Curb Appeal Trends for 2024 (Is It Really Worth It?)

From fresh paint to tidy gardens, there are small, simple projects guaranteed to draw eyes to your property and significantly enhance its curb appeal. As UK property prices are predicted to dip by 4% this year, homeowners are turning to savvy tips to boost the value of their property without breaking the bank.

What is curb appeal? Simply, it is the qualities of a building that make it attractive, for example, to a buyer when it is seen from the street. From DIY touch-ups to professional jobs, you can potentially add thousands to your property’s selling price, making it appealing to passersby, neighbours, and potential buyers alike.

Allerton Windows has been assisting homeowners for almost 30 years, offering an array of windows, doors, fascias, and more. With our extensive experience, we’ve witnessed the ebb and flow of trends – and we know what really adds lasting value. We’re sharing decades of professional insight to help you boost your property’s curb appeal.

DOES CURB APPEAL ADD VALUE?

Absolutely! Refreshing the facade of your home can increase its value by thousands, although the return on investment varies depending on the task. With buyers touring an average of 23 homes, first impressions aren’t just important; they’re critical. In fact, according to Wren Kitchens, 54% of buyers judged a property on its exterior within 30 seconds of seeing it.

“Buyers might not know immediately what they like, but within five seconds, they know what they don’t want.”

But how can I add the most value? According to the HomeOwner’s Alliance’s study, well-maintained windows and a roof that appeared in good condition were the most important features for enhanced curb appeal. It’s no surprise to us that these cost-effective investment jobs are listed first and foremost as the key to a truly transformed home. However, a well-maintained front garden, pathways, fences and a well-painted frontage were also highlighted as influential in the study.

How much value does curb appeal add?

The added value can depend on a multitude of factors, including location, housing market, property make-up, and more. However, working to create an overall positive first impression of your property will attract more interest and higher bids. These key factors are worth considering when deciding what jobs to undertake personally or professionally to increase home value.

• 45% of homeowners made their homes more energy efficient and environmentally friendly last year. (THE ECO NEWS)
• Upgrading windows, gutters and fascias can significantly enhance the value of the home by reducing energy costs for potential buyers.
• Creating off-street parking with a paved driveway can boost value by up to £5K.
• Renaming your home through your council can increase value by up to £30K.
• Trending front door colours can catch aesthetic attention, potentially adding up to thousands.

However, regardless of the change you make, keeping renovation costs within 15% of the property’s overall value ensures the best ROI.

How to boost curb appeal on a budget?

There are many ways to enhance your home’s curb appeal and increase its value, from minor repairs to major upgrades. If you don’t have the time or budget to invest just yet, consider small changes that will dial up your home’s curb appeal and start to get your property on track!

• Tidy up: Don’t overlook the power of a good spring clean to tame a tired exterior. As a bare minimum, clear anything unsightly in your front entrance and driveway. Trim overgrown bushes, define walkways, cut the grass, and sweep the walkway to create an inviting look.
• Greenery: Faux or real flowers can add colour and vibrancy to your front yard. Consider planting flowers in window boxes, adding potted plants near the entrance, or creating a small garden bed along the walkway.
• Paint perfect: Decorating the front of the house with paint can do wonders for your home’s exterior. Consider painting the front door, shutters, and entry arch with a simple weather-resistant colour.
• Hardware: Replace worn-out hardware fixings where possible, such as house numbers, letter boxes, entrance gate handles, and light fixtures. There are increasingly stylish yet durable budget pieces.
• Clean windows: Dirty or streaky windows can detract from your home’s curb appeal. Clean your windows inside and out to let more natural light in and create a brighter, more inviting feeling.
• Pressure wash: Borrow or buy a pressure washer to clean your driveway, pavement, and exterior walls. Removing dirt, grime, and stains can instantly improve the appearance of your home’s exterior surfaces.
• Accessorise: Personalise your entrance with welcoming elements decoratating the front of the house, such as a welcome mat, seasonal wreath, or artwork.
• Maintain: Regular TLC is key to preserving your home’s curb appeal. Keep up with landscaping, touch up paint as needed, and address any maintenance issues sooner rather than later.

