They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover – but let’s be honest, most of us judge a house by its paintwork. Peeling, faded or mismatched colours can make even the nicest of homes look a little tired, while a fresh, well-chosen coat of paint can work wonders for first impressions. And when it comes to selling, those first impressions really count.
In this article, we’ll explore how something as simple as a paint job can have a big impact on your home’s kerb appeal, desirability, and overall market price.
1. First Impressions Really Do Count
A freshly painted exterior gives your home an instant glow-up. Buyers often make up their minds in under 10 seconds, and a neat, colourful exterior can be the difference between “must-see” and “meh”. In fact, research suggests that 93% of buyers are more likely to attend a viewing when the exterior looks cared for.
2. Signals Good Maintenance
A well-maintained exterior sends a clear signal that the inside is cared for too. Flaking or stained walls can make people wonder what else has been neglected inside, while a clean, consistent finish suggests the property has been cared for. Estate agents often describe this as a silent “up-to-standard” badge for the rest of the property.
3. Protection Against the Elements
Exterior paint isn’t just cosmetic; it’s also practical. A solid paint job acts like a protective layer, shielding the building from rain, UV light, and city pollution. In places like Camden, where homes face constant wear from traffic and weather, that protection matters. It helps keep walls in good condition, reduces the risk of costly repairs, and reassures buyers they won’t be inheriting hidden problems.
4. Makes Your Home Look Newer
Even an older property can appear brightened and rejuvenated with the right paint finish. Buyers project freshness and move-in readiness onto a clean exterior, which helps reduce perceived age and increases appeal.
5. Helps it Stand Out in Listings
When browsing properties, buyers often scroll past listings with dull or shabby exteriors. A standout photo showing crisp trim and appealing hues can make them stop, click, and show up at viewings. In today’s market, that’s half the battle.
6. Supports a Higher Asking Price
According to real estate sources, even a mid-range paint job can deliver a 2-5% more in perceived value – and some studies report gains as high as 23% for freshly painted homes.
7. Can Speed Up the Sale
Properties that look inviting tend to sell faster. A sharp exterior draws in more offers – and competitive interest often means you can ditch the low-ball bids. With fewer days on the market, you’ll likely be one step closer to moving on, with less stress and more value.
Cost vs Potential: How Much Value Does Painting a House Add?
It’s the question most homeowners ask before any big project: will I see the money back? With exterior painting, the answer is almost always yes – sometimes more than you’d expect.
Of course, the numbers vary depending on the size of your property, where it’s located and how much work is needed, but as a ballpark:
- Professional exterior painting in the UK usually comes in around £2,500-£5,000 for a standard three or four bedroom house.
- Value uplift is often quoted by estate agents at somewhere between 2-5%. On a £300,000 property, that could mean an extra £6,000-£15,000 on the selling price.
But it’s not just about squeezing out more money. A freshly painted exterior helps your home stand out in listings, makes it feel “move-in ready”, and often speeds up the sale. It also deters those cheeky low offers that pop up when buyers spot signs of wear and tear.
Local Market Insight: Camden
Camden’s homes are as eclectic as its markets. One street might be lined with colourful Victorian terraces, the next with elegant Georgian townhouses or modern flats by the canal. That mix is part of Camden’s appeal, and buyers expect the outside of a property to live up to the neighbourhood’s character.
It’s also a pricey patch of London. The average home now costs around £872,000 (as of May 2025), up more than 4% in a year and still well above the capital’s average. In a market like that, small details matter. A fresh coat of paint won’t change the architecture, but it can tip the balance for buyers comparing two similar properties.
In iconic areas like Primrose Hill and along Hampstead Road, people prize period facades that look cared for, and even subtle repainting makes a difference. Closer to Camden Market, a bit of personality is expected – bolder colours can work well here, provided they’re done tastefully.
Add to that the reality of Camden life: heavy footfall, busy traffic, and unpredictable London weather, all of which take their toll on brickwork and paint. Keeping the exterior looking sharp shows potential buyers the home has been looked after, which can shorten the gap between “for sale” and “sold.”
Clearly, a new coat of paint is about more than keeping up appearances – it’s a smart investment. It lifts kerb appeal, protects the building, and can even add real value when it comes time to sell. In Camden, Primrose Hill, or down by the water, a home with smart, well-kept paintwork will always catch the eye for the right reasons.
Our team of exterior painting and decorating specialists can advise on colours, finishes, and the best way to protect your property from the elements while boosting its market appeal.