Kerb appeal is a term estate agents use to describe the visual attractiveness of a house as seen from the street. First impressions count, so it's an essential factor in the psychology of marketing a residential property.
To create kerb appeal for a house is relatively simple. You can paint the house exterior, perimeter wall and gate, mow the verges, plant some flowers, make sure paths are weed free, and tidy up any garden clutter.
However, creating kerb appeal is a little more challenging if you live in a flat or a sectional title unit where you don’t have a kerb.
Creative
Your options are limited by body corporate or homeowner association rules in a block of flats or a townhouse complex. For example, individual flat owners are usually not allowed to redecorate a lobby or paint a whole block, and townhouse owners have no control over the perimeter walls and entrances.
This means you need to be more creative.
First of all, you need to treat your own entrance areas as part of your kerb appeal revamp. A few small touches could make your property stand out above the competition - and increase the selling price.
- For a start, give your front door a fresh coat of paint – in a vibrant colour, if it isn’t against body corporate rules. This will immediately catch buyers’ attention, and an attractive door knob and a designer unit number will show them that you are a proud house owner.
- If you have space outside the entrance, invest in good quality plant containers and eye-catching plants. Then, you can always take them with you when you move.
- Installing an attractive outdoor light is an inexpensive feature that will enhance the overall impression – even during daylight hours.
- Your entrance hall should be well-lit and smell pleasant. Clear away any clutter that tends to collect around the entrance, such as shoes, jackets and random pieces of paper. If possible, hang artwork or a large mirror, making the space appear roomier.
Feeling at home
When making these changes keep in mind the overall appearance of your property. The entrance area should complement the rest of the interior spaces so that buyers can readily feel at home. They will feel they understand the property and could imagine what it’s like to live in your space.
The offer to purchase will soon be in your hands.
