Sprucing up a property before putting it on the market can make a big difference to how much money it sells for.
While big renovations are sure to add value to your property, there are cheap, or even free, ways to increase the value.
To make a home "more attractive to buyers", interior expert at Essential Living Camilla Lesser said it all starts with the front door.
Research by Sellhousefast suggested the right front door could add up to £4,000 to the value of a home, although this will vary depending on the property.
First impressions are important for buyers
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Getting a new front door can make a home more energy efficient but it does not always come cheap and is not always necessary.
Giving a tired door a fresh coat of paint or simply a good clean, however, may also be enough to boost the appeal of your property.
Camilla said: "If you’re wanting to add value to the exterior of your home, a great starting point is to upgrade or update your front door to make it look more welcoming.
"Before you start spending money on paints and paintbrushes, it’s worth giving your door a good clean to see if that helps its appearance.
"Mix equal parts water with dish soap or vinegar and scrub your door lightly with a soft sponge or cloth.
"It’s also beneficial to clean and tidy up your front garden and curb so that when potential buyers come over, the pathway to your front door looks neat, well-maintained and cared for."
If painting your front door, the expert suggested the colours that are the most appealing to potential buyers.
She added: "Painting your front door doesn’t have to be an expensive job. In fact, it can work out a lot cheaper than having to purchase a new one.
"When you’re deciding on what colour to go for, consider safe options such as; blacks, greys, blues, deep reds, navy blues and natural woods, as they have timeless appeal.
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The right paint colour could make a property more valuable
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"Having rich, deep colours can complement a variety of home styles and will make your home look more inviting, attracting more potential buyers.
"In addition to cleaning and painting your door, take a look at your door knocker to see if that needs replacing too to fit the new style.
"As the front door is the centrepiece of your home exterior, many may wish to fully change their door to boost their home’s value. As well as selecting a visually pleasing door, ensure it also has modern safety features to ensure your home is as secure as possible."
