Exterior paint jobs can boost your property value more than you might expect. A survey shows a 55% return on investment from exterior painting. Your choice of paint colours could add up to $10,000 to your home’s value, according to real estate agents. Homes with fresh exterior paint tend to not only sell faster but at increased prices. Buyers love this simple upgrade because it hides flaws, makes the property look ready to move into, and creates an appealing first impression.
In this blog, you’ll learn about the best colours to use, when to paint, and what real estate professionals suggest to make the most of your investment. Market data and expert knowledge back these recommendations.
Impact of Exterior Paint on Value
Fresh exterior paint does more than make your house look good. Market data shows homeowners can expect substantial financial returns. Houses with appealing exteriors sell for roughly 7% more than similar properties with less attractive facades.
Consumer Reports says that exterior paint improvement yields an estimated 51% return on investment. Professional paint jobs can raise property value by 2-5%, based on paint quality and colour selection. To put that in $$$ – a home valued at $750,000 could gain between $15.000 to $37,500 through exterior painting.
Exterior painting does more than boost monetary returns – it makes properties more marketable. The National Association of Realtors’ 2019 survey showed that 66% of real estate professionals see exterior paint as a vital part of curb appeal. Properties with well-managed exteriors get more online views, which leads to increased in-person visits and competitive offers. The survey may be based in America, but the real estate metrics are the same in Brisbane. To put it simply, paint your home for a better sale or home value price.
Research confirms that homes with cosmetic improvements like fresh exterior paint sell faster. These properties also tend to be closer to the asking price compared to homes without such upgrades. This advantage becomes especially valuable in competitive housing markets. Standing out can make the difference between a quick sale and a property that sits unsold.
Paint quality and professional application are key factors in maximising returns. Top-tier paintwork by qualified painters like our team at Priority Painting typically brings higher value increases than simple paint jobs. The painting process often reveals hidden maintenance issues which allows homeowners to fix problems before they get pricey.
Experts recommend painting all visible exterior surfaces to create a unified look. This integrated approach improves aesthetic appeal and shows potential buyers that the property has been well maintained. These factors support stronger valuations during the sale process.
Key Factors That Influence Value Increase
The right exterior paint elements can boost your property’s market value. Three main factors determine how much value an exterior paint job adds to your home.
Your exterior colour choices directly shape what buyers think and how much they’ll pay. Research shows homes with appealing colour schemes sell for up to 7% more than those with less attractive exteriors. Of course, neutral shades like white, grey, and beige attract most buyers. A black front door can add up to $5,500 to your home’s value.
Sage green works great, especially if your property has lots of greenery. However, experts warn against bright colours because they tend to divide potential buyers. The best approach is to stick to three paint colours or shades. This creates a classic look that stays appealing for years.
Paint quality makes a big difference in durability and value. Premium paints use better resins that stick better to surfaces, which means less peeling and cracking. These high-end exterior paints guard against UV damage, moisture, and weather wear. Cheaper paints need more coats to cover properly. Premium paints cover better with fewer coats because they have better pigments. Top-quality paints protect your home for over 15 years. Budget options might need a new coat after just one year. We use top-quality paints with UV protection for our hot Brisbane climate.
What Real Estate Agents Say
Real estate professionals share great insights about exterior paint choices and their effect on property value. Their direct experience with buyers gives them a real-life understanding of what sells in the market.
Real estate agents stress the need to consult them before starting any paint project. They walk through properties to spot areas that need work, which helps homeowners spend their budget wisely. Instead of going with personal taste, they suggest looking at your home from a buyer’s viewpoint.
Our advice for choosing the best exterior house paint colours is to stick to three shades for exterior colour combinations. The colours will depend on the style of your home for example Queenslanders have heritage colours and you can even look up advice on colour-matching heritage colours on the Brisbane council’s website. Popular Queensland colours are whites, greys and blues.
Buyer Priorities
One survey shows that 49% of buyers like white exteriors, with natural wood stains close behind at 48%. Grey exteriors have gained recent popularity but appeal to only 19% of potential buyers.
Colours that might lower property value include:
- Red (59% of buyers dislike it)
- Lime green (53% negative response)
- Yellow (40% unfavourable reaction)
Cost vs Value
The financial aspect of exterior painting helps homeowners make informed choices about their property investments. Understanding cost factors provides valuable insights for those looking to enhance their home’s exterior.
Several key elements influence the overall expense. The cost for painting a single-storey home can range from lower to significantly higher amounts, while two-storey properties typically fall within a moderate to higher price range. These estimates generally include:
- Basic preparation with standard paints at the lower end of the scale
- Mid-range costs for quality paint with moderate preparation
- Higher expenses for premium paints and extensive prep work
A large portion of the budget goes toward labour, which varies widely in cost per hour. Premium paints also come at a higher price per litre. Paint quality is a major factor in long-term value, as superior products provide better protection and last longer.
Conclusion
Market data shows exterior painting is one of the most budget-friendly home improvements. The original cost runs from $3,000 to $20,000. The returns make it worth the money with a 55% ROI and a possible value boost of over at least $20,000.
Your colour choices can make a big difference in the returns. White, grey, and neutral earth tones attract buyers in a variety of markets. Bold or unusual colours might reduce your property’s appeal. Quality materials cost more upfront but protect your investment with better durability and a superior finish.
A professional paint job needs the right weather to work well. Spring and autumn give you the best conditions. The paint cures properly and lasts longer during these seasons. Real estate experts say good exterior painting adds value to your property and helps it sell faster.
Take time to compare costs and returns for your specific case. Look at your local market conditions, property size, and current exterior condition. A smart approach to exterior painting will give you better returns and improve your home’s curb appeal.