The Value of Curb Appeal: Why First Impressions Pay Off

Curb Appeal Isn’t Just Aesthetic — It’s Financial

Pulling up to a tidy, welcoming property sets expectations. For property managers and body corporates, the way a building’s exterior looks influences everything from tenant satisfaction to rental returns. Research shows that this impression is measurable. A University of Texas at Arlington study using Google Street View photographs and deep‑learning classification algorithms found that a property’s curb appeal (and that of its across‑the‑street neighbour) can together account for up to 7 % of a home’s sale priceideas.repec.org. When the market slows down, that premium can be as high as 14 %yourgreenpal.com.

What Is Curb Appeal and How Does It Add Value?

Curb appeal refers to the overall attractiveness of a property when viewed from the street – including tidy lawns, trimmed hedges, fresh paint, lighting and general upkeep. This “first impression” helps shape a buyer’s perception of quality and care. Economists Johnson, Tidwell & Villupuram analysed hundreds of street‑view photos and hedonic price controls and concluded that a property’s own curb appeal is worth about twice the appeal of its neighbour; together, they can contribute up to 7 % of the sale priceideas.repec.org.

Other studies echo this finding. A 2023 Thumbtack/Nextdoor survey reported that more than half of respondents believe a beautiful landscape and exterior can increase a home’s resale value by at least $35000, and a significant minority think the bump could exceed $75,000 nar.realtor. The National Association of REALTORS’® 2023 Remodeling Impact Report found that upgrading a yard can recover 100 % of its cost at resalenar.realtor, making it one of the few investments with full payback.

For buyers, curb appeal influences willingness to pay. Money.com notes that homes with high curb appeal sell for 7 % more on average than similar homes with less‑welcoming exteriors, citing research by UT Arlington professor Sriram Villupurammoney.com. A 2019 survey of real‑estate agents by HomeLight adds that well‑landscaped homes fetch 1 %–10 % moremoney.com. In other words, buyers place a tangible premium on tidy lawns, colourful flowers and clean, well‑maintained facades.

Why Curb Appeal Matters for Property Managers and Body Corporates

For body corporates, strata committees and commercial developers, curb appeal isn’t just a selling point; it’s a tool for maximising asset value and reducing headaches.

1. Higher rents and sale prices. The UT Arlington research suggests that an attractive exterior can add up to 7 % to a property’s sale priceideas.repec.org, and the premium can reach 14 % in cold marketsyourgreenpal.com. Money.com reports similar numbers for salesmoney.com, while HomeLight’s survey indicates an additional 1 %–10 % for well‑landscaped homesmoney.com. Higher perceived value allows managers to command better rents and reduce vacancy losses.

2. Lower vacancy and improved tenant retention. A GreenPal survey of realtors found that 97.7 % believe good lawn care influences home prices and the selling process, and more than half think landscaping can boost value by 15 % or moreyourgreenpal.com. Attractive grounds draw quality tenants and help justify rent increases; they also reduce turnover costs, as tenants are more likely to renew leases when the property feels well cared for.

3. Reduced risk and liability. Well‑maintained exteriors improve safety by eliminating trip hazards and ensuring clear sightlines. Lighting and path maintenance not only enhance aesthetics but also reduce accidents. For body corporates responsible for common areas, proactive upkeep can lower insurance claims and compliance issues.

4. Positive brand and community perception. In multi‑unit complexes, first impressions matter for prospective tenants, investors and stakeholders. A neat, inviting exterior signals professionalism and accountability – qualities that carry over into perceptions of property management.

How Brisbane Commercial Property Maintenance Delivers Curb Appeal

Many maintenance firms focus on reactive work – mowing the lawn when it gets overgrown or tidying up only when a property goes on the market. Brisbane Commercial Property Maintenance (BCPM) takes a proactive, comprehensive approach.

• Set‑and‑Forget Plans. Our annual maintenance plans schedule mowing, edging, hedging, mulching, fertilising and seasonal clean‑ups so that lawns and gardens always look their best. The result is consistent curb appeal without the need for constant oversight.

• Dedicated Maintenance Manager. Clients receive a single point of contact who coordinates all exterior care, from garden beds to lighting checks and minor repairs. This reduces stress and ensures accountability.

• Optional Reporting and 24/7 Support. We offer photo‑verified reports and are on call for storm clean‑ups or urgent hazards, giving managers peace of mind. Our service guarantees mean we’ll fix any issue to your satisfaction.

• Bundled Billing and Sustainable Practices. All services can be consolidated into one predictable invoicing.

BCPM’s integrated model not only preserves curb appeal but also protects property value, ensuring you see a return on your maintenance investment.

Invest in First Impressions

Curb appeal isn’t superficial; it’s an investment with real returns. Academic research shows that maintaining an attractive exterior can account for up to 7 % of a property’s sale priceideas.repec.org and even more when the market coolsyourgreenpal.com. Surveys from homeowners, agents and financial analysts consistently find that tidy lawns, fresh paint and well‑designed landscaping translate into higher resale values and reduced vacancy.

If you’re managing a body corporate, strata complex or commercial property in Brisbane, BCPM can help you capture this value. Contact us on 0493 213 348 to discuss a tailored maintenance plan that enhances your property’s curb appeal year‑round.