The fence paint colours that will help sell your home – and the ones that won’t…
Fence painting at this time of year is a must.
We’re gearing up to spend more time outside with the weather heating up, so smartening up your garden is at the top of our home maintenance agenda.
This is especially the case if you’re looking to move or sell your home anytime soon, as kerb appeal is a genuinely big factor in making or breaking a sale.
In fact, recent research from Supreme Merchants suggests that 93% of us judge a property based on the exterior.
Something as simple as the colour of a fence can shape whether a home feels looked after and inviting, or dated and too personal.
With that in mind, we’ve chatted to the experts to discover the fence colours that can help to sell your home quicker.
As, let’s face it, it’s not the best job so if you can move into a home with a colour you’re happy with – it’ll only save your future self time and money.
Similarly, we’ve also spoken to the experts about which fence paint colours can hinder a sale – so you know what’s best to avoid.
Whether you’re actively selling your home or not, it’s good to know what buyers might be looking for, or put off by.
What fence colours will help to sell my home?
Ultimately, it’s more than just the fence that will sell your home, but the right colours will go a long way.
We eat, shop and drink in a property with our eyes, so if the colours are the right fit, that can help to persuade a potential buyer either side of the line.
Mark Irving, painting expert at Build & Plumb points out some of the fence colours you may want to consider to help sell your home.
Warm grey
Grey is always a safe option, and you can rarely go wrong with a basic option.
Mark adds: “Sticking to mid-tone greys is the safest option if you’re selling your home as it creates a clean, yet modern backdrop that will suit the majority of tastes.
“Grey fences can help plants, flowers and outdoor furniture to stand out, making the garden appeal more stylish and ready to use.
“This is all without adding extra work for the buyer upon the sale.”
- Warm stone wood stain and protect sealer, from £2.52 from Protek – buy here
Green
“Green shades such as sage and olive work especially well for a property, as they naturally blend into plants and greenery.
“By doing so, the fences will help to solidify a calm and well-maintained appearance which will appeal to a broad range of buyers.
“I particularly recommend green fences for those who have smaller gardens, as it’s a great way to make the space appear more open and relaxing.”
- Soft sage green wood stain and protect wood sealer, from £2.52 from Protek – buy here
Taupe
“Natural earthy tones can work wonderfully in a property, adding a premium feel to a home.
“Taupe works especially well if your property has modern landscaping or a patio.
“They can help to create a contrast which can make greenery appear more attractive and vibrant, and they are also the best choice for photographing well for property listings.”
- Nude taupe wood stain royal exterior paint, £from £3.96 from Protek – buy here
Which fence colours will hinder a house sale?
Just as the right fence colour can help encourage a property to sell, the wrong colour can put buyers off.
While this might not be the only factor in a buyer not being interested, it’s an easy thing to rectify and, particularly in the summer months, is something alongside gardens that buyers will look for.
White
Mark explains: “White fences appear to make a home clean and crisp, but they require a hell of a lot of maintenance.
“They are one of the first colours to become tired and neglected, showing dirt algae and chipping more than any other shade.
“This can make a garden appear weathered and signals to a potential buyer that regular upkeep is necessary, resulting in a drop in the appeal of the overall home.”
Deep brown
While this is actually a common colour for fencing, it’s not always the best option if you’re looking to sell your home.
Mark adds: “Over time, brown fences can become patchy and give the garden a neglected appearance.
“Many potential buyers may be less inclined towards the property for this reason.
“This is because it can dull the home’s appearance and make it look dated and neglected.”
Bold colours – red, yellow, blue
While bright colours are often popular to bring a pop of colour to your garden, fencing isn’t the place to introduce this.
Mark agrees: “Bold fences can cause differing opinions with potential buyers.
“While they show personality and give a contrasting focal point for the property, they can often cause clashing – especially with a neighbouring property.
“Additionally, if these colours are not to the buyer’s personal preference, they may see them as an immediate paint job, resulting in a reduced opinion of the overall property.”
How do you paint a fence?
Whatever colour you choose for a fence, it’s important that you paint it well so it looks good for potential buyers.
Ensuring you prep and paint properly will also save you time in the long run, as it will last longer.
Not to mention be more aesthetically pleasing for the summer.
Mark has some expert tips to share.
Clean and prep the timber
Never underestimate the importance of cleaning and prepping the fence before beginning a paint job.
Mark explains: “One of the biggest mistakes many homeowners make is painting directly over algae, dirt or chipping paint.
“This can make it harder for the paint to stick and will hinder how long it lasts.
“Instead, I recommend washing the fence thoroughly beforehand which will allow more time for it to dry completely.
“Then, lightly sand down any rough areas before painting, to give the timber extra grip for the paint.”
Use weatherproof products
When painting a fence, it’s important to ensure what you’re using is weatherproof so opt for waterproof paints or stains.
Mark agrees: “These are specifically designed to withstand weather conditions, and many now can be found with UV and waterproof coatings which can help to prevent the fence fading or any moisture damage.”
Use thin and even coats
While it’s tempting to slap the paint on to get the job done quicker, it’s always best to take your time with fence painting for a better overall job.
Mark adds: “Thick layers of paint on timber can peel and crack over time, especially in the wet and cold weather conditions we often get in the UK.
“Instead, take your time with your fence painting and use lighter coats to get a base that will last much longer.”
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