Home staging means arranging furniture and decor so buyers can picture themselves living in the space. It can be as light as a tidy-up, or as involved as hiring in furniture for the whole house.
When staging is worth considering
- The house is empty and rooms feel cold or hard to size up
- A room has an awkward layout or an unclear purpose
- The home is looking a little tired or dated
- You're in a market with lots of similar homes competing for attention
Light-touch staging you can do yourself
You don't need to spend much. Remove excess furniture so each room feels open. Clear surfaces, and add a few simple touches such as fresh flowers, a plant or neutral cushions. Give every room a clear purpose, like a desk in a spare room so it reads as a study.
Focus on the rooms that matter most
Buyers pay most attention to the living area, kitchen and main bedroom. If you're short on time or budget, put your effort there first.
Professional staging
Hiring a stylist can lift a home for photos and viewings, especially if it's empty. It's an added cost, so I'd talk it through with you first and weigh it against your home and your budget. I can't promise a set return, but I can tell you whether I think it's worth it.
Quick tip
Photos are often a buyer's first look. Whatever you do, make sure the home is at its best before the photographer arrives.
This is general information only, not legal, financial or building advice. Rules and market conditions change, so check the details with your lawyer, lender or the relevant authority before making decisions.
