HOME STAGING: THE SECRET WEAPON IN TODAY’S PROPERTY MARKET
Are you thinking about selling your home in Surrey? Have you ever thought about home staging as a way to maximise your profits? Discover how strategic styling turns listings into offers with Sara Cook of Salt and Staged Property Staging.
What do you see as the biggest misconception about home staging in the UK property market?
Many people still believe staging is reserved for show homes in new developments or luxury homes, and that it’s simply about placing furniture in a room. In reality, staging is a strategic marketing tool designed to help buyers emotionally connect with a property, and it benefits all types of homes, big or small. Good staging is strategically packaging the home so it shines in its best light. Think of it like packaging yourself by using your best photos for a dating app – you want the image that makes people stop, click, and take notice. Beautifully presented homes get more clicks, more viewings, and ultimately a higher chance of selling faster and for a better price.
What separates a scroll-stopper listing from one buyers ignore?
A scroll-stopper instantly makes you pause – the image draws you in, the styling makes you curious, and you can already imagine yourself there. Buyers today have been conditioned by Instagram, Pinterest, and glossy shows like Selling Sunset to expect beautifully styled interiors, so if your listing doesn’t meet that visual standard, it’s skipped over in seconds.
Standout presentation is now subconsciously an expectation. More and more buyers are finding properties through Instagram, where impeccably presented marketing reels capture attention and hearts far more effectively than a static photo on a property portal. Agents ahead of the curve understand this. They’ve moved beyond traditional methods and use their social channels as a key selling tool. Scroll through their feeds and you’ll see the difference – beautifully presented (often staged) listings with high engagement and, more importantly, strong sales results.
What are the biggest mistakes you’ve seen homeowners make when it comes to staging – or not staging?
In the tougher market we’ve seen over the past few months, we’ve had enquiries from frustrated homeowners whose properties have been sitting on the market for a long time without selling. One of the biggest mistakes is treating standout presentation as an afterthought – something you try after the listing has gone stale. By that point, the damage may already be done. Your first strategy should always be to make the property look its absolute best before it ever goes live.
The good news is that some homeowners do recognise the need for change. We’ve recently staged a property that had been on the market for months with no success – it’s about to go live again after we’ve worked our magic and remarketed by a new agent – if you follow us on Instagram, you will see more of this case study. To continue off of this instance, I also have a message to estate agents: don’t get left behind doing things the old-school way. Buyers and
sellers are more sophisticated than ever. By using home staging as part of your sales toolkit, you position yourself as a resourceful, proactive and results-driven agent – helping properties stand out, sell faster, and win more instructions in the process.
Can you share a success story where staging made a measurable difference to the sale of a property?
One of my favourites was a home we staged very early on in our business, I loved it so much we featured it on our website. The property was a two-bed flat in Weybridge, Surrey. The owner had tried selling twice before with different agents, without success. When they decided to list for the third time, their new agent brought us in to help present the property in its best possible light to give it the best chance of succeeding.
Because at the time, there was another flat in the same development with the exact layout on the market at the same asking price. It was empty and had been sitting unsold for over six months. With our staging and a smart strategy from the agent, our client’s flat sold in just 11 days and for £10,000 over the asking price, all whilst the other flat is unsold.
I call that an excellent return on investment. Not only were the owners able to move swiftly into the next phase of their lives, but the extra £10,000 more than covered the cost of staging, the agent’s commission, and even the solicitor’s fees.
What’s one easy, high-impact change any seller can make today to improve their property’s appeal?
This is a tricky one because, for me, there isn’t just one magic fix. If you’re not engaging in professional staging or styling services, then at the very least, make sure you do the following:
First, declutter ruthlessly – and then go one step further. If a piece of furniture or decor isn’t adding visual value to the space, store it away. Clean, open surfaces and well-lit rooms instantly make a home feel bigger, fresher, and more aspirational.
Second, create small “moments” for the photographer to capture – not just wide-angle shots of the rooms. When a property is well presented, the photographer enjoys the shoot more and often produces better work. Style a coffee table, create a cosy reading nook, or dress a bed beautifully to give buyers something aspirational to connect with.
Finally, remember that buying is a sensory experience. Think about how you feel walking into a high-end hotel or luxury store – the scent, the lighting, the gentle background music all set the tone. Before leaving for a viewing, light a candle or use a subtle room spray, open the blinds to maximise light, switch on an ambient lamp, and play soft background music. Those small details create an atmosphere buyers remember long after they’ve left.
choosing PROPERTY STAGING FOR SELLING YOUR HOME
From overlooked to irresistible – explore Salt and Staged’s portfolio of stunning staging projects, client reviews, and the results they’ve helped sellers achieve. Visit them online or get in touch to arrange a no-obligation chat about your project.
For more visit www.saltandstaged.co.uk
Instagram: @saltandstaged | Email: info@saltandstaged.co.uk | Phone: 01483 963238
