Exterior Improvement Tips: How to Make Your Home Irresistible to Buyers
Australian home buyers are more likely to purchase a property with an impressive exterior. This is mainly due to the general impression that good curb appeal and exterior features speak volumes about the level of care owners put into their homes. You may not be planning to put your home up for sale this year, but you have plenty of time to enhance its appearance and make it attractive to qualified buyers. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to make your home’s exterior stand out and be ready for the market:
1. Get the right plants
The first thing you will need is lush landscaping, so it’s important to practice effective lawn care by keeping the grass adequately irrigated and trimmed to a proper length. Be sure not to trim the grass shorter than the ideal height, which is determined by the type of grass you have. For Queensland blue couch, trim the grass no shorter than 5mm to ensure adequate nutrient absorption.
Pair your vibrant lawn with landscaping features that are desirable in your neighborhood. If you live in Sydney, consider adding low-maintenance plants like kangaroo paw along the length of the exterior walls and walkways. For a sloped front yard, layer native plants to form terraces supported by natural stone.
2. Expand outdoor spaces
Buyers may be drawn in by extended spaces that allow for small outdoor gatherings. If your home doesn’t have one, opt to construct a patio or veranda with the right roofing profile determined by where you live. Install UV-resistant drapes or cafe blinds to help deal with hot summer heat. You can add smart plants or construct a living wall to make the space cooler. Apart from that, you can go for detached outdoor spaces that will allow for picture-perfect exterior shots you can use for promoting your property.
A fire pit is always in demand among high-end buyers, so if you want to put your home up for sale in the luxury market, throw in a mini-bar. On the other hand, you can construct a pergola to serve as a poolside lounge or an alfresco dining space. Make sure you get the right design from sites like perthpergolaco.com.au so that it blends seamlessly with the rest of your home’s exterior features.
3. Freshen up the walls and roof
Even with impressive landscaping and outdoor features, your house in itself won’t attract buyers if the roof and exterior walls look as though they have seen better days. Neglect of these two major components is visible, whether in photos or in person.
Check the roof for holes and signs of advanced decay and water damage. Roof tiles that are chipped or cracked should be replaced, especially if you live in areas like New South Wales. For the walls, opt for a fresh coat of paint. A neutral tone like beige with iron ore accents is ideal, especially if you intend to sell your home within six months.
4. Upgrade your lighting
When it comes to exterior upgrades, keep in mind that your home should be just as attractive at night as it is during the day. Australian buyers who prioritize aesthetics are more likely to place a good offer on a home with a well-thought-out lighting design and layout. Start by adding lanterns or any other form of path lighting to line the walkway leading to the front door.
You will also need accent lights in outdoor spaces to create a more intimate atmosphere. Use them to highlight features like trees and the swimming pool. Make sure the lights you’ve installed have the proper IP rating and are resistant to corrosion, especially if your home sits in a coastal neighbourhood in Perth or Port Lincoln.
Endnote
The exterior enhancements you add to your home will help you attract the right buyers. There’s a lot more you can do, but these tips should put you on the right track.
