How to Stage Your Home to Sell: Essential Tips and Tricks 2025

Whether you’re selling a cosy apartment or a large family home, knowing how to stage your property is important to attracting potential buyers. While it may seem like extra work, staging can significantly impact the final sale price, potentially increasing it by 5-10%. Research also shows that staged homes generally spend less time on the market, leading to a quicker, more profitable sale.

Staging a property is about more than just tidying up or perfectly positioning throw cushions. It’s about creating an emotional connection with prospective buyers. When someone walks into your home, you want them to feel like it could be theirs.

The goal of staging is to help buyers imagine themselves living in your space. If your walls are covered in personal photos or shelves full of keepsakes, it’s harder for buyers to picture themselves in the home. Decluttering is crucial—store away personal items to create a neutral, inviting space.

Go through each room, clearing any mess, and make sure everything is spotless. A dirty sink or floor can harm your chances of selling, so a thorough cleaning is essential. And while a bold feature wall may suit your taste, it could put off buyers who don’t want the added cost of repainting. Stick to neutral colours that appeal to a broader audience.

Walk through your home with a fresh perspective, as if seeing it for the first time. But don’t make it too bare—sterile settings can be just as uninviting.

First impressions matter, and the outside of your home is the first thing buyers see. Start by mowing the lawn, tidying the garden, and giving the fence a fresh coat of paint. Fix any squeaky gates, clear the gutters, and check the eaves. Adding plants, a welcoming doormat, or a garden bench can make a big difference. Lastly, ensure your house number is visible, so buyers can easily find your property.

Once potential buyers are inside, it’s crucial to make the space feel light and welcoming. Natural light can create a warm, inviting atmosphere, while a dim or dark setting can make people feel uneasy.

If your home lacks natural light or you’re staging on a gloomy day, turn on all light fixtures and consider adding a few lamps to brighten dark areas. Clean the windows, or hire a professional to make them sparkle. Installing a skylight can be an inexpensive way to bring in more light and make rooms feel larger.

Over time, we all accumulate items that can make a home feel cramped. When staging, it’s important to clear out excess furniture and belongings, making your home appear more spacious.

Remember that potential buyers will open cupboards and drawers, so make sure these areas are neat and organised too. Rearranging your furniture is a free and effective way to create a better flow, and removing a few unnecessary pieces can open up the space. Less really is more when it comes to staging.

To make your property stand out, focus on these staging essentials:

• Light: Maximise natural light by opening blinds or curtains and using neutral paint colours. If natural light is limited, add soft, warm lighting.
• Curb Appeal: First impressions count. Keep the garden tidy, mow the lawn, and add simple touches like potted plants to make the entrance inviting.
• Cleanliness: A deep clean is non-negotiable. Ensure carpets, walls, and cabinetry are spotless. If needed, hire a professional cleaner for a fresh, welcoming feel.
• Depersonalise: Help buyers picture themselves in your home by removing personal photos, awards, and memorabilia. Create a neutral space with wide appeal.

Before preparing your property for inspection, avoid these common mistakes:

• Don’t invest in major renovations: Stick to fixing small issues like broken handles or leaky taps, rather than spending on big updates that might not pay off.
• Avoid bold colour schemes: Neutral tones appeal to more buyers.
• Don’t stay home during inspections: Let buyers explore freely without feeling like they’re intruding.

If hiring a professional stager is out of your budget, you can still stage effectively. Here are some affordable tricks:

• Update towels, bath mats, and bed linen.
• Add stylish accessories, like a coffee table book or a fruit bowl.
• Visit second-hand stores or borrow items to enhance the decor.

Staging is a smart investment, helping your home sell faster and for more money. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, creating a welcoming, neutral space will help buyers imagine themselves living there.

At Mackay City Property, we not only help you stage your home but also expertly navigate the local market for a smooth, successful sale. Contact us for free property appraisals, tailored strategies, and expert advice to sell your home quickly and profitably.