style uPVC, can add 2-5% to a property’s value, especially when the work preserves architectural detail. In homes where authenticity is a major selling point, and where modern performance is subtly integrated, the uplift can reach 10%.’
5. Create a driveway
A dedicated and private place to park is an attractive feature as it provides a safe and convenient spot for your car. And, if well-maintained, it will be one of the first things potential buyers admire when viewing your home.
‘Driveways are one of the most functional elements of a property’s exterior, but they’re often overlooked,’ says John Pearce, director at driveway specialists Oltco.
‘An attractive driveway not only improves the look of your home, but also increases its practicality, which is something buyers and tenants value. Strong kerb appeal can increase value by as much as 5-10%,’ he explains.
If you are looking to add or upgrade a driveway, consider an eco-friendly resin-bound surface, which starts from around £75 per sq m for a two-car area. ‘Resin-bound surfaces are low-maintenance, durable, and available in a wide variety of colours and finishes, giving homeowners the ability to create a bespoke design that complements their home perfectly,’ John adds.
6. Add a porch
According to Checkatrade, the cost of a new porch starts from around £4,000, but varies considerably depending on the style you choose.
‘Different types of porches bring unique advantages, says Rachael Munby, chief marketing officer at Anglian Home Improvements. ‘Covered porches create an inviting entrance, while providing functional storage solutions. Wraparound porches, on the other hand, can significantly increase the perceived living space of a property, making them especially appealing for larger homes or rural settings,’ she adds.
To see a return on your investment, look to add one that provides storage as well as protection from all weathers. You don’t usually need planning permission for a porch, but always check local Permitted Development Rights for your property.
7. Build a bin store
While the addition of a bin store won’t necessarily add direct value to your home, it can certainly help prevent value loss by keeping the appearance of your property’s exterior neat and well cared for.
‘A simple yet smart wooden bin store can instantly make your garden or driveway look and feel cleaner,’ says Nisha Kumar, head of marketing at Onduline.
‘And the good news is that building your own bin store isn’t as complicated as you may think – even without any DIY expertise. Materials for a basic wooden bin store typically cost around £50 to £150,’ she adds.
A well-designed bin store can also give you extra surface space for planting or outdoor storage. It’s a small project that delivers big improvements in both practicality and kerb appeal.
8. Prune any trees
If you’re debating whether to remove an overbearing tree from the front of your home, you may be interested to know that it could increase the value of your property by around £5,000.
‘Many buyers are put off by the maintenance required for large trees; fruit trees in particular are unappealing, as the dropped fruit can go mouldy and requires cleaning up,’ explains Luke Saywell, partner at Gascoines Estate Agents.
‘While investing in a tree surgeon to do the job properly isn’t cheap, the larger space can significantly increase the price people are willing to pay for a home. Removing trees outside also helps to open up the space inside, creating rooms that are brighter and lighter,’ he adds.
9. Factor in outdoor lighting
‘Buyers often form their first impressions from the outside, so kerb appeal benefits greatly from thoughtful lighting,’ explains James Kendall, operations director at KES Lighting & Home.
‘It can highlight architectural features, define pathways and create a warm welcome, all of which contribute to a sense of quality and care before someone even steps inside,’ he continues.
Elegant outdoor lighting could increase perceived value by up to 10% compared to similar properties lacking the same presentation. Be sure to choose lights with an IP65 rating so they are fully weatherproof and safe for garden use.
‘While it is hard to isolate how much of that uplift comes solely from lighting, exterior illumination is consistently cited as one of the smaller-cost, high-impact upgrades,’ James adds.
10. Transform your garage
Repurposing a rundown garage into a home gym, office or craft studio instantly turns underused space into an extension of your home – and it’s a smart financial move.
A garage makeover offers great value for money, as the foundations and walls are already in place, and it could add approximately 10-20% to the value of your home,’ says Marina Whitfield, head of design and marketing at My Garage Makeover.
With clever storage and thoughtful design, an underused garage can become one of the most functional rooms in your home. And with more people craving flexible, multi-purpose spaces, an upgraded garage can make your property far more appealing to future buyers.
11. Upgrade your fence
While gates and fencing exist mainly for protection, they also shape first impressions and may contribute to your property’s overall value. Fortunately, there are plenty of options out there to complement the style of your home.
‘From ornamental metal designs to traditional timber, there’s something to suit every entrance size, whatever the location,’ says garden expert Leigh Barnes from Jacksons Fencing. ‘Flanking timber fencing can also be specified to emulate any undulating forms in the gate’s design.’
Premium fencing options can add up to 20% value to a house, depending on what is specified. ‘Essential requirements should be carefully considered ahead of installation,’ adds Leigh. ‘For example, metal railing options are more exposed than solid timber ones. Therefore, if the build is for a family, it is worth considering the latter, as they provide a higher level of security.’
12. Design a path
Adding a path leading up to your front door is a simple yet relatively affordable upgrade to embark on, with prices starting from around £8 per square metre for a gravel pathway.
‘A well-designed garden path is a prime way to achieve this, offering both aesthetic charm and practical benefits, like defining a home’s entrance and keeping muddy shoes at bay,’ explains Chris Moorhouse, category director at Wickes.
Buyers always notice a well-cared for entryway, and a smart garden path can add around 2-3% to a home’s value.
What to do if you have untidy next-door neighbours
Paula Higgins, CEO of HomeOwners Alliance, shares her advice…
‘Our research shows that 68% of buyers care about kerb appeal. You can spruce up your own home, but if the problem is next door, it’s a very different story. A neglected neighbouring property puts buyers on alert: who are they living next to, and what other issues might come with it?
A seriously neglected neighbouring home can wipe thousands off your property’s value. Buyers judge a street within seconds, and many will walk away if next door looks derelict. It can make your home far harder to sell.
Can you report your neighbours?
You don’t have to put up with a property that’s so neglected it affects your quality of life. Councils can act under statutory nuisance and public health laws if there are genuine hazards, such as rubbish, vermin, abandoned vehicles or dangerously overgrown gardens.
But there’s no legal duty for someone to keep their home looking attractive. If it’s simply scruffy, the best starting point is a calm, friendly conversation. Most people respond better to direct, polite communication – you don’t want to trigger a longterm dispute.
Be aware: if you make an official complaint, you’ll need to disclose it when you sell on the TA6 Property Information Form.
What if their poor maintenance damages your home?
If their neglect causes actual damage – for example, a shared roof leak or faulty guttering affecting your walls – this becomes a matter of liability, not appearance. In these circumstances you should:
- Gather evidence – photos, videos and notes of conversations.
- Notify your neighbour in writing, asking them to fix the problem. If they refuse, contact your home insurer. They may pursue your neighbour or their insurer.
- If you’re both leaseholders, report it to the freeholder or managing agent. They can enforce the lease and require action.
- As a last resort, get a surveyor’s report and consider legal action for nuisance or negligence.’
For further guidance visit hoa.org.uk. You can also follow @homeownersalliance on Instagram.
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