An attractive driveway can add up to ten percent to the value of your home, Virgin Money Experts have said.
That’s the equivalent of a staggering £22,000 based on the price of an average UK home.
First Impressions are Key
Estate Agent Claire Coleman said this could be because the driveway is often one of the first things you see. She said: “When it comes to selling your home, first impressions really do count.
“Concrete areas aren’t always something people consider when regarding their house value. They think instead about the exterior of the property, the landscaping, and the inside.
“But the exterior areas are often one of the first things a potential customer will experience at your property. It is where their shoes will hit the ground for the first time.”
Backed by Research
According to research by Estate Agency Strutt & Parker, almost 80% of property purchasers agree that first impressions are crucial in the desicion-making process when visiting a property.
It also found that 66% of potential buyers consider first impressions vital when viewing a property online.
Ms Coleman added: “If they come to find that it [the driveway] has a tonne of cracks and stains, they are likely to reduce their offer, or refrain from making an offer in the first place.”
A Wise Investment
Darren Obee, Owner of Aqua Blasters, a London-based pressure washer company, said: “Having your driveway restored isn’t just about making the house look a bit nicer, it always has an impact on house price. It’s not just another cost, it’s an investment that you’ll be thankful for.
He added: “You also prevent your concrete or asphalt form wearing out quicker than necessary, and you prevent weeds and dirt from building up in any cracks that develop.
“That will save you both time and money in the long run.”
House price information is based on the Nationwide House Price Index.
Laura Buckley
