In New Zealand’s competitive property market, visual impact and emotional appeal are everything. With buyers browsing online listings before ever stepping inside a property, presentation has never been more critical. That’s where home staging plays a transformative role.
For real estate agents, understanding the relationship between home staging and property sales is essential; not just as a value-added service but as a core strategy to enhance buyer interest, improve perceived value, and reduce time on market. In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into how strategic home staging contributes to market readiness, boosts buyer attraction, and shortens sale timelines; offering practical, data-backed insights for New Zealand agents.
What Is Home Staging?
Home staging is the process of preparing a property for sale by arranging furniture, décor, and lighting to highlight the home’s strengths and appeal to the widest audience. It creates a welcoming, aspirational environment that allows potential buyers to envision themselves living in the space.
Companies like The Look offer professional home staging services across New Zealand, helping agents and homeowners transform spaces into highly marketable listings.
The Value of Market Readiness
Market readiness is a critical metric in the property sales journey. It reflects how prepared a home is to meet buyer expectations immediately upon hitting the market.
Benefits of Home Staging for Market Readiness:
In New Zealand’s urban centres like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, where the market is fast-paced and buyer expectations are high, staging often makes the difference between sitting on the market and selling fast.
“Staging helps buyers emotionally connect with a home and see its full potential. That connection is often what turns a showing into a sale.” — The Look, NZ
Buyer Attraction: First Impressions Count
Your listing gets one chance to make a first impression, and that impression is made online. According to a 2022 NZ real estate insights report, over 93% of buyers begin their property search online, often using photos to decide whether a viewing is worthwhile.
How Home Staging Boosts Buyer Engagement:
Professional staging not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also influences buyer psychology. It allows prospects to visualize a lifestyle rather than just a floor plan.
Home Staging and Sale Timelines: Real Results
One of the most compelling arguments for staging is its proven impact on reducing time on market.
Before and After: Sale Timeline Comparison
| Property Type | Days on Market (Unstaged) | Days on Market (Staged) |
|---|---|---|
| Inner-city Apartment | 45 | 28 |
| Suburban Family Home | 60 | 35 |
| Executive Home | 90 | 60 |
Source: Aggregated data from The Look & local agents, 2023
A well-staged property doesn’t just sell faster, it often sells for more. Real estate agents across New Zealand report that staged homes attract better offers and fewer buyer objections during negotiations.
Why Staging Matters More in a Cooling Market
As the New Zealand housing market transitions into a more balanced or even buyer-driven phase (particularly in regions like Hamilton and Dunedin), standing out is no longer optional. Home staging becomes a powerful differentiator, helping listings shine even when inventory increases and competition tightens.
When buyers have more choices, emotional appeal becomes a deciding factor. And staging is the most cost-effective way to elevate perceived value.
Practical Strategies for Real Estate Agents
1. Partner with a Trusted Home Staging Company
Work with proven professionals like The Look who understand design trends, buyer psychology, and the local market.
2. Build Staging into Your Marketing Plan
Instead of treating staging as an add-on, present it as a standard part of your listing package. This positions you as a proactive, full-service agent.
3. Educate Homeowners on ROI
Many sellers are hesitant to invest in staging. Explain that the average return on investment for staging in NZ is around 5-10x the initial cost, especially in mid- to high-end homes.
4. Use Before/After Case Studies
Demonstrate staging success with real-life examples from previous listings. These visuals speak louder than words.
Common Misconceptions About Staging
Some clients and even agents believe:
Truth: Every property benefits from staging. Even modest homes can appear larger, brighter, and more welcoming with thoughtful staging. The goal is not decoration, it’s transformation.
Conclusion: Why It Pays to Stage
The evidence is clear: home staging accelerates property sales in New Zealand. It boosts your listing’s market readiness, attracts more qualified buyers, and reduces time on market often leading to better offers.
For real estate agents, incorporating staging as a best practice will not only enhance client satisfaction but also elevate your brand in a competitive market.
By leveraging the power of professional staging through experts like The Look, you position your listings to perform at their peak potential, faster, smarter, and more profitably.
When it comes to selling a property in New Zealand, first impressions are everything. Home staging has proven to be one of the most effective strategies to boost a home’s appeal, often resulting in faster sales and higher offers. According to industry insights, staged homes can sell up to 17% higher than unstaged homes and spend 73% less time on the market.
