When you’re getting a property ready for letting, it’s easy to concentrate on making the inside presentable. But don’t forget to tackle the outside too, whether it’s a house or a flat, as the area leading up to your property is equally important and can make or break first impressions.

If you’re getting your property ready for its first ever viewings, or will soon be looking for new tenants, here are 10 top tips for maximising the kerb appeal of your property.

1. Clear the path

If there’s a path, driveway or steps leading up to the front of your property, then it’s good to make sure that it’s clear and clutter free when new tenants arrive for viewings. Sweeping up any old leaves, picking up litter or cutting back overhanging hedges will all improve your kerb appeal.

2. Paint the front door

If the front door is looking a bit drab and faded, then why not give it a quick lick of paint? It doesn’t take long and can significantly transform the look of your property. If you’re feeling brave, choose a bright colour in a gloss finish to really make your door stand out.

3. Ensure the windows are clean and presentable

People walking up to your property will notice the windows on their approach, so make sure they’re clean, and not sporting dirty marks.

It’s also worth checking the state of the window frames. If they’re rotten, think about whether it’s time to replace them, or if there’s paint peeling off them, give them a fresh coat. First impressions count and if the property looks cared for, it could attract more interest.

4. Ensure the number or house name are easy to spot

There’s nothing worse than a tenant not being able to find your property, or being unsure which one it is. So ensure the number or name is clearly displayed and easy to spot – as well as making a good first impression, it will make life easier for them once they’ve moved in too.

5. Get planting

A well-kept, smart looking garden is great for kerb appeal, but even if you don’t have much space, you can still pep up the entrance with the help of a few pots of plants. Spring flowers, like daffodils or crocuses, add a lovely splash of colour, or in the summer you could have a hanging basket.

6. Mow the lawn

If the property has a lawn out front, however large or small, then ensure that you’ve mown it, swept up bits of grass and trimmed the edges. Treat any patches of moss in the spring, and keep the lawn watered during hot summer spells. A well kept lawn will look instantly better than an unruly one.

7. Hide the bins

When you have limited space available outside, wheelie bins often have to end up at the front of your property. Sadly, although useful for rubbish needs, they’re not the most attractive thing to see as you walk up to a property.

Where possible, do what you can to hide the bins to minimise their impact – a simple piece of trellis or fencing in front of them can work well, for example.

8. Make sure the entrance is well lit

Most potential renters probably won’t be visiting your property at night, but people do often go back at different times of the day to check out the area. Making sure the entrance is well lit can make a difference and reassure tenants that they won’t end up scrabbling around in the dark to let themselves in at night.

9. Check the doorbell works

Whether your front door has a doorbell or knocker, make sure it’s easy to spot and works. There’s nothing worse than a tenant arriving at the door, but being unable to attract your attention.

10. Ensure letterboxes are clearly marked

If you’re letting a flat, then make sure individual letterboxes are available and clearly marked, as tenants will want to be assured that they’ll be able to get their post efficiently.

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