How to use summer holidays to improve your home’s kerb appeal

Tips for enhancing your home’s exterior while people are away on summer vacations

When it comes to selling a home, first impressions really do count – and that starts before a potential buyer even steps through the door. During the summer holidays, many households in Stoke-on-Trent head off on their travels, which can create the perfect window for you to boost your home’s kerb appeal without too much disruption or distraction.

At Wards Property Management, we believe kerb appeal is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to add value to your property and attract more viewings. Here’s how to make the most of the summer lull to get your exterior in top shape.

Tidy up your frontage

Whether you have a large front garden or just a few steps to your door, neatness matters. Mow any grass, trim hedges, clear pathways, and get rid of any weeds growing between slabs or bricks. Even small improvements like repainting a tired gate or fixing a wonky fence panel can go a long way.

Summer’s long daylight hours mean more people are out walking, visiting open houses, or browsing properties online. A well-maintained front garden or driveway can be the difference between someone clicking through – or scrolling past.

Refresh paintwork and hardware

Faded front doors, chipped window sills or rusty letterboxes can make a property feel neglected. Use the summer downtime to give your door a fresh coat of paint, clean your windows inside and out, and polish or replace any tired hardware like handles or house numbers.

At Wards Property Management, we often advise choosing timeless, neutral colours for front doors – shades that appeal to a wide range of buyers and complement the style of the home.

Add welcoming, low-maintenance touches

A couple of well-placed pots with blooming flowers, a tidy doormat and a working porch light all create a welcoming feel. These little extras can make a big impact in photos and in-person viewings – and they’re easy to implement during the quieter summer weeks.

we love to see homes that feel ready to welcome someone in – and so do buyers. The key is to keep it simple, seasonal, and neat.

Use quiet weeks to get work done

If your neighbours are away, it might be a good time to tackle slightly messier jobs like pressure-washing your driveway, sanding your front step, or arranging for scaffolding if you’re repainting higher-up areas.

Fewer cars on the street and less foot traffic mean you can spruce up the space without too much disruption – and that means your home can be looking its absolute best by the time more buyers return from their own holidays.

Stand out for the right reasons

In a summer market where buyers are looking for lifestyle, a smart and well-presented exterior sets the tone. It gives a clear message: this is a home that’s been loved and looked after.

If you’re preparing to sell in Stoke-on-Trent, let us help you get your kerb appeal just right. At Wards Property Management, we know that first impressions open doors.