At the heart of effective staging is furniture selection. How you choose, place, and style furniture has a profound impact on buyer perception. Whether you're a homeowner preparing to list your property or a real estate agent guiding your client, this guide will walk you through the essentials of staging furniture selection, with a focus on size, style, and functionality tailored to the New Zealand market.
Why Furniture Matters in Home Staging
Furniture is not just about filling a room. It shapes how potential buyers perceive the space:
As referenced on The Look, one of New Zealand's leading home staging experts, furniture should “feel like it belongs in the space,” reinforcing both aesthetic appeal and function.
1. Size: Getting the Scale Right
One of the biggest mistakes first-time stagers make is using furniture that is either too large or too small for the space.
Tips for Proper Furniture Sizing:
💡 Pro Tip: In compact urban homes in Auckland, using smaller dining tables and multifunctional furniture (like a storage ottoman) shows that even limited space can be stylish and practical.
2. Style: Keep It Neutral and Cohesive
While bold decor might reflect personal taste, home staging should always aim for mass appeal. Neutral furniture provides a clean canvas that lets potential buyers project their own tastes and lifestyle onto the home.
Best Practices for Style:
💡 Pro Tip: Add subtle interest through accessories like throws, cushions, and artwork, which can be easily updated or removed.
3. Functionality: Every Piece Should Serve a Purpose
Every room in a staged home should tell a story, and furniture plays the starring role. Ensuring each piece supports the purpose of the room is essential.
Functional Furniture Ideas:
Buyers look for functionality as much as style. In fast-paced New Zealand cities like Christchurch and Tauranga, multi-functional spaces are a top priority.
Bonus Tips: Elevating Your Staging Game
Mixing Textures & Materials
Mix wood, metal, fabric, and glass to add depth and variety without overwhelming the room. A wooden coffee table, linen sofa, and soft rug can make the space feel lived-in yet sophisticated.
Don’t Overcrowd
The goal is not to fill every square metre. Staged homes should feel airy and uncluttered. Less is often more.
Use Mirrors & Light Strategically
Mirrors help reflect natural light, making rooms feel larger. Floor lamps and well-placed lighting can highlight architectural features and set the mood.
Working with a Professional Home Stager
For homeowners unfamiliar with interior styling, working with a company like The Look can make a world of difference. They offer furniture rental and complete staging services tailored to New Zealand homes.
Benefits of Hiring a Stager:
Preparing a house for sale can be a extremely busy and stressful process. Professional staging can transform a space quickly and with maximum impact, allowing you to focus on selling.
Conclusion
Effective staging furniture selection is both an art and a science. By focusing on size, style, and functionality, you create a home environment that’s attractive, logical, and aspirational for potential buyers.
For New Zealand homeowners and agents looking to make a lasting impression in a competitive market, furniture staging is not an optional luxury, it’s a proven investment.Whether you DIY or work with experienced teams like The Look, thoughtful staging will elevate your listing, shorten your time on the market, and help your property achieve its highest potential.
In the world of real estate, first impressions matter significantly. A property that feels lived-in and cluttered often fails to capture potential buyers' imaginations. This is where home staging companies come into play, transforming homes into desirable living spaces that highlight their best features. In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of home staging, showcasing stunning transformations and discussing the impact of these changes on property sales. Through a variety of examples, we will illustrate how professional staging can make a considerable difference in how homes are perceived and valued in the competitive real estate market.
Home staging is a strategic marketing approach that prepares a property for sale by enhancing its appeal to potential buyers. It involves rearranging furniture, adding decorative elements, and sometimes even renovating certain areas to create a more inviting atmosphere. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), staged homes sell 73% faster than unstaged homes and can achieve a price increase of 1-5% compared to similar properties. This statistic highlights the importance of staging in the current real estate landscape, where buyers are looking for move-in-ready homes that reflect their lifestyle aspirations.
When a home staging company approaches the task, they typically follow a structured process to ensure maximum impact. First, they conduct an assessment of the property, identifying areas that require staging. Imagery, video and notes on the property will be taken. From here a quote will be provided for the client to consider. If the quote is accepted, they staging company will begin the process of selecting the furnishings. They will start by selecting the furniture items to perfectly suit the property, brief and buyers demographic. From here they will select soft furnishings - cushion stories, linen sets and throws, to bring any colour and texture in to the scheme. Finally, the small detail items are added to the mix - kitchen, bathroom and living accessories - right down to photo frames, art and laundry items.
