Home staging involves preparing a property in a way that appeals to potential buyers. This marketing strategy includes decorating and arranging the home with the aim of presenting a neutral space. It often includes renting furniture, general decluttering, cleaning and minor repairs.

When done well, home staging spotlights the property’s strengths and downplays any weaknesses. Rooms are made to look spacious, and their functionality is highlighted by creative furnishing. The home is depersonalised to take on a modern, fresh look that viewers can imagine themselves living in. Adopting various design principles to sell property is an effective strategy that adds value and reduces the time spent on the market.

The Benefits of Home Staging

Staging a home enables sellers to present a move-in-ready home, which engages buyers and creates an emotional connection almost instantly. However, if you’re in a fix, here’s more about why staging a house for sale makes sense.

Increased Sale Price

According to NAR, 22% of agents acting on behalf of sellers reported that home staging added up to an extra 5% to the original sale price. 17% reported a 10% increase. Another study suggested the potential gains can be even higher, between 10% and 20%, justifying the idea of staging your property.

Faster Sales

The Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) found unstaged homes could be on the market for as long as 143 days. Once the homes were staged, the average fell to 40 days. For those homes staged before listing, the average time on the market was even lower at only 23 days. While all markets and homes are different, data shows that staged homes are likely to spend between 33% and 50% less time on the market than those that are unstaged.

The Psychological Impact on Buyers

According to NAR, the psychological impact home staging creates is quite significant, with 77% of potential buyers stating that the staging made it easier to visualise the home as their own. This emotional connection generates more competitive offers that prompt faster sales.

The Costs of Home Staging

Staging expenses vary according to location and the time of the year, with a premium for staging at peak selling times. If you’re settling on a prime London property, the average staging cost may be around  £2,500 to £6,000. In Sydney, packages for a one-bedroom property start at $2,600. However, HomeAdvisor puts the average cost at $1,776, although furniture rental may be as little as $784.

It may vary, but regardless of the property, staging is a worthwhile investment that offers a high return. With virtual staging, buyers present their properties digitally without the expense and inconvenience of physical staging. It’s particularly effective for selling empty properties or those needing renovation. Prices range from $39 to $199 per room. 

Endnote

 Home staging is regarded as a powerful marketing tactic that encourages competition among buyers which reduces sale time. With its use of neutral palettes, designer furniture and furnishings, the home’s appeal is enhanced, prompting an emotional connection that ultimately benefits the seller.