WHY HOME STAGING IS ESSENTIAL IN AUSTRALIA’S MARKET | BOOST SALES AND ATTRACT BUYERS IN 2024
In Australia’s highly competitive real estate market, where first impressions are crucial and buyers make swift decisions among numerous options, home staging has evolved from a luxury to a necessity. As the market evolves, the role of home staging continues to expand—not merely as a means of elevating a property’s visual appeal, but as a strategic marketing tool that can substantially influence sale prices and accelerate transaction timelines.
As an owner of a home staging business with extensive industry experience, we have observed how effective staging can fundamentally enhance the home selling process.
Let’s explore why home staging is essential in Australia’s market and how you can effectively stage your home for sale.
HOW TO CREATE A STRONG FIRST IMPRESSION?
An old saying “you never get a second chance to make a first impression” is particularly true in real estate. According to the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA), staged homes sell 73% faster than their non-staged counterparts. This statistic highlights the importance of creating a strong first impression when a potential buyer views a property.
Buyers often decide within minutes of stepping into a home, and a well-staged property allows them to instantly envision their future there, increasing their emotional connection—a powerful motivator when it comes to making an offer.
According to a report by CoreLogic, staged homes in Brisbane, QLD, not only sell faster but often for 5-10% more than non-staged homes. This increase is a testament to the value that staging adds, making it a vital tool for anyone looking to sell in 2024. Given that buyers often make snap judgments based on first impressions, staging can turn a simple walkthrough into a sold property.
With staging your home for sale, here are some strategies to make a great first impression:
- Decluttering and Depersonalisation: The first step in staging is to declutter and depersonalise. Buyers need to imagine themselves living in the home, so remove personal items and excess décor. A clean, neutral space allows them to envision their own style and needs in the property.
- Highlight Key Features: In Brisbane, outdoor living spaces are a big attraction. Stage these areas with cosy outdoor furniture, plants, or stylish décor to create an inviting extension of the indoor space. This works well for homes with balconies, patios, or gardens.
- Use Neutral and Modern Furnishings: Staging trends in 2024 favour a minimalist, modern look with neutral colours that appeal to a wide audience.
- Strategic Furniture Placement: Proper furniture placement can make rooms look bigger, improve flow, and highlight key features. Even in partial staging, rearranging existing pieces or adding a few key items can elevate the space’s look and feel, showing off the home’s potential.
- Boost Curb Appeal: First impressions start at the curb. Simple updates like painting the front door, trimming hedges, or setting up a welcoming porch can greatly improve your home’s exterior appeal. In sunny Brisbane, where outdoor living is a key selling point, staging the outside is just as important as the inside.
FINANCIAL BENEFITS OF HOME STAGING
Investing in home staging can lead to significant financial returns for sellers. According to a survey by the International Association of Home Staging Professionals (IAHSP), staged homes typically sell for 17% more than non-staged homes. In Australia, where property prices are already high, this percentage can translate into tens of thousands of dollars in additional profit.
From a seller’s perspective, this means a faster sale at a higher price—something that every homeowner desires. For real estate agents, staging can be the difference between a quick sale and a property that lingers on the market
In addition to fetching higher prices, staged homes often attract more offers. This increased competition can lead to bidding wars, further driving up the sale price. For example, a well-staged home in a desirable Brisbane suburb might receive multiple offers within days, compared to a similar, unstaged home that languishes on the market.
SETS THE STAGE| MARKET TRENDS
Ideal home staging involves understanding the preferences of your target buyers and tailoring the staging accordingly. Buyers’ preferences evolve over time, influenced by societal changes, lifestyle shifts, and design trends. For example, staging a modern apartment in Brisbane’s city centre will differ significantly from staging a family home in the suburbs. Urban buyers might appreciate sleek, contemporary furniture and minimalistic décor, while suburban buyers might be more drawn to cosy, functional spaces that accommodate family living.
The real estate market is competitive, and homes that are staged with an awareness of current trends have a distinct advantage.
LEVERAGE IN DIGITAL MARKETING
In the age of digital marketing, a staged home’s impact extends far beyond in-person viewings. In today’s real estate market, most buyers start their home search online. Listings with high-quality photos of staged spaces receive significantly more engagement online.
Having a strong online presence can make all the difference, social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook have become vital tools for showcasing properties, and staged homes that are visually appealing are more likely to be shared and viewed, reaching a broader audience.
With platforms like Instagram and Facebook playing a growing role in property searches, aesthetically pleasing staging that aligns with current design trends can capture the attention of buyers scrolling through their feeds.
FINAL SAYING
Home staging in Australia’s market, and specifically in vibrant regions like Brisbane, QLD, is no longer just a luxury—it’s an essential strategy for boosting sales and attracting buyers. By understanding how to stage a home for sale, leveraging partial home staging where appropriate, and keeping up with home staging trends for 2024, sellers can significantly enhance their property’s market appeal.
Staging not only helps homes sell faster and at higher prices, but it also creates a memorable first impression that resonates with buyers both online and in person. As we continue to navigate the evolving real estate landscape, home staging remains a powerful tool that transforms properties into ideal homes for today’s discerning buyers.
As a home staging business owner, I’ve seen firsthand how staging can transform a property, not just in appearance, but in the value it brings to the market. With the right approach, staging can turn a house into an ideal home that buyers can’t resist, making it an essential tool in the Australian real estate landscape of 2024.
Here at Sell In Style Property Styling, this is what we do best. Our team uses RP data to discover who the demographic of your ideal buyer is and styles with them in mind. We create spaces that feel warm and inviting. No matter if you need a new build or an established home staged, our team can help. Get in touch with us to discuss the possibilities. In the meantime, follow us on social media and read through our blogs for the latest.