A quality staging supplier will do this in a bespoke, iterative process to ensure the perfect scheme is provided. Beware of supplier that just move furniture and accessories from one clients house to anothers....a compromise that no one should make.
To illustrate the power of staging, let’s examine a real-world example. A major Auckland apartment developer had built a series of 7 multi-million dollar Penthouses in a development in the Eastern Bays. Despite actively marketing these throughout construction, no sales had been made. The Look was engaged around a month after completion, furnishing the prime penthouse with an array of high-quality and bespoke furnishings, sourced especially for this project. Within a week of this staging scheme being installed, the first sale had been completed, with conditional offers on 2 others.
Impact on Perception and Value
The apartment's transformation in this case study had a significant effect on the sale process. The transition from what was seen as an empty shell, to one where buyers could see themselves living, with glass of wine in hand, significantly impacted the overall perception of the property. After staging, the apartment was visually appealing and communicated a lifestyle many buyers aspire to. Buyers often form emotional connections to well-staged homes, making them more likely to make an offer. Almost all real estate agents agree that home staging helps properties sell for a higher price but also assists in achieving a quicker sale. This highlights the tangible benefits of professional staging services in the New Zealand property market
Staging for Broad Appeal and Targeted Buyers
Home staging is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it’s about striking a balance between broad appeal and targeting the right buyers. While the goal is to attract the largest possible pool of potential buyers, staging can also be tailored to highlight features that resonate with specific buyer demographics.
For example, staging might emphasise functionality and space in a family-friendly neighbourhood, with practical layouts and warm, inviting decor. In contrast, staging for a high-end property may focus on luxury and sophistication, using premium furniture and statement pieces to appeal to affluent buyers. A well-executed staging strategy ensures that a home feels aspirational yet accessible, helping buyers envision themselves living there while maximising the property's market potential.
In conclusion, the transformations achieved by home staging companies are nothing short of remarkable. By highlighting a home's best features and creating an inviting atmosphere, staging can significantly impact how potential buyers perceive a property. The statistics speak for themselves—staged homes sell faster and often at higher prices. As the real estate market continues to evolve, the importance of professional staging will only grow. Homeowners looking to sell would be wise to invest in staging services, not only to enhance the visual appeal of their homes but also to maximize their selling potential. With the right staging, any home can transform from "before" to "after," ready to impress and attract buyers.
When it comes to selling a home, first impressions matter. Potential buyers make snap judgments based on what they see, often deciding whether to make an offer within minutes of stepping inside. This is where home staging comes into play. A well-staged home can highlight its best features, making it more appealing to prospective buyers. However, choosing the right home staging company can be a daunting task. With numerous options available, how do you know which one is best suited for your needs? This article will guide you through the process of selecting the right home staging company, covering key factors to consider, evaluating credentials, and understanding the staging process.
Before embarking on the search for a staging company, it's crucial to understand your specific needs. Are you looking for a full staging service that includes furniture rental, artwork, and decor, or do you simply need consultation on how to declutter and rearrange your existing items? Knowing what you want will help you narrow down your options. Additionally, consider the type of property you have. A modern apartment may require a different staging approach compared to a historic home. Assess your budget as well; staging costs can vary significantly based on the services provided. By clearly defining your needs and constraints, you can create a targeted strategy for finding the right staging company.
Once you have a clear understanding of your needs, it's time to begin researching potential staging companies. Start by gathering recommendations from friends, real estate agents, or online forums. Look for companies that specialise in the type of staging you require and have a proven track record of successful sales. Take the time to visit their website and social media to view their portfolio. Social Media platforms like Instagram are often updated more frequently than websites so will showcase their most current work and will give you an idea of their style and whether it aligns with your vision. Don’t hesitate to ask for references or case studies that demonstrate their effectiveness in staging homes similar to yours.
Experience and Range: Key Factors in Choosing a Staging Company
When choosing a staging company, it’s important to consider their experience and the range of furnishings and décor they offer. Larger, well-established companies often have a more extensive inventory, allowing them to tailor staging to different property styles and buyer demographics. Their experience in the industry also means they have a deeper understanding of what works and what doesn’t, helping to create appealing spaces that maximise a property's potential.
