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Spend a Little, Gain a Lot: Why Home Staging Makes Good Financial Sense
- Sue & Claire
- Jun 24
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 8
When it comes to selling your home, first impressions are crucial. Most buyers decide about a property within moments of stepping through the front door.
As a seller, it’s understandable to feel hesitant about spending money on a home you plan to leave. You might think that buyers will overlook minor flaws or prefer to make their own changes.
However, from our experience as professional home stagers, this is rarely true. Buyers are generally more attracted to clean, well-presented homes than to those that appear outdated or in need of repairs.
Even buyers willing to undertake some DIY work - like investors or those looking for a “project”- often use signs of neglect to negotiate a lower price. This means whether buyers are deterred or leverage flaws for a discount, the outcome is the same: you lose potential value.
Why Home Staging Makes Financial Sense
Investing some time, effort, and even a little money into showcasing your home can yield significant benefits. Home staging can make a real difference in how quickly your property sells, as well as the final sale price.
Through our work with clients, we frequently observe how a few small changes can lead to substantial results. Whether it’s applying a fresh coat of paint, arranging furniture strategically, or adding thoughtfully chosen decorative items, the goal remains constant: helping buyers visualize themselves in your home.
This process of preparing a home for sale is known as “home staging”- essentially, setting the scene for a successful sale.
A Market Where Presentation Matters
The housing market has become more challenging for sellers in recent months. With rising interest rates and stricter lending criteria, buyers are more cautious and take their time. Homes aren’t selling as quickly as before. In such a competitive environment, the appearance of your home truly matters.
We recently spoke with our local Cheltenham-based estate agent colleague, Dominic Dore, who shared insights about the current market:
“Buyers are definitely more particular at the moment. They’re looking for value for money and a property that feels move-in ready. A well-presented home immediately stands out and makes a strong emotional impression - and that’s key when buyers have plenty of choices.”
Staging: Highlighting Your Home's Potential
Staging a property for sale isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about showcasing your home’s best features and demonstrating its potential. The objective is to create a lifestyle that buyers can envision themselves stepping into - not just revealing how you live on a daily basis.
Here are some simple changes that can create a big impact:
Transforming an unused room into a home office.
Decluttering the kitchen and adding trendy accessories.
Rearranging living room furniture to enhance space and flow.
In addition, making sure to address any outstanding maintenance tasks, (such as chipped paint, loose door handles, or leaky faucets) can significantly improve buyer confidence.
Dominic also shared: “In my experience, staged homes do attract more viewings, receive better offers, and tend to sell more quickly.”
Staging an Empty Property vs. a Lived-in Home
Staging an empty property significantly differs from staging a home that’s still inhabited, though both strategies aim to help buyers realize the space's full potential.
Empty properties can feel cold and lack scale, leaving buyers uncertain about how rooms can function. For these cases, we typically introduce rental furniture and accessories. This approach creates a warm, inviting atmosphere while clearly defining each area. The total staging cost depends on the property's size and the duration it remains on the market, but for a £450,000 home, expect to invest about £3,500 to £6,000.
For homes currently lived in, staging usually focuses on editing and enhancing existing spaces. This includes decluttering, rearranging furniture, adding soft furnishings, and completing any necessary maintenance tasks.
Costs for staging a lived-in home are generally lower and can start from just a few hundred pounds, depending on required changes and whether additional items are needed.
Each staging approach is tailored to suit both the property and the seller's budget, but the ultimate goal is the same: presenting the home in the best light possible.
Staging vs. Reducing the Price
The cost of home staging can vary based on property size and scope of work. Let’s assume a seller spends £2,000 on decluttering, interior styling, and minor improvements before putting their home on the market.
In contrast, a typical price reduction might hover around £10,000 to £15,000 when a property garners little interest. This comparison clearly shows which route can offer better value.
Moreover, a sudden price cut may suggest issues with the property or convey seller desperation. Staging, however, helps you maintain your asking price while ensuring your home makes a strong first impression right from the start.
On this topic, Dominic agreed: “Dropping the price suggests desperation. A well-presented home that has been properly priced for sale rarely needs to be discounted.”
One Last Thought: Invest in Your Home's Presentation
Selling your home is a significant step—but it also presents a fantastic opportunity. By investing a little upfront to primp your property, you increase your chances of standing out in a crowded market.
If you’re planning to sell and want to achieve the best possible price, never underestimate the power of presentation. Simple changes today can differentiate between merely getting an offer and receiving the right one.
Is staging your home before hitting the market on your radar? We’re eager to help you showcase your Cotswolds home at its best. Feel free to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. You can also take a look at our Home Staging pages for more information and inspiration.
And if you would like professional advice from an experienced local estate agent with a personal touch, do consult Dominic—his contact details are below, and we know he would be delighted to connect with you.
Claire & Sue
New Leaves - Professional Organising and Home Staging
Tel Claire on +44 7720887205
Instagram @newleavesinteriors
Dominic Dore Powered by eXp
Tel Dominic on +44 7359 989128
Instagram @dominicdoreproperty
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