Spring clean

As warmer months draw near, Rupert Oliver of Rupert Oliver Property Agents looks at how a Spring clean, inside and out, can greatly improve your property’s kerb appeal...

In recent years, Spring and Summer have been notoriously popular times of the year to sell a property as prospective buyers begin their hunt for a new home. If you’re considering putting your house or flat on the market this season, it’s time to start thinking about making good on those minor repairs to let your home flourish to its truest potential. Here are some easy fixes to make sure your property stands out against the competition…

General maintenance

Research has shown that a well-kept exterior can boost the value of a property for sale. Remove any built-up dirt or rot, clear leaves from paths and gutters and replace any cracked or loose slates on the roof. Give external doors, window frames, garden gates, sheds and railings a fresh lick of paint. Be sure to bear in mind the colour of the stone or brickwork when choosing a shade for your front door so that the exterior is in-keeping with your property’s character. Polishing knockers and letter boxes can also create a positive first impression.

Get gardening

As more people add gardens to the top of their wish list, it’s important to keep your outdoor space looking its best. According to experts, a well maintained garden can add between £10,000 to £15,000 to the value of a home. That being said, Spring is a great time to trim any hedges, thoroughly weed parking areas, paths and patios, and add some floral decoration. For instance, plant some bright daffodils and tulips or a colourful flowerbed. For properties with limited green space, window boxes and planters on either side of the front door can work wonders.

If you can, jet-wash the patio and decking and take the time to give your garden furniture a good clean and a fresh coat of paint. If you want to take it a step further, add some lights or latterns to create an atmospheric outdoor space to enjoy day and night.

Deep clean

For the interior, take it room by room. Dust, wash and clean furniture, carpets and curtains to ensure everything is feeling fresh and ready for the warmer, brighter months ahead. Begin each room by cleaning the curtain rails, light fittings and the top of any cupboards first, then move onto furniture, and then the floor to sweep up any remaining dust.

Dirty windows are more noticeable when the sun is shining, so take this time to clean all windows, both inside and out. As temperatures rise, keep windows and doors open as much as possible to ensure rooms look and smell fresh. Maybe bring this season’s scent into your home with some fresh flowers, candles or diffusers.

Declutter

If you need to switch around and reorganise your clothes for the warmer seasons, this is a good opportunity to declutter your wardrobe and drawers. Why not take a look at smart storage solutions and multi-use furniture to help keep your spaces looking neat and tidy throughout your living spaces?

First impressions can heavily impact how a potential buyer sees and feels about your property so sprucing up your home this Spring will allow you to generate as much interest as possible.

• rupertoliver.co.uk; 14 Waterloo Street, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4BT

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