Does Home Staging Really Work? The Evidence Behind the Impact.

verranator
3 days ago
2 min read

When preparing a home for sale, presentation is everything. But does home staging actually make a difference? At Savvy Home Staging, we know it does—and now, we’re backing it up with research and real-world results from New Zealand and Australia.

What the Numbers Say: New Zealand Insights

Home staging is proven to help homes sell faster and for more money. According to The Look, a leading NZ staging company:

- Inner-city apartments sold in 28 days, down from 45.

- Suburban homes dropped from 60 to 35 days on market.

- 93% of buyers start online, and staged homes attract more clicks and viewings.

BritWealth adds:

- Styled homes in Auckland sold for an average of 10% more than unstyled ones.

- A Wellington bungalow sold for $150,000 above asking after professional staging.

These results show that staging isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a strategic investment.

Time on the Market - Unstaged vs. Staged (NZ)

Estimated Impact of staging on Sales Price (NZ)

Australian Data Confirms the Trend

- Staged homes sell at least 2 weeks faster.

- 85% of staged homes sell above asking price.

- Styled homes sell within 33 days, compared to 90 days for unstyled properties.

- Sellers can expect a 7.5% to 15% increase in sale price, with staging costs typically under 1% of property value.

Independent Voices: REINZ and Consumer NZ

REINZ data supports faster sales:

- In Auckland, staged homes spent an average of 40 days on market, compared to longer durations for unstaged properties.

- Agents use REINZ’s House Price Index and Days to Sell metrics to demonstrate the impact of presentation.

Independent agencies like FindMyAgent also report:

- Higher client satisfaction.

- Better negotiation outcomes.

- Stronger emotional connections with buyers.

Consumer NZ investigated the value of staging and found:

- A staged Auckland home sold for $50,000 above expectations.

- Staging costs ranged from $1,800 to over $3,000, depending on scope.

- Staging was especially effective when a home’s décor was outdated or overly personal.

Why It Works

- Visual impact: Staged homes photograph better, increasing online engagement.

- Buyer psychology: Most buyers struggle to visualize potential in empty or cluttered spaces.

- Market readiness: Staging helps homes appear “move-in ready,” reducing buyer objections.

Ready to Stage Your Home?

At Savvy Home Staging, we combine layout and design expertise with market insight to help your property stand out. Whether you're selling a family home, rental property, or town house, staging can be the difference between a lukewarm offer—and a great one.