Asphalt/bitumen could get sticky in summer. Not a fan of the smell either...... An Australian Sandstone paver would look pretty classy. Not cheap but everyone else has concrete.......because it's cheaper........ Although once you add stamped, oxides, patterns, etc. to concrete the more expensive alternatives aren't so dear after all.

I agree you wouldn't need to do much to improve this property greatly and depending on your budget you could do a lot of different things. The main issues I would look at here is the roof, carport and paint like some of the other comments on here I would pressure wash the roof, get it painted if you want to spend the money, Improve the outside of the house either by rendering and painting we do this to a lot on older brick properties if you just render the front of the house you can save money on rendering the whole house. It works out pretty cheap really, I would put some piers up out the front where your carport is and at the front of your porch. Maybe look at getting your driveway resurfaced you could get it painted with a stencil added to it at low cost. I would improve your porch either with a bit of decking or paving The garden out the front is nice and tidy but a rendered front fence or planter box addition here would have a huge effect on the front aesthetics of the property. We do all of these type of improvements on a regular basis and you would be surprised at how little they can cost and how much value it adds to the property. Lastly paint your gutters and improve your front door remember first impressions last a good quality front door can make a world of difference it doesn't look too bad though so I would probably just paint it. Good luck with whatever you choose I hope it turns out amazing.

Are you asking just about making your unit look more inviting, or all of them? I took it to mean just the one unit pictured . . . So, for the garden bed, something big with plenty of leaves and, ideally, spectacular flowers. I'd recommend maybe a strelitzia (bird of paradise) or canna lily. Currently you have have low maintenance mother-in-law's tongue and a yukka - just too small and spindly for the space. A bird of paradise thrives on neglect . . . for way more impact/distraction value . . . In front of the other window, a whacking great pot with a 'pleached' tree in it. These trees have a trellis with them and grow sideways. Pleaching is mostly done with fruit trees, so you get the added bonus of fruit! . Or consider a couple of 'Teddy Bear' magnolias in two pots - this Houzz story shows both pleaching and magnolias in narrow spots https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/block-out-thy-neighbour-privacy-plants-for-the-modern-home-stsetivw-vs~41847280 Now, when you've coming from the garage to the front door (with shopping), you are going to have step around in front of this (or have it placed forward so you can step behind). It will be a bit more awkward, but will mask most of that side of the front door. Or are you able to turn that dead lawn bed into a garden bed and plant directly into it? If so, I'd still go with either of these options. Now, smaller plants are much cheaper to buy, but I'd buy the biggest plants you can afford, for the most effect right away . . .

Sorry for the delay coming back to you all and thanks for all the input so far! We had our second baby just after posting this so have been distracted since :-) Thanks for all the suggestions and photos I think you are all spot on and I just need to get rid of the terracotta and brown as much as possible. I've got some colour test tins from bunnings so when I can I'm going to try out the following scheme and will post back: Windows - Really not sure? Black/White/Silver? Roof - Monument or Woodland Grey Garage doors - Monument or Woodland Grey Gutters - Monument or Woodland Grey Fascia - Shale grey Eaves/poles - Shale grey Downpipes - Monument or Woodland Grey Driveway/Tiled area - Respray or stencil in some sort of mid grey (the tiles are all cracked anyway). Something like attached. Back paving - Adbri Eurostone in Zurich - http://www.adbrimasonry.com.au/homeowner/paving/see-all-paving/euro-stone - photo attached Couple of questions: Can you paint split face block work and it sticks ok? I didn't think you could if not will render I love exposed aggregate but didn't think you could recoat in this format? It doesn’t seem that common in Sydney compared to Melbourne. Really not sure on window colour and would love some ideas? Other things: Definitely planning on getting an awning once new pavers are down Windows I will get quotes to replace but if too expensive will get a specialist painter for now Zurich is on the right. It's a light grey paver with an exposed aggregate. Available in 400 x 400 and 600 x 400 Cheers, Frank