When it comes to selling your home, first impressions are everything. In the competitive real estate market, standing out from the crowd is crucial, and one way to ensure your property shines is through professional home staging. It's an investment that might seem substantial at first but can significantly boost your home's final sale price.


The Cost-Benefit Analysis of Home Staging


The concept of home staging involves hiring professionals to furnish and decorate your home to make it more appealing to potential buyers. The cost of this service can vary widely, from a modest $3,000 for a partial style to a more comprehensive $25,000 for a full home staging. For many sellers, a standard house might only require an investment of around $10,000 to achieve a desirable look.


Ben Horwood of Horwood and Nolan Concord suggest that the ideal scenario is to have an empty home to style from top to bottom. This allows stagers to work their magic without the constraints of existing furnishings and personal items. Justine Wilson, Director of Vault Interiors, notes that the cost of a complete home staging can vary depending on the company and the type of property, with prestige market homes often requiring more expensive, high-end touches.

The Emotional Appeal to Buyers

Sydney agent, Jessica Cao from Ray White Upper North Shore, emphasizes the emotional aspect of home staging. It's not just about making a house look pretty; it's about helping potential buyers envision themselves living there. This is particularly important when the seller's style differs significantly from the target market, such as downsizing seniors selling to young families.


Cao likens the process to preparing for a first date — you want to put your best foot forward. A professionally styled home can highlight the property's best features and downplay any less desirable aspects, creating an aspirational living scenario that resonates with buyers.

The Potential for Profit

The investment in home staging can be substantial, but the returns can be even more so. Wilson suggests that home staging has the potential to increase the sales price by up to 20 per cent. With the median house price in Australia hovering around $1 million, that could mean an increase of approximately $200,000 — a substantial return on a $10,000 investment.

When Not to Stage


However, home staging isn't always the right strategy. If a property is considered a 'knockdown job,' making it look too appealing might deter developers who are looking for a competitive price. In such cases, it's best to consult with your real estate agent to determine the most appropriate course of action.

Top Tips for Home Staging

If you're considering professional staging, here are some tips from Justine Wilson to keep in mind:

1. Plan ahead: Staging a property is a multi-day process that requires a team of professionals. Many stylists are booked weeks in advance, so it's crucial to have a realistic timeline.

2. Shop around: Get quotes from various companies to find a service that fits your budget.


3. Focus on key areas: If you can't afford to stage the entire house, prioritize the living areas and main bedroom to ensure your marketing photos are as attractive as possible.

4. Trust the experts: You may not personally like the stylist's choices, but remember that they're designed to appeal to a broad audience. It's important to detach emotionally and trust their expertise.
In conclusion, while the upfront cost of home staging might give some sellers pause, the potential financial gains are too significant to ignore. By investing in professional styling, you're not just selling a space — you're selling a lifestyle, a dream. And that dream can translate into a substantial increase in your home's sale price, making the investment well worth it. So, before you list your home, consider the power of presentation and how a relatively small investment could lead to a lucrative sale.