Want a Faster Sale? What the Research Says About Home Staging.
Jo Scott, October 2026
Selling a home is about more than simply putting it on the market. Buyers often form an opinion within seconds of seeing a property online or walking through the front door, which is why presentation can have a impact on both the speed of sale and the offers received.
According to the Home Staging Association UK & Ireland's 2019 Home Staging Report, staged properties can achieve higher sale prices and spend considerably less time on the market than comparable unstaged homes. The report found that home staging can increase a property's value by up to 10%, while 85% of estate agents surveyed reported that staged homes sold up to three times faster than those that were not staged.
Home staging involves preparing and presenting a property in a way that appeals to the widest possible audience of potential buyers. Rather than reflecting the current owner's personal tastes, the focus is on helping buyers imagine themselves living in the space.
Here are five practical home staging techniques that can make a real difference when selling your home.
1. Declutter and Depersonalise
One of the simplest and most effective staging strategies is reducing clutter and removing highly personal items.
Family photographs, collections, children's toys and excessive decorative items can distract buyers from the property's features. A clean, organised space appears larger, brighter and better maintained, helping buyers focus on the home itself rather than its current occupants.
Creating a neutral environment also makes it easier for prospective purchasers to imagine how they would use the space.
2. Give Every Room a Clear Purpose
Buyers want to understand how every part of a property can work for them. Spare rooms, forgotten corners and storage spaces should be presented with a clear function.
For example:
A box room could be styled as a home office.
A spare bedroom should contain bedroom furniture.
A large landing could incorporate a reading or study area.
Particularly since the growth of hybrid and remote working, demonstrating flexibility and practical use of space can be a strong selling point.
3. Improve Kerb Appeal
First impressions matter. The outside of a property is the first thing buyers see online and in person, and it sets expectations for the rest of the viewing.
Simple improvements can have a significant impact, including:
Refreshing paintwork on doors and window frames
Cleaning pathways and driveways
Tidying gardens and outdoor spaces
Replacing tired house numbers or exterior fixtures
A well-presented exterior helps reassure buyers that the property has been cared for and maintained.
4. Create Warmth and Visual Interest
Thoughtful styling can help buyers connect emotionally with a property. Artwork, cushions, mirrors and carefully chosen accessories can introduce colour, character and balance without overwhelming the space.
The goal is not to make a home look luxurious or expensive, but to create rooms that feel welcoming, cohesive and aspirational. Buyers are often influenced as much by how a home feels as by its size or specification.
5. Add Affordable Design Features
Cost-effective updates can help a property stand out in a competitive market.
Feature walls, decorative panelling, updated lighting and fresh paint can all add visual interest and create a more contemporary feel without requiring major renovation work. These improvements can help buyers perceive greater value and make a property more memorable during their search.
The Bottom Line
The evidence from the Home Staging Association's 2019 report suggests that home staging is far more than a cosmetic exercise. By presenting a property in its best possible light, sellers may benefit from increased buyer interest, faster sales and potentially higher offers.
In a market where buyers often make decisions based on online photographs before arranging a viewing, investing time and effort into presentation can be one of the most effective ways to maximise a property's appeal and value.