Most buyers make up their minds before they even get through the door. Around 93% judge a property based on how it looks from the pavement.
Windows and doors play a big part in that snap decision. Tatty frames, misted glass, peeling paint on the front door — none of that helps. Fresh windows and a decent front door? That changes things.
The Numbers Behind the Upgrade
Research from Nationwide Building Society shows that homes with an A or B energy rating attract a 2.8% premium over a D-rated property. Drop down to an F or G rating and you’re looking at 4.2% less than that D baseline.
On a £300,000 home, we’re talking about a gap of around £20,000 between the best and worst rated properties.
Windows have a direct impact on that rating. Single glazing pulls the score down. Double or triple glazing lifts it. Fit A-rated units and the EPC improves. Buyers pick up on that.
According to Uswitch, double glazing alone can add an average of £36,700 to a property’s value. Rightmove found that improving an EPC from F to C could boost a home’s worth by 15%. On an average UK home, that’s close to £56,000.
Why Buyers Care
Energy bills have shot up over the past few years. That’s pushed efficient homes higher up the wish list.
Surveys suggest about three quarters of buyers now prioritise energy performance when searching for a home. They’re doing the maths on running costs before they put in an offer.
Old single-glazed windows can cost hundreds more per year to heat. The Energy Saving Trust says that A+ rated double glazing can cut bills by £75 to £110 a year. Buyers factor that in.
There’s comfort to think about too. Double and triple glazing cut drafts. They dampen road noise. You get a more even temperature through the year and that matters to people viewing in January as much as July.
Front Doors That Seal the Deal
A tired front door can knock thousands off a sale. A sharp one can add it back.
The HomeOwners Alliance found that 68% of buyers think first impressions matter a lot when viewing a home. And the front door is where that impression starts.
Composite doors have taken over the market. They look like timber but won’t rot, warp or fade. The locking systems on modern composites are serious too — multi-point mechanisms and reinforced panels that don’t give way easily.
Colour matters as well. Navy blue, racing green, black and grey are all selling well right now. A bold door on a neutral house makes it stand out on the street and in the photos.
What About the Back of the House
French doors and bi-folds have changed how people use their homes. They open a kitchen or living room onto the garden. Light floods in. Space feels bigger.
Bi-fold doors in particular can add 5% to 10% to a home’s value according to some industry estimates. They’re a feature buyers remember.
Patio doors work well too. Slimmer frames mean more glass. More glass means better views. Modern units slide smoothly and seal tight when closed.
Security Sells
Buyers think about safety. Windows with multi-point locks and toughened glass offer peace of mind. So do reinforced door frames.
Insurance companies often reward upgrades like these windows and doors with lower premiums. That’s another selling point to mention in the listing.
Kerb Appeal and the Quick Sale
Homes that look well-kept sell faster. A HomeOwners Alliance survey found that windows in good condition ranked as the top kerb appeal factor for 71% of buyers.
A fresh front door, clean frames and sparkling glass send a clear signal. This house has been looked after. That confidence speeds up offers and can push prices higher.
Estate agents often say that tired windows and doors are the first thing to flag on a viewing. Buyers see them and start adding up the cost of replacement. That comes off the offer.
Is It Worth Doing Before You Sell
That depends on what you’ve got now.
Single glazing that rattles in the wind? Probably worth replacing. The return tends to sit between 70% and 80% of what you spend, and you’ll likely sell quicker too.
If you’ve got working double glazing that’s ten years old, a deep clean and fresh paint on the frames may be enough. No need to replace what’s still performing.
Front doors are worth thinking about separately. A fitted composite door runs between £800 and £1,500. If yours is looking rough — faded, dented, dated — it might be worth changing before the photographer turns up.
Staying Put? Still Makes Sense
You don’t have to be selling to benefit. New windows and doors cut bills, block noise, and make the house more secure.
And when you do come to sell, they’ll still be a feature. Quality windows last 20 to 30 years. A good front door even longer.
It’s one of those upgrades that works now and pays off later.
Images courtesy of unsplash.com and pexels.com
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