As you delve deeper into potential staging companies, pay special attention to their portfolio. A diverse portfolio showcasing various staging styles can indicate versatility and creativity. Look for before-and-after photos that highlight their ability to transform spaces. Establish whether their style resonates with what may work in your home. For example, if your home features classic architecture, you may want a staging company that specializes in traditional decor. On the other hand, if your property is more contemporary, look for a company that embraces modern aesthetics. This alignment in style can make a significant difference in how buyers perceive the home.
Before committing to a staging company, it’s important to understand their staging process. A reputable company should be willing to walk you through each step, from the initial consultation to the final setup. Ask about their approach to staging. Do they provide furniture and decor from their own inventory? How long does the staging process typically take? Understanding the timeline is crucial, especially if you have a tight deadline for listing your property. Additionally, do they offer insurance? or what happens when the staging period expires? Transparency in the process can help build trust and ensure a smoother experience.
Weighing Up Pricing and Contracts
Pricing is an important factor when selecting a staging company, but it shouldn’t be the only consideration. While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option, it’s worth remembering that staging plays a key role in presenting your home at its best—and cutting corners could impact your sale price. Selling a home is often the largest financial transaction you’ll make, so saving a few hundred dollars on staging could end up costing you significantly in the long run.
To make an informed decision, obtain detailed quotes from multiple companies and compare the services included. Ensure the quotes cover all potential costs, such as furniture rental, transport, and setup fees, so there are no surprises later. Once you’ve selected a company, carefully review the contract, paying close attention to cancellation policies, payment terms, and what happens if you take the property off the market. A clear, well-structured contract protects both parties and ensures expectations are set from the start.
In addition to researching and evaluating companies, trust your instincts during the selection process. After meeting with potential staging companies, consider how you felt about their professionalism, communication, and overall vibe. A good staging company should not only have the right experience and portfolio but should also make you feel comfortable and confident in their abilities. If something feels off, it’s okay to continue searching for a company that better aligns with your needs and expectations. Building a good rapport with your staging company can lead to a more collaborative and successful staging process.
Choosing the right home staging company can significantly impact the sale of your home. By understanding your needs, conducting thorough research, evaluating credentials, and trusting your instincts, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your goals. Remember that staging is an investment in your property, and the right company can enhance its appeal, helping it sell faster and potentially for a higher price. Take your time, ask the right questions, and don’t hesitate to seek out the best options available. With the right staging, you can create a welcoming atmosphere that resonates with potential buyers and makes your home stand out in the market.
Some interesting comments in this Article from www.stuff.co.nz about the value of Home Staging. Link to the full article is below.
"Would you give me two thusand dollars if I told you I'd give you thirty to fifty thousand back?"
Real estate agents say home staging is a must-do if you want your house to sell for top dollar.
There's little to no scientific research that proves fitting out your home with designer furniture will put tens of thousands of dollars above RV into your pocket, but the anecdotal evidence is plentiful and persuasive.
It goes a little something like this: A poorly decorated or empty abode sat on the market for several months, without even a nibble of interest. It got flicked to another, savvier agent, who insisted upon $1500 worth of staging. Within days, the gussied up property sold for fifty thousand plus over it's estimated value.
Real estate agents around the country estimate home staging adds five to seven per cent above RV to a house sale.
Like all investments, home staging carries an element of risk and the size of the return is not guaranteed. But unlike stock market shares, there's an element of perception in quantifying that return.
So we asked some experienced agents whether they buy it.
"Unfortunately, buyers just don't have vision," says Marty Ritchie of Harcourts Paremata.
The average person can't look at an empty space and envisage the next year of their life. They can see where a dining table, or couch might go, but not how their dinner parties or evenings may look.
"Your return on home staging would be in the vicinity of three to five times the investment cost - easily - because the whole emotional side of it is transformed," says Ritchie.
That return translates to a figure between $30,000 and $50,000, depending on the size of the house. In some extraordinary cases, it might reach hundreds of thousands.
Extending the life of cut flowers
There is probably no better time to bring some natural garden goodness indoors and make the most of the end-of-season flowers that are still blooming away in the garden.
Here are some simple tips to help those flowers last as long as possible once cut, whether you have collected a bouquet or some simple garden mementos.
