First impressions count especially during the colder months when dark skies and soggy leaves can dull even the most charming home. If you’re a landlord in Doncaster looking to attract tenants this winter, giving your property’s exterior some attention could make all the difference.
Here’s how to boost kerb appeal in winter and help your rental stand out during viewings.
Why kerb appeal still matters in winter
While most people think of garden makeovers as a spring job, winter is actually a key season for landlords. Many renters are looking to move before the new year, and your property could be the one they choose if it looks welcoming from the outside.
A little effort now helps:
- Make your property look well-maintained and lived-in
- Create a positive first impression during drive-bys or online viewings
- Reduce the time your property sits empty between tenancies
Tidy the entrance
Start with the path to the front door. It’s the first thing potential tenants will see and possibly step on so keep it clear and safe.
- Sweep up fallen leaves
- Remove moss or mud from steps and driveways
- Fix broken paving or loose slabs
- Add a sturdy doormat for a practical, homely touch
These small changes show your property is well cared for even in winter.
Add seasonal greenery
Your garden doesn’t have to bloom in December, but it shouldn’t look forgotten either.
- Add pots with winter-hardy plants like holly, heather or ornamental cabbage
- Trim any overgrown bushes or hedges
- Keep grass neat, even if it’s not growing fast
- Remove dead plants and tidy flower beds
If the property has a small front garden or yard, even a window box or hanging basket can lift the look.
Freshen the front door
The front door is the focal point of your property’s kerb appeal. Make sure it looks its best.
- Wipe away any dirt, cobwebs or marks
- Touch up paintwork if it’s chipped or faded
- Check that the handle, bell and letterbox are clean and working
- Consider adding a simple winter wreath for a homely touch
Good lighting here is essential too not just for style, but for safety during dark evening viewings.
Light the way
Winter viewings often take place after 4pm and darkness can make your property harder to appreciate.
- Fit a motion-sensor light near the front door
- Use solar or battery-powered path lights for added charm
- Replace any bulbs that have gone out
A well-lit entrance helps prospective tenants feel safer and more welcome.
Keep bins and clutter out of sight
Nothing spoils a first impression faster than overflowing bins or left-out recycling.
- Store bins out of view if possible
- Make sure they’re clearly labelled
- Remove any leftover furniture or bulky waste between lets
It’s easy to overlook, but neatness outside the property suggests care and order inside too.
Home staging for winter viewings
Kerb appeal is just one part of the letting process; the inside matters too. For winter, think about:
- Keeping the heating on low during empty periods to avoid a chilly first impression
- Adding soft lighting and warm colours if you’re staging a furnished let
- Airing out the property to avoid musty smells
Letting out a property can be a rewarding way to generate income, build long-term wealth, and provide quality homes to renters. But if you’re new to the world of letting in the current Doncaster market, it helps to know what you’re stepping into. Read our recent article on what landlords need to know.
Final thoughts
When it comes to boosting kerb appeal in winter, it’s all about small, thoughtful touches. You don’t need a major garden overhaul, just a clean, well-lit, welcoming look that makes your property feel like home.If you’re letting in this winter, Belvoir Doncaster is here to help. Our local experts can advise on presentation, marketing, and finding the right tenant quickly even in the colder months.
