10 tips for staging your property when selling

1. Clean and declutter

The first step in staging is cleaning and decluttering every room. Buyers need to imagine themselves in the space, and they can’t do that if it’s filled with personal items, clutter, or dust. Go room by room and:

• Remove excess furniture and personal belongings, such as family photos or keepsakes.
• Clean all surfaces, from the kitchen counters to the bathroom tiles, ensuring everything looks fresh and well-maintained.
• Consider donating items you no longer use to make the space feel airier and more spacious.

2. Give the walls a fresh coat of paint

Neutral colours like light greys, whites, and soft beiges are timeless and appeal to a broader audience. Fresh paint can instantly lift a room and make it appear brighter, cleaner, and larger. Avoid bold colours that might turn buyers off. A neutral palette allows them to envision how they’d personalise the space to suit their tastes.

3. Maximise natural light

Natural light makes a space feel more inviting and spacious. Open curtains or blinds to let the sunlight in and consider rearranging furniture to allow for the best possible flow of light. If your home doesn’t have abundant natural light, opt for soft, warm lighting with table lamps or overhead lights to create a cosy, welcoming environment.

4. Define each space

Ensure that every room in your home has a clear purpose. In smaller homes, it’s easy for spaces to become multipurpose, but this can leave buyers confused about how the space works.

Try to:

• Create clear living areas, dining spaces, and bedrooms by strategically placing furniture.
• If a room seems small, consider removing large pieces of furniture to make it appear larger.
• If there’s an awkward space, such as a narrow hallway or an unused corner, think about how you can make it functional; perhaps a small reading nook or an area for plants.

5. Rearrange furniture for optimal flow

When staging a property, the way furniture is arranged can make a huge impact. Ensure there is an easy flow between rooms, with no obstacles or furniture blocking walkways. Arrange pieces to highlight the room's best features. Whether it's a fireplace, a large window, or the size of the space. In some cases, it may be helpful to rent or borrow new, stylish furniture to help buyers envision the home in its best light.

6. Highlight the best features

If your home has standout features such as a large garden, period features, or a spacious kitchen, be sure to draw attention to these elements. For example:

• Add a few decorative touches to show off a well-designed fireplace.
• Place fresh plants on your kitchen counters to make the space feel more homely.
• If you have a garden or patio, stage the outdoor space with some comfortable seating or a barbecue setup, creating a vision of relaxing or entertaining in that area.

7. Fix minor repairs

Before sellingyour property, make sure to address any minor repairs. It may seem like a small thing, but cracked tiles, leaky taps, or loose handles can give buyers the impression that the property isn’t well-maintained. Fixing these issues can make your property look more appealing and give it a more polished, ready-to-move-in feel.

8. Use subtle scents

An often-overlooked detail in staging is the power of scent. A pleasant fragrance can make a home feel more welcoming. Avoid overpowering air fresheners, which can be off-putting. Instead, consider:

• Baking cookies or brewing a pot of coffee before a viewing to create a homely feel.

• Using subtly scented candles or diffusers with calming scents such as lavender or vanilla.

9. Take professional photos

Once your property is staged, ensure it’s captured in the best possible light with professional photography. Poor-quality images can give buyers the wrong impression, especially in the digital age where online listings are often the first point of contact. A professional photographer will know how to capture your home’s best features and showcase it in an appealing way.

10. Consider working with a professional home stager

If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure about how to stage your home effectively, it might be worth considering working with a professional stager. A professional stager has the expertise to highlight your home's strengths and create an inviting atmosphere that appeals to a wide range of buyers. They can provide advice on colour schemes, furniture placement, and even recommend the best décor to suit your property. While this does come at an additional cost, it can make a significant difference in how quickly your property sells and at what price. If your home has unique challenges or if you want to stand out in a competitive market, a stager can help ensure your property is presented in the best possible light.