19 striking house exteriors from around the world

Notting Hill, London, United Kingdom. Image credit: Instagram.com/ananewyork

“Never judge a book by its cover.” It’s a wise old saying that does not apply at all when it comes to real estate. Indeed, cover-judging is where it’s at when it comes to property.

Porto, Portugal. Image credit: Instagram.com/a_ontheroad

A more appropriate adage would be, “You only get one chance to make a first impression.” And that’s what the exterior of a house or apartment block is – a visitor, or passer-by, or potential buyer’s first impression.

Art deco exterior by Henri Deneux. Image credit: Instagram.com/amauryzep

It’s well known that a fresh coat of paint to your home’s exterior can boost the property’s value. Ruby Launder from localagentfinder.com.au says that a paint job can give a great return-on-investment. “[If you’re selling] it’s vital to make sure that the front of your home is as well-presented as possible,” she says. “Neutral colours are generally recommended because they will appeal to a wider range of potential buyers. Although bold colours can be exciting, they may fall out of fashion or make your home stand out for all the wrong reasons.”

Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Image credit: Instagram.com/marinasegler

However, with great risks come great rewards. Many of the houses and apartment buildings featured in this article have shamelessly wild, bright hues and patterns – far from the neutrals Launder recommends. They’re creative, colourful, original and definitely won’t appeal to all tastes – but isn’t that sort of the point of art? To shock and wow and create discussion? Sure, maybe don’t clad the exterior of your classic Queenslander in a mosaic of yellow tiles right before you want to sell, but if you’re buying your forever-home and want to make a statement? Why not push things are far as possible with your local council?

Carrer de Pàdua, Barcelona, Spain. Image credit: Instagram.com/archienfleur

Scroll down to see striking house and apartment exteriors from around the world – whether they’re strikingly good or not, we’ll leave up to you.

Chamusca, Portugal. Image credit: Instagram.com/rgcbatista

Costa Nova near Aveiro, Portugal. Image credit: Instagram.com/margitsikk

The Painted Ladies, San Francisco, United States. Image credit: Instagram.com/dianadelorenzi

Provence, France. Image credit: Instagram.com/mygreatescapes

Singapore. Image credit: Instagram.com/kehnnee

Charleston, South Carolina, United States. Image credit: Instagram.com/charleston_sc_rentals

Bondi Beach, Australia. Image credit: Instagram.com/flormolla

Washington, D.C, United States. Image credit: Instagram.com/houses_phototrip

The Saguaro, Palm Springs, United States. Image credit: Instagram.com/saguarohotels

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London, United Kingdom. Image credit: Instagram.com/ananewyork

Cape Town, South Africa.

Cobh, Ireland. Image credit: Instagram.com/loves_ireland

Paris, France. Image credit: Instagram.com/mybeautifulpari

Venice, Italy. Image credit: Instagram.com/lucefai

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