Some estate agents are recommending having certain properties staged.
A house in my area was sold recently, it was clean, presentable and habitable, but dated. Double glazing was 20 years old as was the heating system. The plumbing and electrics were original from the 1960’s. BER rating was low.
Staging company came in, cleared everything out of the house and did some basic internal painting where needed.
Worn carpets were replaced with cheap new carpets.
Lovely dressed beds with matching lockers, dressing tables, lamps and lampshades were put in bedrooms.
Downstairs had a new sitting room suite and dining table with modern artwork on the walls and vases of fresh flowers and plants throughout.
Bathroom and kitchen received similar treatment.
Driveway and rear patio were power washed , grass and hedges were neatly trimmed.
The house did look great but I am surprised buyers did not see beyond the cosmetic job that was done, it was not the modern turnkey house that it was portrayed as.
It was put on the market at a very optimistic €625K, it sold quickly for €760K.
Once sold, all the beds, furniture, paintings, ornaments etc were removed, ready to be used on the next job.
I heard the staging in this case cost €10K, this was in addition to the estate agents fee.
Even in today's market, would the house have gone for €135K above an already high asking price without the staging, who knows.