New Study Reveals Dirty Roofs & Driveways Could Be Knocking Thousands Off Southport Property Values

SOUTHPORT, U.K. - Nov. 24, 2025 - PRLog -- A new in-depth study by Chris Spruce Cleaning Services Limited, a Southport-based exterior cleaning specialist, has revealed that many North West properties may be unintentionally reducing their appeal — and potentially their market performance — due to neglected exterior surfaces.

The research analysed 120 live property listings on Rightmove across Southport, Ormskirk, Liverpool and Formby, assessing visible exterior elements including roof cleanliness, driveway/patio condition, render appearance, and gutters/fascias.

The company also spoke with several local estate agents, who reported that poor kerb appeal commonly leads to reduced viewing interest, lower offers and slower sales.

"We're not saying a jet wash magically adds £50,000," said Chris Spruce, owner of Chris Spruce Cleaning Services Limited. "But first impressions genuinely matter. When buyers see a mossy roof, black-streaked render or a dirty driveway in that very first photo, they subconsciously downgrade the whole property. In a tougher market, that can lead to lower offers or a longer time to sell."

Key Findings:

1. Only 26% of properties displayed a fully well-kept exterior, while 49% had half or fewer exterior elements in good condition — indicating that exterior maintenance is often inconsistent.

2. Driveways and Patios were the most neglected parts

3. Nearly 28% of homes had a dirty roof and a neglected driveway.

4. Cleaner exteriors consistently appeared among higher-priced listings.
Although the study does not claim causation, homes with better exteriors were more common in higher price brackets:

• Lower-condition group: median £250,000
• Better-condition group: median ~£280,000

5. Most Homes Are One Step Away From Looking Much Better
The typical property had 62% of exterior elements in good condition.
Most were not severely neglected, but one or two simple improvements (often driveway or patio cleaning) could significantly improve kerb appeal.

"Our study shows that small improvements — a roof clean, driveway refresh or soft-wash treatment — can dramatically change how a property is perceived," Spruce added. "Those first few seconds matter more than most sellers realise."

Dataset:https://www.cleaning-service.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/20...

A Clean Exterior: One of the North West's Most Cost-Effective Selling Improvements
Exterior cleaning remains a low-cost, high-impact upgrade prior to listing.
Chris Spruce Cleaning Services Limited provides:

• Roof cleaning
• Driveway & patio cleaning
• Gutter / fascia / soffit cleaning
• Render cleaning
• Soft washing

To learn more about the services, visit: https://www.cleaning-service.uk.com/

About Chris Spruce Cleaning Services Limited
Chris Spruce Cleaning Services Limited is a Southport-based exterior cleaning business specialising in roof cleaning, render cleaning, driveway restoration, soft washing and kerb-appeal improvement for homes and businesses across the North West.