ALLERTON WINDOWS’ TOP CURB APPEAL BOOSTERS

Give the Joneses across the road a run for their money, but don’t wait until you’re ready to sell before smartening up your exterior; do it for the simple pleasure of enjoying your ‘new’ home.

We’ve compiled seven worthwhile projects,  guaranteed to help you boost curb appeal and to increase the saleability of your home.

1. CLEAN AND BRIGHT. 

Thanks to our typical weather, yellowed or mouldy exteriors are ever-present among British properties. Simply and quickly refreshen and boost your curb appeal by getting exteriors such as windows, fascias, soffits, exterior walls and porches professionally cleaned, replaced or repaired. These investments don’t just add aesthetic value, but can help prevent costly weather-wear damage for years to come.

A refreshed foundation, alongside thoughtful exterior lighting placements make your home feel well-kept, safer, larger and more homely to potential buyers. Front porch or garden lights aren’t just handy in colder, darker months for finding your keys and bringing in the shopping, but can help create an elegant atmosphere. Use smart solar lights, outdoor LEDs or lanterns to guide the way down a path, illuminate a boundary wall or brighten an entrance with splendour.

2. DOOR ELEGANCE.

9 out of 10 consumers report that the exterior colour of a home impacts their potential purchase. So if your front door feels like a relic from another era, you may want to replace it entirely with our expert help. But with some paint and matching side panels, you can elevate your home’s first impression and allow potential buyers to envision their living space.

While grey has dominated colour trends for quite some time, Dulux’s Great British Exterior Trends Report 2024 marks a delightfully bold shift to more vibrant tones. Don’t be afraid of experimenting with dopamine decor and choices with warm terracotta, rich teal, and Panetone’s warm Peach Fuzz colour of 2024. After a classic choice? Bottle green or claret red will always feel chic and timeless.

Painting your door yourself?

Did you know even white uPVC doors can be painted to add a splash of colour? Remove fittings, sand down existing paint, and clean the surface thoroughly before priming it for better adhesion. Opt for exterior paint or semi-gloss paint for durability and mould resistance. Upgrade your door hardware with a new letterbox, knocker, handle, and door number for a fresh look.

3. BEYOND THE SURFACE.

Combine different materials in your exterior design to boost curb appeal with a captivating focal point. From light-enhancing bifold doors to natural oak cladding, and anthracite grey french windows, you can mix and match to make a truly unique statement.

Have you inherited a home with pebble dash, but deep down prefer brickwork? Check you don’t need planning permission before hiring a professional to safely and securely uncover the beautiful architecture beneath. Already have bricks but they’ve lost their uniformity? You can opt for a subtle but worthwhile project by having any odd bricks repointed.

Want to give an old space you don’t use a new lease of life? Turn that outdated space into something you’ll love with an entirely personal house extension that adds space, personality, value, and curb appeal.

4. PERSONALISED CHARM.
An often overlooked addition to adding curb appeal is simply adding personalisation. If your intention is to stay within your home, consider bespoke stylistic choices reflecting your taste; however, if you’re seeking to enhance the curb appeal of your home to sell, then opt for charming additions that speak to your home’s identity instead.

Orangery home extension with bifold doors in Liverpool.

Personalised house signs, unique door knockers, painted home numbers or bespoke house names can increase the value of your property. Not only can these things help the postman, friends, and family find your home, but they’re often the little touches people notice first when they enter your home that help shape a positive opinion.

5. PORCH PERFECTION 

A front porch can be a huge selling point for potential buyers. In fact, according to Evolution Money, research reveals that most people (93%) pass judgement on a property based purely on how it looks from the outside. They add space to prepare little ones as you leave the home,  shake off the day, and offer an extra layer of security to your front door, which can also add value to your property.

