How To Stage Your Home For Sale

Selling your home can be a bit like, well, dating. You want to make a great first impression, show off your best features, and ultimately, convince someone to commit (to buying, of course!). That’s where home staging comes in. Home staging is essentially giving your home a makeover to showcase its full potential. By decluttering, depersonalising, and styling your space, you create an environment where buyers can envision their future lives.

In this guide, we will walk you through the ins and outs of home staging in Singapore, from understanding its benefits to mastering DIY techniques. Whether you’re sprucing up your HDB flat or staging a luxurious landed property, we’re here to help you transform your home into a buyer magnet. After all, our mission is to make selling your property a breeze.

Does Home Staging Really Help You Sell Your House?

Think of home staging as an investment, not an expense. It’s about maximising your property’s potential and getting the best return when you sell. Here’s how home staging can benefit you:

Faster property sales

Time is money, especially in the property market. Home staging helps you sell faster by:

• Creating a Memorable First Impression: Staged homes immediately stand out in online listings and during viewings. Imagine scrolling through property listings – which catches your eye first? A bright, airy living room with stylish furniture, or an empty room with dull walls?

• Minimising Buyer Hesitation: When buyers can easily visualise themselves living in the space, they’re more likely to make a quicker decision. A thoughtfully staged home eliminates the guesswork and helps buyers understand how the space can function for their needs.

• Leveraging Emotional Appeal: A cosy reading nook with a comfy armchair, a dining table set for a delicious meal – these little touches create an emotional connection and help buyers envision their life in your home.

Higher selling prices

Staging doesn’t just help you sell faster, it can also boost your selling price:

• Perceived Value Increase: Staging highlights your home’s best features. Strategically placed mirrors can make a small space feel larger, while tasteful décor can elevate the entire look and feel, making your property seem more valuable.

• Minimises Price Negotiations: When buyers see a well-maintained, beautifully presented home, they’re less likely to nitpick or negotiate a lower price.

• Demonstrates Move-in Readiness: A staged home feels complete and ready to live in, which is a huge draw for busy buyers. This convenience can translate into a willingness to pay a premium.

Improved buyer perception

Home staging transforms your house into a product that appeals to buyers on both an emotional and practical level.

• Neutralises Personal Taste: We all have our own style, but your quirky décor might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Staging depersonalises the space with neutral colours and modern furnishings, making it easier for a wider range of buyers to imagine themselves living there.

• Maximises Space Utilisation: Clever staging can make even the smallest spaces feel functional and inviting. A tiny spare room staged as a home office suddenly becomes a valuable asset.

• Highlights Key Features: Got amazing natural light? A spacious balcony? Staging helps draw attention to these selling points. Imagine that balcony transformed into a relaxing oasis with some comfy chairs and potted plants – suddenly, it’s a key feature that buyers can’t resist.

The Home Staging Process

Staging your home doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

1. Declutter and create clean, inviting surfaces

Why It Matters

Imagine this: a potential buyer walks into your HDB flat. Instead of admiring the spacious layout and natural light, their eyes are drawn to the overflowing shoe rack by the door, the stacks of magazines on the coffee table, and the toys scattered across the floor. Suddenly, your home feels smaller and less appealing.

Clutter distracts buyers and makes your home feel smaller and less appealing. By decluttering and organising, you create a clean, inviting space that allows buyers to focus on the property’s true potential.

How to Do It

• Be ruthless! Remove personal items, old furniture, and unnecessary knick-knacks.

• Organise closets and storage areas to showcase ample storage space (a big plus for buyers!).

• Deep-clean every nook and cranny, from floors to ceilings. Pay special attention to key areas like the kitchen and bathrooms.

• If you’re overwhelmed, consider professional storage solutions to temporarily store excess items.

2. Reorganise furniture for a spacious feel

Why It Matters

Picture this: a cramped living room with a bulky sofa blocking the natural flow of the space. It feels cluttered and uninviting. Strategic furniture placement can transform this entirely, creating clear pathways, distinct zones, and a sense of openness. This helps buyers appreciate the layout and visualise how they can use the space to suit their needs.

How to Do It

• Rearrange furniture to create clear pathways and defined living areas.

• Choose furniture that’s proportionate to the room size (no squeezing a massive sofa into a tiny living room!).

