Estate agents will often wax lyrical about the so-called kerb appeal of a property. They might effusively flag up the elegant steps leading to a generously proportioned portico. Or the buffed front door flanked by symmetrical bay trees. The first impressions of guests or passers-by really are the barometer of the level of style or opulence within. Or are they?
Charles Curran, of Maskells estate agent in Chelsea, agrees that agents have to work far harder to sell such homes. It took more than 50 viewings to sell an ex-local authority flat that was immaculately finished with a bespoke kitchen, wood floors and high-tech lighting. “Even with a wonderful interior, a series of concerns pass through an applicant’s mind about a poor exterior — how much is this going to cost to renovate, if I can’t renovate what will my friends and family think? Will I be too embarrassed entertain? People fundamentally like to have their decisions reinforced by others,” he says.
However, he adds that kerb appeal is also about the location of a property. “A tired wall surrounding a house on a prime site can be remedied by the buyer. But if there is a train behind the house or troublesome and untidy neighbours, this is not in control of the owner — either way, having realistic price expectations is the key to selling the property.”
Published in The Times on September 25 2015 - by Liz Rowlinson
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