The ROI of Home Staging: How a small investment can deliver big returns

What is Home Staging?

Home staging is the process of preparing and styling a property for sale to make it more appealing to potential buyers. It involves the supply and arrangement of furniture to optimise space, and décor and lighting to highlight the home’s best features. All with the aim of creating an emotional connection for buyers.

Why ROI Matters

Many sellers hesitate to spend on staging, but the numbers tell a different story. Professional home staging delivers an average return on investment (ROI) of 312%, meaning every $1 spent often returns $3.12 in added value.

Higher Sale Prices

Staged homes typically sell for 5–10% more than unstaged properties. For example, on a $500,000 home, that’s an extra $25,000 in your pocket.

Faster Sales

Time is money. We have seen staged homes spend just 23 days on market compared to 47 days for unstaged listings—a 51% faster sale. Faster sales reduce holding costs like mortgage, insurance, and utilities.

Cost vs. Benefit

Typical staging costs range from $2,000–$4,000, but the potential return can be $8,000–$30,000+, depending on property value. Ever wondered why real estate agents stage their own homes when selling? And why retirement village operators and developers also stage? Because the numbers stack-up.

Home Staging - The Bottom Line

Home staging isn’t an expense—it’s a strategic investment that pays off in higher offers and quicker closing times. Ready to maximize your sale? Book your staging today: https://www.savvystaging.co.nz

References:

• Done & Done Home—2025 staging performance table (DOM, sale-to-list %, showings, ROI, online views). [doneanddonehome.com]

• NAR—2025 Profile of Home Staging (price impact, time-on-market reduction, buyer visualization). [realtynewsreport.com]

• RESA—Q1 2025 Market Insights (ROI and over-list outcomes). [cms.nar.realtor]

• Cost context: Times Ten Design (2024) and Realtor.com (2025). [phoenixage...gazine.com], [realestate..]

Figures are indicative; outcomes vary with price band, property condition, and listing strategy.