Raise the ceiling price of your road
May 2006
It is often said by estate agents and valuers that no matter what improvements you make to a property, there is always a top market value or "ceiling price" based on the street the property is in. And no matter what you do to an individual property, it will not sell for more than the "ceiling price".
People are now more aware of this partly due to TV programmes such as "Sarah Beeny's Streets Ahead" and "Location, Location, Location".
But what can you do to alleviate this and help drive the value up? Well, now's the time of year where our thoughts turn to the exterior of our properties, and we thought at Kellaway we'd share some of our experience and knowledge to help you along the way.
With so much attention paid to the interior and rear garden, one thing that often gets overlooked is how the finished property appears from the outside… otherwise known as “the kerb appeal”.
This is where potential purchasers, investors and tenants form their first impressions. It is a common known fact that people make up their mind about purchasing a property before they’ve even set foot inside. Therefore it’s very important to make the most of what you’ve got.
Make the most of what you've got...
So our first tip is to take an objective look at your property, and your street in general. Is it tidy? Inviting? Well maintained? Do the properties sit side by side in harmony - contrasting with each other - or clashing?
One TV property programme “Sarah Beeny’s Streets Ahead”, takes a whole street frontage and is redesigned in unison to a theme, which often lifts the ceiling value placed on each street. Properties are not identical, but they all work together to form a unique character for the street, where residents spend of £500-£1000 on each property, and by the time they finish the streets' value has raised as much as £20,000 per property in some areas!
Check out the Streets Ahead website for more information.
How to start...
Talk to your neighbours about what you want to do. There may be something they would like to do the same way.
What to think about...
Which look will fit in with your neighbourhood? Which styles do you like? Do the two fit hand in hand? For example, what goes with the style of the building? Is it period or modern? Traditional railings would look out of place with modern buildings of the 60s and 70s, however contemporary railing or fencing may work wonders and vice versa.
What to do...
Put together a "mood board" of the look you're after. This is about taking photos, cutting out anything you like in a brochure or catalogue, other samples, ideas/sketches etc and stick them on a board. It will give any workmen, neighbours, landscapers and anyone else you are involving in your project a fair idea of the look you are hoping to achieve.
Take inspiration from the built environment. For example, if you like the finish/freshness of a "model" new home development, then why not visit one and make a list of what it is you like. Is it the mix of elevation materials, the plants used, the street furniture? If it's the charm of an English country cottage you're after, again what is it? Planting? Colour? What styles of materials are in use? Gravels? Pavings? All of these are points to note, not to mention the styles of the fencing and the "greeness" of the turf? Ask yourself what you can recreate. Just because you may have a weedy old lawn, it maybe more effective in both time and money terms to replace old for new to achieve "that look", rather than grappling with reviving the existing.
What to think about...
Once you have an idea about what you want to do, draw up a wish list of your requirements and price this up. If something costs too much, see if you can work out an alternative compromise. There are often alternatives which look just as good but represent much better value. After all, that's what you're trying to achieve... maximum impact for minimum investment!
Fencing and Walling...
Think about fencing and walling styles used. What complements or contrasts well with existing in the area? Consider walling, railings, closeboard or picket fencing – can you use a mix of walling and fencing to break up the street scene and allow plants to grow up through. If you don't fancy the thought of a solid brick wall, you can create brick piers with fencing in between.
Paths and Driveways...
If building a path or driveway, does the style fit with the property and the area? Any bricks and blocks should contrast in style and colour with the property backdrop, making sure they don’t clash, but aren’t so bland that they just lose any impact.
Planting...
Try to consider planting which can be used to soften any harsh lines. Plants are often the key to tying a scheme together. They can create a contemporary or classic feel, which can easily be replicated in neighbouring properties. Time spent doing a bit of research here can pay dividends. Is there a garden nearby you’ve always admired? What plants are in there? Does it face a similar aspect? If yes to these questions, then the chances are the same would work in your property.
Don't forget the building itself...
Of course, the most beautiful landscaping in the world will only improve the streetscene to a degree. If the building itself is looking tired and tatty, it will drag the whole project down. Have a look at your home. Very often just a fresh coat of paint, a clean of windows and frames, gutters and porches will make a whole world of difference. But if your property is looking a bit tired, consider cleaning the brick work or painting the render in a colour that contrasts your neighbours, but ties everything in together. How does your porch look? There are a wide variety of fibre glass porches available now which don't need any ongoing maintenence other than a clean every now and then.
You could always replace your front door and replace with one in keeping with your property and treat or paint to the desired colour.
Finishing touches...
Once all the hard work is done, don't let your project down by forgetting those finishing touches. It's that attention to detail which can create that distinction and add value to your kerb appeal.
Items such as brackets for hanging baskets, external lighting, door ironmongery - ask yourself "do these match or contrast with each other, or do they clash?" If it's the latter then change them quick pronto!
Even an item as small as a house number on the door, wall or gate can make a classy or contemporary statement. Give your front door a fresh coat of paint, again bear in mind the colour so as not to clash with neighbouring properties. You can even do the gate to match.
Why are we offering all this advice?
Quite simply, because we can help!
Kellaway has a landscaping display area at Horfield and Swindon which show you lots of ideas for the garden – front and back. Every branch also has samples highlighting the choice available. From block paviours to decking, beautiful riven slabs to path side edgings, we’ve even got a wide range of decorative aggregates which look great in any drive or pathway and also give the added bonus of being loud and crunching – great for security!
And of course being a general builders merchant, we stock absolutely everything required to complete the perfect property renovation or development. From heavyside building materials, timber, plasterboard, paint, locks and ironmongery – even the tools to do the job – we’ve got the lot.
Our friendly and knowledgeable team can help you plan your job every step of the way. With fleets operating from Swindon, Bristol and Stonehouse everyday, delivery is quick and reliable, and stocks are available on a next day basis.