Home staging has become essential in the property sector. But what exactly is it? This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about this enhancement technique.
Definition of Home Staging
The term "home staging" literally means "setting the scene for a home". This technique, born in the United States in the 1970s, involves preparing a property for sale by optimising its visual presentation.
The main objective is to create an emotional connection with as many potential buyers as possible, enabling faster sales and often at a better price.
The Origins of Home Staging
The concept was developed by Barbara Schwarz, an American estate agent who noticed that well-presented properties sold much faster. She formalised the principles of home staging and created the first dedicated training programme.
Since then, the practice has spread worldwide and become professionalised, with recognised certifications and specialist providers.
The 5 Core Principles of Home Staging
1. Depersonalisation
The most important principle: removing personal items to allow visitors to envision themselves living there. This includes:
- Family photos
- Personal collections
- Religious or political objects
- Travel souvenirs
- Highly personalised decorations
The idea isn't to make the space cold, but to create a neutral canvas on which each visitor can imagine their own life.
2. Decluttering
A cluttered space appears smaller and less attractive. Decluttering involves:
- Reducing the number of pieces of furniture
- Clearing surfaces (tables, worktops)
- Partially emptying storage spaces
- Removing unnecessary objects
Golden rule: Remove 30 to 50% of visible objects to create a sense of space and lightness.
3. Neutralisation
Tastes in decoration are highly personal. To appeal to the greatest number, you need to neutralise aesthetic choices:
- Repaint brightly coloured walls in neutral tones
- Remove heavily patterned wallpaper
- Harmonise textiles (curtains, cushions)
- Favour timeless decoration
4. Light Optimisation
Brightness is buyers' number one criterion. Home staging maximises light through:
- Spotless window cleaning
- Replacing heavy curtains with light voiles
- Adding mirrors to reflect light
- Optimising artificial lighting
5. Showcasing Volumes
Each room should reveal its potential:
- Rearranging furniture to improve flow
- Clear definition of each space's function
- Staging that suggests a pleasant lifestyle
Home Staging vs Interior Design: The Differences
It's essential not to confuse these two disciplines:
Interior Design
- Objective: Create a personalised space to live in
- Approach: Reflect the occupants' personality
- Budget: Often high (new furniture, works)
- Duration: Long-term
Home Staging
- Objective: Sell the property quickly at the best price
- Approach: Create a neutral, universal space
- Budget: Limited (typically 1-2% of sale price)
- Duration: Temporary (during the sale period)
In summary: Interior design personalises, home staging depersonalises.
The Concrete Benefits of Home Staging
1. Faster Sales
The statistics are compelling:
- A staged property sells on average 50 to 75% faster
- Average time on market drops from several months to a few weeks
- Less time on market = less stress and costs
2. Optimised Sale Price
Home staging directly impacts price:
- Average added value of 6 to 15% on sale price
- Reduced downward negotiations
- Better perception of value by buyers
3. Market Differentiation
In a competitive market:
- Your listings stand out visually
- Photos attract more clicks
- Viewings are more qualified
4. Excellent ROI
The investment is quickly recouped:
- Average cost: 0.5 to 2% of sale price
- Return on investment: often over 500%
The Different Forms of Home Staging
Traditional (Physical) Home Staging
Actual intervention on the property:
- Rearranging existing furniture
- Bringing in furniture and accessories
- Minor repairs and refreshments
- Staging for photos and viewings
Virtual Home Staging
Digital transformation of photos:
- Virtual addition of furniture to empty rooms
- Modification of existing decoration
- Ideal for empty or renovation properties
- Very low cost (a few pounds per image)
With Lift My Place, you can create professional virtual home staging in seconds thanks to artificial intelligence.
Home Staging Consultation
Guidance without intervention:
- Property diagnosis
- Personalised recommendations
- Shopping list and service providers
- The owner carries out the work themselves
Who is Home Staging For?
Selling Homeowners
- Maximise sale price
- Reduce time to sale
- Stand out from competition
Estate Agents
- Offer a differentiating service
- Win exclusive instructions
- Sell faster
Investors
- Optimise rental returns
- Enhance before resale
- Reduce vacancy periods
Developers
- Enhance show homes
- Accelerate sales
- Justify sale prices
Conclusion: Home Staging, a Strategic Investment
Home staging is no longer an option but a strategic necessity in today's property market. Whether you opt for a professional, DIY or virtual approach, the principles remain the same: create a neutral, bright and welcoming space that allows buyers to envision themselves there.
Ready to discover your property's potential? Try virtual home staging with Lift My Place and transform your photos in seconds.