• If needed, rent staging furniture to fill empty spaces or create a cohesive look.

3. Add subtle decor to create warmth

Why It Matters

While decluttering and depersonalising are essential, you don’t want your home to feel sterile and uninviting. Accessories are the key to adding personality and warmth without overwhelming the space.

Think of a cosy living room with plush cushions, a soft rug, and a few well-placed plants. These subtle touches create a welcoming atmosphere and help buyers better connect with the space.

How to Do It

• Use neutral and modern accents like throw pillows, rugs, and plants.

• Set the dining table with elegant tableware to showcase its potential for entertaining.

• Add mirrors to reflect light and make rooms feel larger.

4. Enhance entrance appeal

Why It Matters

First impressions matter, and the exterior of your home is the first thing buyers see. Particularly relevant for landed properties, a well-maintained entrance and outdoor space create a positive first impression and set the tone for the entire viewing experience. 

Envision approaching a home with a freshly painted front door, a welcoming doormat, and blooming flowers. This instantly creates a sense of warmth and care, making you more eager to see what’s inside.

How to Do It

• Clean or repaint the front door, replace the doormat, and add some potted plants for a welcoming touch.

• Ensure the pathway is clean and well-lit.

• For landed properties, tidy up the garden, mow the lawn, and remove any weeds.

5. Set up the right lighting

Why It Matters

Lighting and ambience work hand in hand to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes buyers feel right at home. Imagine walking into a room filled with natural light during the day or soft, diffused lighting in the evening – it’s the kind of cosy vibe that leaves a lasting impression.

How to Do It

• Maximise natural light by opening curtains and cleaning windows.

• Brighten darker areas with inexpensive lamps or fairy lights.

• Use warm-toned bulbs to create a cosy, inviting glow.

• Add subtle touches like candles or soft instrumental music in the background to enhance the mood during viewings.

Skip the Endless Viewings and Lowball Offers 

Ohmyhome’s expert agents and proven strategies will help you sell your property quickly and for the best price. 

Sell Your Home with Ohmyhome

Cost of Home Staging in Singapore

While DIY staging can be effective, sometimes you need a little extra help to truly transform your space. That’s where professional home staging services come in. They can provide expertise, furniture rentals, and a keen eye for detail to create a truly show-stopping presentation. But how much does it cost to hire a professional? 

Average pricing for home staging services

Home staging costs in Singapore can vary based on several factors, but here’s a general idea of what to expect:

• Basic Staging Packages: These typically include essential furniture and décor for key areas like the living room, dining room, and master bedroom. Prices for such packages can start from approximately SGD 1,000 to SGD 2,500.

• Comprehensive Staging Services: For a more extensive staging that covers additional rooms and includes premium furnishings, costs can range from SGD 2,500 to SGD 5,000 or more.

Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and actual costs can vary depending on the specific service provider and your property’s unique requirements. While professional home staging can enhance your house’s appeal, it’s essential to weigh the costs against the potential returns, your budget, and selling objectives.

Factors influencing home staging costs

Here’s a closer look at the factors that can affect your home staging costs:

• Property Size and Type: Larger properties like landed houses naturally require more furniture and décor, leading to higher costs. Smaller HDB flats and condominium apartments usually incur lower expenses.

• Scope of Services: Staging just the main living areas will be more affordable than staging the entire property, including bedrooms, kitchen, and outdoor spaces.

• Duration of Furniture Rental: Standard staging contracts typically cover 30 to 60 days. Extending the rental period will increase the overall cost.

• Quality and Style of Furnishings: Opting for high-end designer furniture and accessories will elevate the look but also increase the price tag.

• Additional Services: Factors like professional cleaning, minor repairs, or repainting can also add to the overall cost.

Return on investment (ROI) for home staging

• Minimise Time on Market, Maximise Savings: Every month your property remains unsold adds to your expenses, like mortgage payments, property taxes, and utilities. Staging can expedite the sale (staged homes spend about 73% less time on the market, according to a 2023 RESA report), potentially saving you thousands of dollars in holding costs. A faster sale means you get your money quicker and can move on to your next chapter.

• Boost Your Asking Price: Staging can increase your property’s perceived value, allowing you to confidently set a higher asking price. Studies have shown that staged homes often fetch higher offers (about 25% more, according to Realtor Magazine), often exceeding the initial investment in staging. This translates to a direct increase in your profit margin.

