Homeowners can add thousands to their property’s value with simple front garden fixes

First impressions are vital, and the outside of your home is where it all begins.

The exterior of a property is often overlooked by sellers, many of whom focus heavily on interior staging and renovations. But what a buyer sees first is often what stays with them.

Wise buyers will make the best of their brief time during a visit while they consider whether they want to take the plunge.

A neat and tidy home exterior boosts buyer confidence and shows that the property has been well cared for.

Even better, the changes needed are often quick, inexpensive, and simple to carry out.

Here are my five top tips for making sure your garden and home exterior help you get the price your property deserves.

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An easy way to instantly improve your home’s kerb appeal is with a fresh coat of paint

Refresh your front door

One of the easiest ways to instantly improve your home’s kerb appeal is to give your front door a fresh coat of paint.

Choose a colour that complements the style of your home while also standing out positively. Neutral shades are always safe, but deep blues, forest greens, or even bold reds can make a statement, so long as they’re tasteful.

Don’t forget to power-wash your doorstep and remove any built-up grime. It’s these small touches that show the property is loved and maintained.

Tidy the garden

A messy garden could reduce the value of your home by as much as eight per cent. Overgrown grass, weeds, broken fencing, and scattered rubbish can create a poor impression. On the other hand, a well-kept outdoor space suggests that the rest of the home is equally cared for.

You don’t need a show garden, but it should at least be tidy and functional. Trim back hedges, mow the lawn, and remove any dead plants or debris.

A garden doesn’t have to be large to be attractive. Even small spaces can be transformed into inviting outdoor areas with a few strategically placed pots, clean surfaces, and neat borders.

| Jonathan Rolande shares his expertise

Fix and clean windows

Windows are the eyes of the home, and when they’re in poor condition, buyers notice. Peeling paint, cracked frames, or dirty panes can all signal neglect and lead buyers to question the condition of the rest of the property.

Damaged or shabby-looking windows can reduce the value of your home by around three per cent. A quick touch-up with paint or even a thorough clean can make a big difference.

If budget allows, replacing old windows entirely with modern, energy-efficient ones can also increase your property’s value significantly.

Sweep and weed your patio

Outdoor paved areas like patios and paths should be clean and weed-free. It’s an easy job that takes little time but adds real impact. Sweeping away leaves, dirt, and moss gives the impression that your garden is not just used, but loved.

Pulling up weeds, clearing cobwebs, and making sure garden furniture is clean and in good condition all help create an inviting outdoor space.

And take the washing in before a viewing – nobody wants to be greeted by damp laundry flapping in the breeze.

Take care of the lawn

A healthy lawn is a great selling point, particularly for families. If the grass is patchy, brown, or full of weeds, it might give buyers the impression that it’s more hassle than it’s worth.

On the flip side, a lush green lawn can be a blank canvas that allows buyers to envision themselves enjoying summer barbecues or children playing outdoors.

Looking after your lawn sends a strong message that the outdoor space is safe and enjoyable. It might only take a weekend of care, but the pay-off could be huge.

Jonathan Rolande is a property expert from the National Association of Property Buyers and the founder of House Buy Fast. For more free advice, visit www.jonathanrolande.co.uk.