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Quick Answer
To add kerb appeal before a valuation: clear the front garden, mow and edge the lawn, trim hedges, clean the driveway and path, paint fences and gates, plant a few pots by the door, and remove all clutter. Cost: 200 to 500 pounds for a typical semi-detached house. Returns: typically 2,000 to 5,000 pounds on the valuation. In the Chilterns, kerb appeal is essential to achieve the asking price.
Why Kerb Appeal Matters
Kerb appeal is the first impression your property makes. A survey by Rightmove found that 70 percent of buyers form an opinion of a property within 10 seconds of arriving. The front garden is a major part of that first impression. A tidy, welcoming front garden says "this property is cared for". A neglected front garden says "there are problems here".
In the Chilterns, where property values are high and buyers are discerning, kerb appeal is essential. Estate agents in Marlow, Henley, Beaconsfield and Amersham regularly tell us that a tidy front garden can add 1 to 3 percent to the valuation. On a 600,000 pound property, that is 6,000 to 18,000 pounds for a few hundred pounds of work.
This guide lists the garden jobs that add the most kerb appeal before a valuation, based on what estate agents and valuers tell us makes the biggest difference.
The Front Garden Kerb Appeal Checklist
1. Clear all rubbish and debris (free)
Walk to the front of your property and look at it as a stranger would. Remove:
- Children's toys and bikes
- Wheelie bins (move to side or back if possible)
- Dead plants and old compost bags
- Building materials and tools
- Old newspapers and post
2. Cut back overgrowth (50-150 pounds)
Overgrown plants make the property look neglected and hide the house. Cut back:
- Anything overhanging the path or driveway
- Shrubs covering windows
- Hedges that are too tall or wide
- Climbers on the front of the house (especially around windows and doors)
- Tree branches blocking the view of the house
3. Mow and edge the lawn (free if DIY, 30-60 pounds if we do it)
A neatly mown lawn with crisp edges makes the whole property look cared for. Mow the day before the valuation, not the morning of, so the grass settles. Edge along paths and borders with a half-moon edger.
4. Weed paths, borders and driveway (free if DIY)
Weeds in paths and driveways are a major kerb appeal killer. Hoe them off, or treat with a path weedkiller. Weed the borders thoroughly.
5. Clean the driveway and path (100-250 pounds for pressure washing)
A clean driveway and path look much smarter. Sweep first, then pressure wash if needed. See our pressure washing service and pressure washing guide.
6. Paint fences, gates and railings (50-150 pounds)
Fresh paint on fences and gates makes a big difference. Use a dark stain or black paint for a smart look. Replace broken fence panels and gate latches.
7. Plant pots by the front door (30-80 pounds)
A pair of matching pots by the front door adds instant kerb appeal. Use evergreen plants like box, bay or skimia for year-round impact. Add seasonal bedding for colour.
8. Clean the front door and brassware (free)
Clean the front door, polish the door furniture, and replace the door mat. A clean, smart front door makes a strong first impression.
9. Clean windows and outside lights (free)
Clean windows let in more light and make the property look cared for. Clean outside light fittings and replace bulbs.
10. Hide the wheelie bins (free)
Wheelie bins are a kerb appeal killer. Move them to the side or back of the house. If they must stay in front, build a simple screen or buy a bin store.
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The 7-Day Kerb Appeal Plan
If you have a week before the valuation, here is a plan:
| Day | Job | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Clear rubbish and clutter | 1-2 hours |
| Day 2 | Cut back overgrowth | 2-4 hours |
| Day 3 | Mow, edge, weed | 2-3 hours |
| Day 4 | Clean driveway and path (pressure wash) | 2-4 hours |
| Day 5 | Paint fences and gates | 2-4 hours |
| Day 6 | Plant pots, clean door and windows | 1-2 hours |
| Day 7 | Final tidy, hide bins, mow again | 1 hour |
What Valuers Look For
Valuers (estate agents and surveyors) are looking at the overall condition of the property, including the garden. They are not gardeners, but they notice:
- Obvious neglect (overgrown, rubbish, broken structures)
- The size and usability of the garden
- The condition of boundaries (fences, hedges)
- Any major problems (dead trees,subsidence signs, drainage issues)
- Privacy and overlooking
A tidy garden lets the valuer focus on the property. A neglected garden makes them look for problems.
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Cost vs Return
| Job | Cost | Impact on valuation |
|---|---|---|
| Clear rubbish and clutter | Free | High |
| Cut back overgrowth | 50-150 pounds | High |
| Mow and edge lawn | 30-60 pounds | High |
| Clean driveway and path | 100-250 pounds | High |
| Paint fences and gates | 50-150 pounds | Medium |
| Plant pots by door | 30-80 pounds | Medium |
| Repair broken fence | 100-300 pounds | Medium |
| Replace tired lawn | 200-500 pounds | Low |
Common Mistakes
- Spending too much on major work. Buyers do not pay extra for expensive landscaping. Tidy, clean and neutral is enough.
- Leaving obvious problems. A visible bramble patch or broken fence will put buyers off more than the cost of fixing it.
- Planting new trees before selling. Small new trees look like nothing. Better to leave the space as mown lawn.
- Not clearing the front garden. First impressions count. The front garden is what buyers see first.
- Doing the work too late. Allow at least a week before the valuation. Mown grass and pruned shrubs need time to look their best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a new front fence add value?
A new fence may not add value directly, but a broken fence will reduce it. Repair or replace broken fences, but do not spend a fortune on premium fencing.
Should I landscape the front garden before selling?
No. A tidy, clean, neutral front garden sells better than a newly landscaped one. Buyers want a blank canvas.
How much should I spend on kerb appeal?
200 to 500 pounds for a typical property. Spend on clearance, mowing, cleaning and minor repairs. Do not spend on major landscaping.
Get Help Adding Kerb Appeal
If you are selling a property in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire or Bedfordshire and want help adding kerb appeal, send us a WhatsApp with photos of the front garden and we will aim to respond within 12 to 36 hours, Monday to Sunday.
Further Reading
- How much to spend on the garden before selling
- Front garden tidy-up checklist
- Prepare the garden for professional photos
In mature and established gardens, always assess the existing ecosystem before making changes. Small adjustments to timing and technique can preserve decades of growth and wildlife value.
Put this advice into practice
Use the relevant CGM tool or follow a related guide, then send us a few photos if you would like a tailored plan.
Sources and citations
This article draws on the following sources. Specific claims are cited inline where relevant.
- CGM field records (2025-12. Site observations from gardens across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Bedfordshire.
- Royal Horticultural Society (2024). RHS Gardening Advice and Plant Finder. Available at rhs.org.uk.
- Met Office (2024). Regional climate averages, South East England. Available at metoffice.gov.uk.
- British Geological Survey (2024). Soil parent material data for the Chilterns and Thames Valley. Available at bgs.ac.uk.