Many sellers focus on kitchen renovations or bathroom upgrades, but often overlook one critical element: the first impression. Before potential buyers even step through your front door, they’ve already formed an opinion based on your home’s exterior.

And if your property’s curb appeal is lacking, they might be turned off before even entering your abode. In a competitive housing market, neglecting your home’s exterior could cost you time and money.

What’s the one issue many homeowners miss? It’s curb appeal – the look and feel of your home from the street. Cracked driveways, overgrown gardens, and a tired-looking front door can signal neglect, making buyers hesitant.

"Your home's curb appeal matters more than you might think," said an expert from Harbour Lifestyle. "When a potential buyer approaches your home, the first impression they will have is the exterior appearance of the property."

According to Direct Line, just improving your driveway alone can boost your home’s value by as much as 13%, making it a key area to invest in before viewings begin.

Start small with manageable updates: power wash your driveway and paths, add warm outdoor lighting, and tackle weeds to keep things tidy.

Simple touches like a freshly painted front door, symmetrical potted plants, and clean windows can make a world of difference.

The expert added: "Nobody wants to move into a home and spend hours de-weeding!" Make sure your garden is equally inviting –buyers aren’t looking for weekend projects, they’re looking for move-in ready comfort.

Showcase your outdoor space as a peaceful retreat with chic furnishings, trimmed hedges, and vibrant flowers.

Don’t underestimate the emotional impact of great curb appeal. Buyers are more likely to fall in love with a home that looks well-maintained and inviting before they’ve even seen the interior.

Just as you would stage your living room, your home’s exterior should be styled to sell. In many cases, you don’t need a massive budget to make a huge difference – just a little time and attention to detail.

If your home isn’t moving, step outside and take a hard look at what buyers see first; the answer might be right in front of you.