A porch installed by experienced professionals like Allerton Windows can help increase your property value while giving your home extra space for life, enhanced security and boosted energy efficiency. Each of our porches are built to the same excellent standards as our conservatories and orangeries, with materials produced from our factory in Liverpool.

However, our porches are not a one-size-fits-all solution. The impact of a porch on your property’s curb appeal depends on various factors, including location, design, and market conditions.

6. STAGING AND STORAGE.
Are you eager to sell your home quickly? Consider the undervalued strategy of home staging. By arranging borrowed or purchased furniture in a way that showcases your home’s potential, you can captivate potential buyers and boost your chances of a swift sale. Remember, we’re all visual creatures and a well-staged home can be a powerful tool in your selling arsenal.

When it comes to staging, practicality is key. Remember to store any useful but unsightly items such as oil tanks or bins in a garden storage shed or a DIY outdoor store, and give them a fresh look with a timeless neutral paint. By playing into scenarios that buyers will be hoping to recreate, such as a dedicated BBQ area with patio furniture and accessories like a firepit, you’re showing them the potential of the space. Craft a fun-ready area for the kids with tools, wellies, toys and simple signage. And to create an inviting atmosphere, consider incorporating some solar lanterns or lights.

7. THE GREAT OUTDOORS.
According to the Better Homes & Gardens 2024 Home Decor Report, the best ways to maximise curb appeal include a freshly landscaped garden (40%) boasting neatly trimmed plants and bush (25%). With stats like that, it’s not hard to see why many homeowners look to invest in their homescapes.

Question the needs of your space before diving head-first into the garden centre. Do you need security for pets or children? Do you want to cordon off a busy street or simply introduce more privacy?

Once you have your priorities in order, consider adding simple slatted wooden or wrought iron fencing for security, with surrounding planting and hedges to soften any harshness. For an idyllic retreat away from busy streets, incorporate more organic elements, from woven rush fences to tall trees and dense shrubbery. Enhance privacy by installing a mix of the above alongside a canopy of native plants such as Ivy, Wisteria, and Rose bushes along your garden’s border.

HOW TO MAKE THE FRONT OF A HOUSE LOOK BETTER IN THE UK: OUR CURB APPEAL IDEAS

Spring:

• Plant colourful spring blooms like tulips or daffodils in flower beds or window boxes.
• Refresh elements of your home’s exterior with accessories or soft pastel paint hues to embrace the freshness of spring.
• Sweep away winter debris and pressure wash pathways and driveways to create a clean and inviting entrance.

Summer:

• Place comfortable outdoor furniture and accessories on the porch or patio to create a cosy spot for enjoying the summer weather.
• Hang colourful baskets filled with summer flowers like petunias or geraniums to add colour and fragrance.
• Trim bushes, cut the grass, and add fertiliser to flower beds to keep the landscaping tidy and well-maintained.

Autumn:

• To add a touch of seasonal charm, hang an autumn-themed wreath on the front door featuring leaves, berries, or pumpkins.
• Install outdoor string lights or lanterns to create a warm and inviting ambiance as the days grow shorter.
• Ensure pre-winter maintenance is finished on any hardware, rusting paint, or moulding home accents before the colder months worsen the situation.

Winter:

• Decorate the front porch with seasonal decor like a wreath with pinecones and berries, a garland draped along the railing, or a festive doormat.
• Add warmth with outdoor blankets, cushions, or a decorative fire pit to create a cosy gathering space despite the cold weather.
• Line your pathway with pathway lights or solar lanterns to provide a welcoming glow and ensure safety during dark winter evenings.

ALLERTON WINDOWS CAN GIVE YOU CURB APPEAL

With nearly three decades of experience in the industry, Allerton Windows is your go-to partner for enhancing your home’s curb appeal. As the North West’s experts in measuring, building and installing windows, doors, fascias, porches and more, we can help you transform your home into a showstopper. Get in touch with us below to see if we can help you increase the curb appeal of your property.