• Gain a Competitive Edge in Negotiations: A beautifully presented home strengthens your negotiating position. Buyers are less likely to nitpick or demand significant price reductions when they’re impressed with the staging. This can result in a more favourable final sale price and a smoother negotiation process.

• Attract More Buyers, Generate More Offers: Staging creates an emotional connection with potential buyers, making your property more memorable and desirable. This can lead to increased buyer interest and potentially multiple offers, driving up the final sale price in a competitive market.

Calculating your potential ROI

To better understand the potential return on your staging investment, consider these factors:

• Estimated Staging Costs: Factor in expenses for professional staging services or DIY materials. If the former is too hefty, you can always opt for the DIY route to save on costs! 

• Potential Increase in Sale Price: Research comparable staged and non-staged properties in your area to estimate the potential price increase.

• Estimated Reduction in Time on Market: Analyse market trends and consult with experts to estimate how much faster a staged property might sell.

Ohmyhome can be your trusted partner in this regard. Our seller agents can provide valuable insights into home staging and help you spruce up your space for maximum impact. We can also advise you on simple DIY home staging tricks – with regards to decluttering, rearranging furniture, and more – to enhance your property’s appeal.

Once you’ve decluttered and staged your home, our professional photographers and videographers will capture its best features, ensuring your efforts pay off and your listing has stunning visuals to attract the right buyers.

When to Have or Avoid Home Staging

While home staging can be a powerful tool, it’s not always necessary or the most effective strategy for every property. Let’s explore when staging is most beneficial and when you might consider alternative approaches:

Home staging is most useful for:

• Properties with Unique or Challenging Layouts: If your property has an unconventional layout, staging can help buyers visualise how to use the space effectively. This is particularly useful for oddly shaped rooms, split-level designs, or homes with unique features that might not be immediately obvious.

• Spacious Homes That Lack Character: Large, empty homes can feel cold and uninviting. Staging adds warmth, personality, and functionality, showcasing the potential of each space and helping buyers envision their own lives within the home.

• Luxury Properties & Lifestyle Marketing: For high-end properties, staging is crucial to create an aspirational atmosphere that aligns with the buyer’s lifestyle expectations. Highlighting luxurious features and creating a sense of exclusivity can significantly impact the perceived value and attract discerning buyers.

Home staging is less useful for:

• Newly Built Properties: Newly constructed properties often lack the “lived-in” feel that staging aims to “cover up”. Furthermore, the cost of staging a brand-new unit might not yield a proportional return, especially in developments with many similar units for sale.

• Competitive Markets with Many Similar Listings: In situations where buyers have many comparable options, factors like price, location, and amenities often outweigh the impact of staging. Focus your efforts on highlighting these key features and ensuring your property is priced competitively.

• Properties with Significant Repairs Needed: If your property requires major repairs or renovations, address those issues before investing in staging. Staging a home with visible flaws can be counterproductive, as buyers might focus on the negatives rather than the potential.

Maximise Your Sale Price and Minimise Your Stress

Selling your home can be a complex journey. Let Ohmyhome’s experienced agents guide you through the process, from strategic home staging to effective marketing and smooth negotiations.

FAQs about home staging in Singapore

What is the best time to stage a home in Singapore?

The best time to stage your home is right before you start actively marketing it for sale. This ensures that your property looks its best for photos, virtual tours, and in-person viewings.

Can I stage my home while still living in it?

Yes, you can! It requires more effort to maintain a show-ready home while living in it, but it’s definitely possible. Focus on decluttering, depersonalising, and keeping the space clean and organised. You might need to store some personal belongings temporarily to create a more neutral environment.

How much does home staging cost in Singapore?

Home staging costs vary depending on factors like the size of your property, the scope of services, and the quality of furnishings. Basic staging packages can start around SGD 1,000, while more comprehensive services can range from SGD 2,500 to SGD 5,000 or more.

Do all properties need staging before selling?

Not necessarily. Staging is most beneficial for properties with unique layouts, spacious homes that lack character, and luxury properties. Newly built properties or those in competitive markets with many similar listings might not benefit as much from staging.

How long does home staging take?

The staging process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of your property and the complexity of the staging. This includes decluttering, cleaning, furniture rental (if needed), and styling the space.