Spring is traditionally a time when the housing market comes back to life. Nowhere is this more true than in Scotland where last year 53 per cent of all second hand properties above £400,000 were put on the market between March and June.

Spring is also when many buyers across the UK begin their hunt for a new home. So with large numbers of properties flooding onto the market, how can vendors make the most of the conditions? Here are some easy fixes to ensure your home has kerb appeal and stands out against the competition.

Get gardening

Gardens are important spaces for potential buyers, so make sure yours is looking its best. Spring is a great time to add some floral decoration by planting some bright daffodils and tulips or adding a colourful creeper. For houses with limited green space, window boxes and planters either side of the front door can give a touch of the outdoors. Showcase your home by trimming any hedges and revealing the exterior.

Smarten up front door furniture

Ensure the hardware is neat and tidy and straighten numbers or house name plaques. Polishing knockers and letter boxes also creates a positive first impression.

General maintenance

A well-kept exterior will make sure buyers are in a good mindset from the start. Remove any built-up dirt or rot, clear dead leaves from paths and gutters and replace any loose slates on the roof or cracked stonework.

Perfect paintwork

Give doors, window frames, garden gates and railings a fresh lick of paint. Bear in mind the colour of stone or brickwork when choosing a shade, so that the exterior is in-keeping with the property’s character.

Clean windows

Dirty windows are far more noticeable when the sun is shining. Make sure all windows are cleaned, both inside and out.

And don’t forget the interiors

Once your home is looking great on the outside, make sure it's not let down by the inside. Declutter and open windows regularly to ensure every room looks and smells as fresh as your spring garden.