Homebuyers Say Curb Appeal Increases Offers by Nearly $10,000

Methodology

In January 2025, we surveyed 995 American homeowners for their feedback on curb appeal. Respondents were 49% female, 50% male, and 1% non-binary, with an age range of 18 to 75 and an average age of 44.

Table of Contents

• 68% of Homebuyers Consider Bad Curb Appeal a Dealbreaker
• 47% Cut Back on Curb Appeal Maintenance Due to the Cost of Living
• 2025 Trend: Climate-Conscious Landscaping

68% of Homebuyers Consider Bad Curb Appeal a Dealbreaker

Our survey data shows that curb appeal significantly influences homeowners and buyers alike. The vast majority of homeowners (89%) report caring about curb appeal, and 68% of buyers consider poor curb appeal a dealbreaker. However, 94% of homebuyers would be willing to upgrade curb appeal after purchase.

On average, 2025 homebuyers are willing to increase their offers by $9,195 for homes with great curb appeal. They rank the most enticing curb appeal factors as follows:

1. Well-maintained lawn - 61%
2. Hardscaping features (patios and walkways) - 45%
3. Fencing - 42%
4. Landscape and gardening - 37%
5. Outdoor lighting - 30%

There are also some “lack of curb appeal” factors that deter Americans from buying a home. A dirty exterior takes the lead, with 57% of homebuyers considering it a red flag. Additional red flags include worn paint (50%), overgrown lawn (48%), cracked driveway (44%), and overgrown trees (36%).

47% Cut Back on Curb Appeal Maintenance Due to the Cost of Living 

While HOAs force some homeowners to maintain their exteriors or risk being fined, many choose to invest in curb appeal all on their own. Our survey shows that 78% of homeowners value curb appeal because they take pride in their home's appearance. Next, 58% want their home to feel inviting. And most sensibly, 35% of homeowners care about curb appeal for resale value. They also care about surrounding homes - 43% get annoyed when neighbors skip exterior upkeep

2025 Curb Appeal Plans

Even though they value curb appeal, 47% cut back on curb appeal maintenance due to the cost of living. On average, respondents spend $2,369 on curb appeal each year. This year, however, some plan to spend more - of the 58% planning a curb appeal project in 2025, the average amount they plan to spend is $2,934 ($565 more than their typical yearly spend). 

The top curb-appeal projects homeowners plan for 2025 include:

1. Landscaping - 64%
2. Exterior painting - 35%
3. Outdoor lighting - 32%

Curb Appeal Return On Investment (ROI)

What projects offer the best returns for your time and money? According to homeowners, the highest ROI curb appeal improvements include: 

1. Lawn care and maintenance - 27%
2. Painting or exterior maintenance - 17%
3. Fencing - 14%

More than half of homeowners (56%) hire help with curb-appeal projects, and 25% do so because it’s too difficult to maintain on their own. 

2025 Trend: Climate-Conscious Landscaping

According to our survey, the most-liked curb appeal features are walkways (88%), gardens (68%), and shrubs and hedges (61%). Year-round exterior decor may be losing popularity, as 22% of homeowners consider it tacky. Additionally, 27% of Americans think traditional ideas of curb appeal (such as vibrant front doors and vines) are outdated. 

Nearly 1 in 4 Homeowners Embracing Sustainable Landscaping 

When it comes to investing in curb appeal, 60% of homeowners mow lawns themselves. Nearly 1 in 4 (23%) invest in landscaping and garden aesthetics to be environmentally friendly. Over 3 in 5 (61%) invest in entryway appearance due to personal preference, with the top features being potted plants (63%), front door painting (60%), and patio/porch decor (48%).

41% Have Considered Regenerative Landscaping for Sustainability 

New ideas of landscaping are on the rise! Some popular techniques include rewilding lawns (letting them return to a natural state), regenerative landscaping (improving soil conditions and sustainability), and water-efficient landscaping.

Data shows that 35% of homeowners have rewilded their lawn, and 44% like the look of rewilded lawns. More than half (52%) have done climate-conscious landscaping, and 41% have considered regenerative landscaping for sustainability purposes.

Generations that have tried climate-conscious landscaping include:

• Gen Z - 64%
• Millennials - 40%
• Gen X - 37%
• Baby Boomers - 33%

Favorite water-efficient landscaping techniques include gravel/rock gardens (55%), drought-resistant plants (46%), and drought-resistant grass (34%).

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