We get it… Selling your home can be an extremely hard and overwhelming process. With so many moving parts—from pricing your property to managing open homes and negotiating with buyers—it can feel like an endless list of tasks.
At KE Property Styling Melbourne we ensure homes stand out in a competitive real estate market with home staging. If you’re selling a property in Melbourne, home staging can make a world of difference when it comes to both the speed of the sale and the final sale price.
We have put together this comprehensive guide where we will cover why staged homes sell faster, the costs associated with staging in Melbourne, and practical tips to make your property shine.
What Is Home Staging?
Home staging is the process of skillfully preparing your home for sale through furniture placement and layout, styling the property to highlight certain features and spaces and overall creating a warm and inviting space where potential buyers can see themselves living there.
Why Stage Your Property?
Typically home staging involves hiring high quality furniture and styling from your expert stylist (us!) and having our skillful team install and transform your home. This service gives your property the best chance to shine and draw in buyers as we create spaces that will appeal to all buyers.
Need Advice?
At KE Property Styling we also offer in-home Styling Consultations where you will come to your property for 1 hour and go through room by room and discuss what items of yours should be removed or re-arraged. We can suggest items that you can hire from us that will help transform your space. These types of consultations are affordable and make a huge difference to the way your property is presented.
Is Interior Design & Home Staging The Same?
While home staging is often associated with interior design, at KE Property Styling we refer to property staging as ‘quick design’. With interior design you will sit down with your designer for hours and work on projects which take weeks or months to come to life, where all elements are carefully agreed upon by designer and client,
whereas with property staging we select stock from our large inventory range and we install all in one day. Our collection includes high quality pieces that all work together, we stay on-top of trends but also hold pieces that are neutral enough to appeal to everyone. This holding allows us to quickly transform your property from empty and cold, into a warm, inviting and beautiful space.
A staged home should have broad appeal, allowing a wide range of buyers to imagine how they might live in the space. Whether it’s making the living room feel larger and airier or creating an inviting and tranquil atmosphere in the bedroom, staging is about presenting a home in the best possible light.
Check out our Look Book on our website www.kepropertystyling.com.au
Why Do Staged Homes Sell Faster when staged by KE?
1. First Impressions Matter
We’ve all heard the saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” When it comes to real estate, this couldn’t be truer. Potential buyers often make a snap judgment as soon as they step into a home. When buyers enter a staged property, they are greeted with a space that feels curated, cared for, and welcoming. A clean, organized home shows buyers that the property has been well-maintained, which creates a positive first impression that lasts through the rest of the viewing.
In contrast, a cluttered, unkept home can turn buyers off before they even start to appreciate the home’s potential. No one wants to walk into their furniture home and see pictures of your wedding, or see a comfy yet slouchy couch that you watch TV on every night. A well-staged home sets the tone for the entire viewing, making it easier for buyers to see the space as their own.
2. Emotional Connection
Buyers don’t just buy a house—they buy the lifestyle that comes with it. Home staging creates an emotional connection by presenting a property that feels lived-in, warm, and inviting. A beautifully staged home allows buyers to picture themselves in the space, making it easier for them to envision their lives unfolding there.
For example, a staged living room with comfortable furniture, a cozy rug, and a beautifully arranged coffee table can spark thoughts of family gatherings, relaxing evenings, and entertaining friends. The key is to make the space feel like it has the potential to become a home, and home staging does exactly that.
We love properties, let our fresh eyes see your property in a new light.
3. Perceived Value
In the competitive Melbourne property market, perceived value can significantly affect a buyer’s decision-making process. A professionally staged home often appears more valuable than an unstaged one, making buyers feel more inclined to offer a higher price. Staged homes give the impression of being better maintained, as they showcase the property’s best features in an organized and polished manner.
Studies have consistently shown that staged homes sell for more than non-staged homes. According to recent data, homes that are staged can sell for as much as 15% more than comparable non-staged properties (realestate.com.au). While the cost of staging may seem high initially, the return on investment (ROI) can be significant.
4. Faster Sales
Time is money, and in real estate, time on the market can directly affect the final sale price. Staged homes tend to sell faster than non-staged homes. In fact, staged homes sell, on average, in just 33 days, while homes that aren’t staged take 180 days to sell (realestate.com.au). In a fast-paced market like Melbourne’s, every extra day on the market increases the risk of price reductions, missed opportunities, and buyer hesitation.
By staging your home, you’re increasing its chances of being sold quickly. This is crucial in Melbourne’s competitive real estate environment, where market conditions can change rapidly, and every day your property sits unsold can reduce its appeal to potential buyers.
5. Don't see value in staging?
No worries however most buyers do! Want the best outcome? No regrets!
Home Staging in Melbourne: Costs and Considerations
While the benefits of staging are clear, it’s important to understand the investment involved, particularly in Melbourne’s competitive real estate market. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect when staging your property.
Consultation Fees
We find talking price and establishing what’s important to you in our first conversations important. Understanding our pricing and your investment in staging allows us to ensure you are ready for the next step which is an onsite visit.
