Gardening expert reveals simple ways to boost your home's kerb appeal

More than three quarters (79%) of homeowners admit they judge a home by how it looks from the outside, according to new research from Redrow.

First impressions can have real consequences, with almost half (46%) saying they have been put off from viewing or buying a property because of the appearance of its front garden.

The premium homebuilder surveyed 500 homeowners to understand the features that create the strongest first impressions, as well as those that can detract from a property's appearance.

To help homeowners create a good first impression, Redrow has partnered with experienced horticulturist Jane Fairlie, from Doff Pelsis, to share the plants, seasonal jobs and gardening tricks that can help create year-round kerb appeal.

Steve Mariner, Sales and Marketing Director at Redrow, outlines: "A home's first impression starts long before someone steps through the front door. Kerb appeal is about creating an attractive, welcoming exterior that sets the tone for the rest of the home. Whether you're welcoming guests, returning home after a busy day or preparing to sell, a thoughtfully designed front garden can make a real difference."

From tidy pathways to decorative pots: the features homeowners value most

It's often the simplest features that make the biggest difference. More than half (56%) of homeowners said a clean driveway or pathway creates the strongest positive first impression, followed by well-maintained hedges or shrubs (45%) and a neatly mown lawn (45%).

House numbers and exterior details in good condition (42%), colourful flowers and planting (39%), outdoor lighting (32%), a freshly painted front door (31%) and decorative pots or containers (31%) also rank among the features most appreciated.

Many of these are typically associated with newer homes and developments, while older properties may require more time, upkeep and investment to achieve the same look and feel.

Homeowners said signs of neglect can quickly detract from a property's appearance. Overflowing bins (66%) were cited as the biggest eyesore, followed by driveway clutter (62%).

Peeling paintwork (51%), broken fencing or walls (50%), overgrown lawns (48%), neglected plants (46%) and weeds (45%) also featured among the elements most likely to create a negative first impression.

Despite recognising the importance of kerb appeal, one in three homeowners (33%) admitted they don't know how to improve the appearance of their home's exterior.

The findings come as Redrow launches its inaugural Great Places report, outlining eight principles for creating healthier, more connected communities.

The report reveals strong support for places designed to mature beautifully and retain their appeal over time, with 85% of prospective homebuyers saying they would be more likely to choose a housebuilder committed to creating well-maintained, high-quality neighbourhoods.

Nine plants that provide year-round kerb appeal

One of the simplest ways to create a front garden that looks good year-round is to include evergreen plants that provide colour, structure and texture long after summer flowers have faded.

Jane recommends that gardeners invest in the following plants, to create lasting structure throughout the year:

1.          Ornamental grasses

2.          Unusual conifers

3.          Italian-style topiary

4.          Buxus balls and pyramids

5.          Tree ferns

6.          Photinia

7.          Large succulent plants such as Hens & Chicks

8.          Fatsia

9.          Choisya

Evergreen planting can then be built on, with seasonal flowers added throughout the year to introduce colour and variety.

Three flowers you can plant right now for a bright autumn garden

As summer draws to a close, introducing the right plants in August and September can keep a front garden looking bright well into autumn and winter.

Jane says: "Polyanthus, Primroses and Bellis can add a splash of colour during autumn and winter, continuing to flower into early spring.

"Pansies and Violas are also ideal for winter hanging baskets and tubs, with trailing Ivy adding extra structure."

These are also low maintenance plants, which means they are a good choice for homeowners creating a colourful yet easy-to-look-after garden.

Jane explains: "All you need to do is water lightly during any dry spells and remove any dead flowers, as this encourages more flowers."

Google searches for "low maintenance plants" have increased by 103% in the last month.

The 'bulb lasagne' trick gardeners should use now for months of spring colour

Autumn is also the ideal time to begin planning next year's displays.

Jane says: "Tête-à-Tête (dwarf narcissus), crocus, daffodils, tulips, lilies, anemones and snowdrops should be planted in September, around 10cm deep, and covered well in beds, lawns and borders.

"If planting in pots, bulbs can be layered using the 'bulb lasagne' method, where the latest flowering bulbs are placed nearest the bottom of the pot. Lilies, then tulips, then daffodils, with snowdrops nearest the top (around 10cm from the top of the pot), will provide a continuous flowering display throughout spring."

Three jobs you can do this weekend to instantly improve your home's kerb appeal

While choosing the right plants is important, quick maintenance tasks can have an equally big impact on how welcoming a home looks from the street.

Jane recommends three simple jobs homeowners can tackle this weekend to create a more welcoming entrance:

1.          Refresh beds, borders and blooms

She says: "Remove weeds, sweep up dead leaves and any wind-blown rubbish and continue to dead-head flowering plants.

"Dead-heading is the terminology used for removing dead flowers - so basically, snip off the dead flower with snip-type secateus (a kind of hand-held pruning tool) or plant scissors."

2.          Frame your home with neat greenery

She continues: "Trim hedges and cut lawns if they have not been scorched due to dry weather conditions."

For those with scorched grass, she adds: "Be very patient. It will grow back after rain and when it gets cooler, so no need to worry.  Once it starts to green up then a (diluted) liquid feed can be applied weekly."

3.          Add the finishing touch with sharp edging

She adds: "Trim lawn edges too for a neat and tidy appearance. Always use a proper edging tool with a half-moon shape to remove grass around paths and patios, especially where it has grown over the edges.

"Simply push the tool between the edge of the path/patio and the grass to create a clean edge, and remove the cut strip of grass away. It is essential to keep this tool sharp to give a clean cut."

One mistake that can quickly ruin your front garden

While adding plants can transform the appearance of a home, neglecting one simple maintenance task can quickly undo all of your hard work.

Jane says: "Leaving weeds to grow and not removing them before they flower and set seed is one of the biggest mistakes. This is because seeds can be dispersed in windy conditions, leading to more weeds."

Last year, the Met Office issued 27 weather warnings for wind between August and October; this was a 108% increase when compared to the same period in 2024. Jane's advice suggests that autumn's windier weather can create additional work for gardeners.

Steve concludes: "We know homeowners value character and a strong sense of place, which is why thoughtful landscaping and attractive streets are such an important part of our developments.

"The good news is that many of the features people associate with a welcoming home can be achieved through simple maintenance and planting choices, helping homeowners enhance the appearance of their property and create a positive first impression."