Do you do a “drive by” when you are looking at properties to buy? By “drive by” I mean driving to a property you may be thinking of buying, driving past, parking nearby and walking past the property, driving round nearby streets.
The purpose of a drive by is to enable you to get a closer look at the property and to see it in context. You get to see the neighbouring properties and the location it is set in. Undoubtedly, Google street view has been a boon in allowing buyers to get a better idea of a property’s location. However, it will never be as good as actually physically going to a location.
Which brings me on to kerb appeal. The importance of green outdoor spaces has grown massively in recent months and gardens both front and back have become a crucial element in the marketing of properties. So if you are selling or thinking of selling, here are a few ideas to try.
Green Your Parking Area
Off street parking is a very desireable feature, especially where on street parking is restricted. However, there are some important factors to consider. Firstly, surfaces that are impermeable, such as asphalt and concrete, can cause flooding and therefore now require planning permission so permeable materials such as gravel are better. Secondly, front gardens that are entirely devoted to parking are bleak and unattractive. If you can, incorporate an area which is grassed, have a border or where you can at least have some pots.
Introduce Different Height Plants
Even if you only have space for pots at the front of your property a display can be made more interesting by having a mixture of pots of varying sizes and plants of different heights. A specimen tree can be a real show stopper. To create a more co-inordinated feel choose planters or pots made from the same material, at garden centres you will often find pots of the same range if differing shapes and or sizes. Consider the colour of your front door or bricks when choosing plants. Picking plants that complement these features looks more put together.
Green Your Architecture.
Which of us, at some point, hasn’t dreamt of the country cottage with roses round the door? Softening the frontage of property with a climber such as a wisteria, climbing rose or shrub such as pyracantha is an easy thing to do especially with new builds. An alternative is to position a couple of shrubs or trees in pots either side of the front door.
Plant Suggestions
Perennial garden favourites are lavender and roses. There is no doubt that a border comprised of well tended lavender is stunning and also will attract bees and other wildlife. For a more informal look, intersperse with grasses. There has a resurgence in popularity of the hydrangea and these come in a variety of colours and forms (depending on the variety your soil type will influence the colour of the flowers).
And Finally…
Before embarking on making any changes start with maintenance. An unkempt front garden or frontage will put buyers off. Not only does it look unattractive it raises the suspicion that the property itself has been neglected. Mow and edge the lawn weed and jet wash any paving. Relocate any bins or hide them with screening or a purpose built storage unit.
Study your own property (or get someone to do it for you) take a photo and ask yourself would you find it appealing if your drove or walk past?
Not sure what to do about your own property or lack the time to action any changes? Call now on 07745 876182 or e mail judith@homestyle4u.com. I’m here to help.