Vacant property Staging
At KE we understand timely quotes are important, initial curb side quotes allow you to understand our prices, ask questions and provide information about our process.
We then book in an onsite walkthrough once your install is booked.
If you prefer we come out, absolutely we love meeting vendors!
Occupied Properties - Partial Staging
Occupied properties need a walk though to see what will stay and what will go!
Before we book in this consultation a budget is established using the above process.
We carefully assess each property and provide a custom quote, as every staging project is tailored to suit the unique layout and features of your home. Our goal is to thoughtfully style each space, giving it purpose, character, and maximum appeal to potential buyers.
Just Advice, Not sure you need styling?
We also offer Styling Advice Consultations for $110 +gst for 1 hour.
During this consultation an expert stylist from our team will walk through the property and advise you on how to enhance your property for sale with your existing furniture. We will discuss room layout, furniture orientation, which items should be put into storage, how to maximise your spaces ect.
Staging Costs
The cost of staging will vary depending on the size of your home. Our minimum staging cost sits at $2,500 +gst which will generally cover a 1 bed and 1 living small apartment.
For homes with 3 bedrooms staging can sit between $3,500 +gst to $4,500+gst.
Four bedroom homes generally sit upwards $4,500 +gst.
Return on Investment (ROI)
Home staging is an investment! While it does come with a price tag, the return on investment can be significant. Studies have shown that for every $1 dollar spent on staging, homeowners can expect to see a return of approximately x $3 (realestate.com.au). THATS X3 your initial spend! $$$$$$$
This makes staging a worthwhile investment for many sellers, especially if they want to sell their property faster and for a higher price.
Tips for Staging Your Home in Melbourne
If you’re preparing to stage your home in Melbourne, there are several steps you can take to enhance its appeal and attract potential buyers.
1. Declutter and Depersonalize
Buyers need to be able to envision themselves living in the space. This is difficult to do if the home is filled with personal items such as family photos, personal memorabilia, or excess clutter. The first step in staging your home is to declutter and depersonalise.
Start by removing items that don’t add value to the space. This includes excess furniture, knick-knacks, and anything that might distract buyers from the home’s features. Store away personal items like family photos, trophies, or artwork that may not appeal to everyone.
2. Highlight Key Features
Every home has its strengths—whether it’s a spacious living room, a state-of-the-art kitchen, or a beautifully landscaped garden. During the staging process, make sure to highlight these features. Arrange furniture and decor in a way that draws attention to the best parts of your home.
For example, in the living room, arrange the furniture to create an open and inviting space that draws the eye toward any beautiful architectural details, such as a fireplace or large windows. In the kitchen, ensure that counters are clean and clear to highlight the space’s functionality and modern design.
3. Use a Neutral Color Palette
When staging a home, it’s important to create an environment that appeals to a wide range of buyers. Neutral colors, such as whites, beiges, and greys, are the most effective choice. Neutral tones create a calm and welcoming atmosphere, allowing potential buyers to imagine how their furniture and decor might fit into the space.
Avoid bold or overly personalized colors, as they can be off-putting to some buyers. Neutral colors give the home a timeless, versatile feel and allow buyers to focus on the layout and features of the property rather than being distracted by the decor.
4. Professional Cleaning
A clean home is a must when selling. Buyers want to see that a home has been well cared for, and cleanliness is a sign of a well-maintained property. Before staging your home, consider hiring professional cleaners to ensure every nook and cranny is spotless.
Focus on high-traffic areas, such as the kitchen, bathrooms, and living rooms. Don’t forget less obvious areas like baseboards, windows, and light fixtures. A thorough cleaning not only makes the home look better but also helps eliminate any unpleasant odors that could turn buyers off.
5. Outdoor Appeal
Curb appeal is just as important as the interior of the home. The exterior is the first thing buyers will see, so it’s crucial to make a great first impression. Start by ensuring that the front yard is tidy and well-maintained.
Mow the lawn, trim any hedges, and plant fresh flowers or add potted plants to add color and vibrancy to the exterior. Clean the driveway, porch, and entryway to ensure that everything is looking its best.
6. Lighting
Lighting can completely transform the feel of a room. Make sure that your home is well-lit, both during the day and at night. Open curtains and blinds to let in natural light during the day, and consider adding lamps or overhead lighting in darker areas to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Proper lighting can make small spaces feel larger and more open, while also creating a cozy and comfortable ambiance in living areas.
In Melbourne’s fast-paced and competitive real estate market, home staging is one of the most effective ways to ensure that your property stands out from the crowd. By staging your home, you can increase its perceived value, create an emotional connection with potential buyers, and ultimately sell your property faster and for a higher price.
While the investment of staging may seem daunting, the potential return on investment is substantial. With the right preparation and professional guidance, you can transform your home into a buyer’s dream, paving the way for a successful and profitable sale.
Remember, first impressions count.
Trust KE to help you get to your next chapter!
Note: The information provided in this blog is based on sources available as of 2023. For the most current data and trends, please refer to the latest market reports and consult with real estate professionals.