A popular adage states that it’s what is on the inside that counts. However, when it comes to selling your home, external looks do matter and first impressions definitely count.
Every house — especially if it's for sale — needs street appeal. It's that instant attractiveness from the footpath, enticing prospective buyers to come inside for a better look.
The exterior of a property is the first thing a buyer will see, and it can significantly influence their perception of a home before they even decide to inspect it.
Thankfully, improving street appeal doesn't have to be a costly or time consuming exercise. There are simple and affordable quick fixes that can make a world of difference — from revamping front doors and switching up hardware, to decluttering and updating outdoor lighting. These are the 10 expert hacks to take your home's street appeal from worn to wow.
Freshen up your facade
If your render is looking rusty, or you never got around to removing the previous owners dodgy pebbledash, then the first thing you can do to instantly improve your home’s appeal is to freshen up its facade.
Dated finishes, poor colour choices and old, peeling paint can all devalue your home, but a lick of exterior paint can work wonders.
15 Stradling Avenue, Geelong, has a picture perfect period facade. Picture: realestate.com/sold
“Refreshing the facade of your home is crucial for making a strong first impression,” Eden Emerald Mortgages broker Shaun Bettman said.
“A clean and well-maintained exterior suggests a well-cared-for home inside and out.
“Additionally, repairing any visible damage like cracked siding or peeling paint is essential. These updates can dramatically improve the aesthetic appeal, which will also appeal to potential buyers’ eyes.”
Paint the front door
When it comes to first impressions, a front door is front and centre. And whether it’s sleek and modern or more homely and traditional, a door can set the tone for the entire house. Updating a home's entrance is a relatively effortless way to make a huge difference to its exterior.
If your door is solid wood, painting it a different colour can refresh the look of your house for a minimal spend. Try a bright shade to help give a plain exterior a big dose of personality, or opt for a more traditional hue to complement a heritage facade.
A front door that "pops" can add intrigue to a home. Picture: realestate.com/sold
“The first thing a buyer will walk through is literally the front door to your home, so it is important that the front door looks aesthetically appealing,” buyer’s agent and property investor Lloyd Edge said.
“A front door that is inviting and sets a statement might get more buyers 'through the door' — leading to more interest, more competition, and ultimately a better sales result.”
Fancy up your hardware
You’ve got a freshly painted, popping front door, so don’t let its handle or knocker let the overall effect down. Another super-easy (and super-affordable) quick fix is to update your home’s exterior hardware. Door handles, mailboxes, house numbers — changing and unifying all of these can add a luxe feel to any exterior.
Uniformed house numbers, handles and letter boxes create a polished look. Picture: realestate.com/sold
“Buyers unconsciously look for a full sensory experience," Storybook House founder Natalie Brusnahan said.
“If a handle is dirty or rusty, for example, this gives a negative effect on that sensory point and, in turn, can put a shade of doubt in [the buyer's] mind.
"These updates are budget friendly, but make the most impact. Your aim is to stop people in the street and make them want to take a look inside. But remember, if they aren't matching, or following the same theme — for example, all gold hardware — then potential buyers will think that it has been done on the cheap and will likely prompt them to reconsider the value of the place.”
Move the mess
It’s surprising how quickly a front porch or garden can become an unconscious dumping ground for everything from shoes and garden tools, to bikes and toys. Moving this mess is a no-brainer for a quick zhuzh up.
“In Feng Shui, your entrance is the gateway to wealth and clutter is a major blocker of positive energy flow. It also creates a sense of chaos and neglect,” Feng Shui Concepts founder Jane Langof said.
“Begin by removing any unnecessary items from the front of your home and then organise what remains in a way that promotes simplicity and elegance. A clutter-free environment not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home, but also allows for a smoother flow of energy, which can make the space feel more inviting and peaceful — qualities that are highly attractive to potential buyers.”
Wow with windows
Pause to consider this: how often do you clean your front windows? Case closed.
Nobody likes dirty, cob-webbed filled windows. As such, a thorough window cleaning is an easy way to make your home look more inviting. Go one step further by repainting flaking, worn-out frames, and ditching dodgy, drooping curtains that can be seen from the outside.
Clean windows to give your home a glow-up. Picture: realestate.com/sold
“Ensure windows are kept clean with shutters and curtains open to let in as much natural light as possible,” Mr Edge said. "As well as upping external kerb appeal, inside extra natural light will also increase positive vibes from buyers.”
Do a spring clean
Regardless of the season you’re selling your house in, a thorough spring clean will work wonders to beef up street appeal. From power washing to tidying and trimming, a few hours of elbow grease can yield serious results.
"You'll be surprised how great paint and fencing can come up with a simple power wash,” said Miss Brusnahan.
“Also, make sure to pull out any weeds and trim back any hedges — this shows buyers that you really take care of the property "
Lavish your lawn
A bare, brown, or overgrown front garden is a surefire way to make your property look neglected. If you want to impress buyers then some landscaping TLC is a necessity. As a bare minimum, clear your front yard or patio of weeds and keep any lawned areas looking neat.
A healthy, lush lawn gives any home a winning street appeal. Picture: realestate.com/sold
“A lush, green lawn or well cared for front yard plays a pivotal role in kerb appeal,” Mr Bettman said.
“Regular maintenance such as mowing, watering, and fertilising are fundamental.
“For added visual interest, consider defining the edges of your lawn with landscaping borders, which neatens the appearance and can make lawn care easier. In regions where grass struggles due to climate, consider high-quality artificial turf as a low-maintenance alternative.”
Add potted plants
While many homes won’t have a front garden, or even a front yard, almost every property — even those located in the inner-city — will have the space for a few potted plants or window boxes. Neat planters and carefully selected plant pots help to ‘dress’ the house facade and to add a sense of care and character to the home.
Pot plants can "dress" a home's entrance, not matter its size. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
“Plants are a powerful Feng Shui tool for activating positive energy,” Miss Langof said.
“They add life and colour, which can make the entrance more welcoming. Plants also symbolise growth and renewal, which are appealing attributes to prospective buyers.”
Install and update lighting
There are few things more attractive than an elegant outdoor lighting scheme. From undercover porch pendants to luxe wall sconces, strategically placed outdoor lighting can highlight the best elements of a house exterior.
“Proper outdoor lighting is both functional and aesthetically pleasing,” explained Mr Bettman.
Lighting showcases architectural detail, enhancing a home's facade. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
“It enhances security, allows for the use of outdoor spaces after dark, and highlights the architectural features of the home.
“Assess your current lighting setup and consider adding path lights along walkways and driveways. Install floodlights or spotlights that illuminate and accentuate the facade and landscaping elements. For an energy-efficient upgrade, opt for LED fixtures or solar-powered lights that offer durability and lower energy consumption.”
Pimp your paths
Pavers and cement can stain and crack over time and whilst correcting this is a slightly pricier method to improve street appeal, it’s often worth it. If there’s no budget to replace what’s already there, give it a good blast with a pressure washer, or consider covering with gravel as a quick fix.
The pristine path at 17 Mackenzie St, Lindfield. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
“If you have existing pathways ensure they are well-maintained by replacing broken pavers and removing any weeds or debris,” advised Mr Bettman. “Upgrading materials to high-quality stone, or decorative bricks, can offer a sophisticated touch if you want to aim at a more premium buyer market.”
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