Exterior improvements 'could boost kerb appeal'

25/06/2009

People looking to improve the "kerb appeal" of their home would benefit from making enhancements to the exterior of the property, it has been suggested.

They could bring in some new gates or give current ones a lick of paint, as assistant editor of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine Melanie Griffiths believes that many prospective buyers cannot look beyond a shoddy exterior.

She said that the interior of a property is simple to imagine as a blank canvas by possible future home owners.

Her comments come after English Heritage claimed that one in seven conservation areas are at risk of neglect.

A survey by the organisation looked into the top threats to conservation areas, with one of them being the loss of front garden walls, fences and hedges.

"On any property people need to take more care in considering the improvements they make. Design is not just a subjective matter," Ms Griffiths added.