● Try to cut your flowers in early-morning or evening and use a sharp pair of scissors or secateurs.
● Cut the stems at a 45 degree angle - this helps them to absorb water.
● If you are choosing a selection of flowers and foliage try to keep the cutting length similar - you want to be able to cover around up to 10cm of each stem in water so keep this in mind when choosing your cuttings.
● Remove any lower foliage or thorns that will sit below water level as this keeps the stems clean and will stop the submerged foliage from breaking down in water.
● Make a DIY Preservative:
Dissolve 3 tablespoons of sugar with 2 tablespoons of white vinegar per litre of water.
Make sure the cut stems are covered by 7-10cm of water
This preservative works by preventing fungal infections in the water that speed up the breakdown process. Replace water every 5-6 days.
● Enjoy! Don’t feel pressure to create an indoor masterpiece - a few simple strands of lavender in a small white vase or a single rose backed with some small fern fronds can be just stunning in their simplicity.
Wow! what a result for this client. We worked with them on a quick refurb prior to them moving back in last year, then in getting the property ready for sale. Just goes to show that well presented and well marketed properties continue to sell well! More details @ oneroof.co.nz https://www.oneroof.co.nz/news/why-did-this-grey-lynn-villa-sell-for-267m-more-than-500-above-cv-38084
One of the most common questions we get asked by people preparing their homes for sale, is where do I start? Below are a few of the basics that can get you started. If you have something specific that you want to know, don't be afraid to ask - after all, selling your home is generally the largest financial transaction you will ever make. It pays to get the right advice, upfront!
1. Declutter and depersonalise -
This one is so important. You want prospective buyers to come into your open home and be able to picture themselves and their family in the home. Being able to envisage their life in the home gets them excited about the property.
2. Highlight the best features of the house -
Do you have amazing views? High ceilings? Amazing natural light?
These are all big ticket items in a buyers checklist. Take advantage of these features by creating a seating area where the best outlook is, or place a feature piece of art on the walls that will lead the eye upwards to show off those high ceilings.
3. Enhance space and light -
If your house is on the smaller side that doesn't mean it can't be functional and look great! Make sure the furniture is to scale for the size of the room, get rid of any superfluous furniture. Use light coloured furniture as dark furniture can feel imposing and make the space feel smaller and hang a mirror to create the feeling of more space and light.
4. Neutralise -
This is to take away any distinctive style in your home that may polarise buyers. We do this in staging by using organic colours in tones you would find in nature and simple contemporary furniture. This gives our staging a sleek look that appeals to the biggest market range.
5. Improvements -
A fresh coat of paint in a light and neutral colour (white, grey, or beige) is a great way to instantly improve the overall look and feel of the property. It creates a clean canvas for prospective buyers to be able to put their own stamp on the property.
If painting isn’t an option, focus on giving your home a deep clean. A clean home suggests that you’ve taken good care of the property. So make sure every surface sparkles from the floor to the ceilings, curtains and carpets and don’t forget those kitchen appliances. While we suggest decluttering the kitchen, if you are leaving out a few appliances make sure these are spotless too.
6. Street Appeal
First Impressions count and creating street appeal is an important step, one that should not be overlooked. After spending time making the inside look great, you want the outside of your property to reflect this. Try replacing the old broken letter box, painting the exterior or water blasting the driveway. Focusing on landscaping will help give your home an instant lift. Plant some flowers, prune the trees and most importantly make sure the lawns are mowed. Creating outdoor living spaces is another important part of staging. Add some outdoor furniture to the front and back of your house. It’s important to show how these outdoor spaces can be used at different times of the day, so mix it up. Add a little cafe setting at the front of your house and dining table at the back for outdoor entertaining.
We buy are stock from over 100 different supplies. Both locally and offshore. We've been staging for over 15 years and as a result, we know what to buy for the right price. Most of the places we source from are wholesale only and only sell business to business. If you see something you like, get in touch - if we can't sell it to you, we can probably find something similar!
If you need a bit more in the way of advice, we offer an Interior Design Consultancy service - we can offer just a bit of advice, or consult on an entire house or new build scheme!
The process of tranforming an empty house into something that wow's people is an attractive career for many people. Here's a few things we look for in people who apply for roles with us.
We regularly recruit and have a strong preference to promote internally. Keep an eye on our Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest Pages for any ads we place.