'Make a first impression': Why kerb appeal matters for Canberra property hunters

If you believe in love at first sight, then you may well believe it extends to an instant emotional attachment to a home.

Gabbi Kalthofen of Luton Properties Tuggeranong says kerb appeal cannot be overestimated.

 “It’s a truism, but you never get a second chance to make a first impression,” she says.

“A home’s facade sets up an expectation within the buyer’s mind and they may even have decided before they even enter the home.”

Kalthofen says that, if a home delights from the outside, buyers expect that pleasant surprise to follow through on the inside.

“Buyers need to form an emotional attachment to a home, and the facade expresses the character of that home – they have to fall in love with it,” she says.

Mario Sanfrancesco of Blackshaw Manuka says the emotional connection generated by the look of a home can be a powerful one.

“I don’t know how many homes I have seen, but I can recall one in the Inner South that always intrigued me,” he says.

“When I got the chance to see it, I was beside myself with excitement – it’s a great feeling and that’s something I know buyers look to experience.”

The appeal of a home’s facade is not dictated by size or complexity, quite often they simply have a highly personal “X” factor.

“It’s not the form, it’s the feeling. If it makes you feel good, you’ve probably got the right place,” Sanfrancesco says.

• Opening statement: Architects will tell you the facade of a building is really important. It makes a statement that sets up the expectations within buyers’ minds as to what to expect inside. 
• Street appeal: A home’s facade is not just ranked on how it sits in isolation; its appeal is equally judged by how it stacks up against neighbouring homes and within its streetscape.
• Facelift: Start with the architect’s vision and combine a wide palette of materials to help create a unique facade. Choices include brick, render, cladding, timber, glass, concrete and steel. 

Check out our top pick of homes with kerb appeal:

Goulburn

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This is a home that makes a statement set in stone: you may have to wait a long time before you find anything like it again.

Here is a spectacular, bespoke residence, set over three levels, among beautifully landscaped grounds that back onto a bush reserve with panoramic views over the Goulburn Valley.

The highly engineered, solar-passive, light-filled home was designed by award-winning architect Chris Reardon. 

Taralga bluestone creates the home’s signature external look, highlighted by pitched gable rooflines under which big, geometric windows draw in the light.

 The interior is highlighted by soaring cathedral ceilings and the extensive use of recycled cedar, Oregon and blackbutt timbers. Statement features include ironbark bridge beams, transoms, staircases and custom joinery.

The lower level houses a self-contained space with a bedroom, bathroom and living area.

The entry level comprises a formal living room on one side and a sitting, dining/family and kitchen space on the other. The centrepiece is a full-height stone fireplace with a double-sided Cheminees Philippe wood burner.

Upstairs, there is another informal living area that leads into the main suite with a dressing room, luxurious en suite, private mezzanine and balcony. There are two other large bedrooms with generous storage.

The outdoor entertaining area is surrounded by extensive landscaping with native plants. There’s also a four-car garage with space for a workshop.

Price guide: $1.6 million-$1.7 million

Auction: 11am, July 9

Agent: Luton Properties Tuggeranong, Gabbi Kalthofen 0411 739 957 

Or try these:

Forrest

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Price guide: $4.5 million +

Private sale

Agent: Blackshaw Manuka, Mario Sanfrancesco 0412 488 027

Yarralumla

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Price guide: Early $2 million

Auction: Noon, July 9

Agent: Belle Property Canberra, Louise Harget 0412 997 894

Googong

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Price guide: $950,000-$980,000

Private sale

Agent: White Rhino Property Googong-Queanbeyan-Jerrabomberra, Gavin Van Zyl 0429 269 260