Staging vs. Empty House: Does Home Staging Really Make a Difference?
Canberra buyers decide quickly. Often, it takes less than 30 seconds for someone to decide if they feel at home when walking through the door — and that impression starts with the online listing photos. A staged home helps buyers imagine living there, while an empty house can leave them struggling to see the potential.
In this article, we’ll break down whether staging really works, what it costs in Canberra, and how Your Property Profits (YPP) incorporates styling into our renovation packages
Why staging matters in Canberra
First impressions and online listings
Most buyers scroll through hundreds of properties on realestate.com.au and Allhomes. If the photos don’t stand out, the property may never make it to their shortlist. Staged homes photograph better, look brighter, and feel inviting — which means more clicks, more open-home visitors, and more offers.
Emotional vs logical buying decisions
Of course buyers care about square metres and building reports, but many of their decisions are emotional. Staging creates an aspirational atmosphere: a family dining table set for dinner, a cosy lounge with throws and cushions, or a fresh, functional study nook. These touches help buyers picture themselves living there.
The concrete benefits of staging
Faster sales and higher offers
Industry research shows that staged properties typically sell faster and can command a higher sale price compared with empty homes. OpenAgent reports many staged homes see a clear ROI.
Better listing photos and marketing performance
Staged homes show depth, colour, and warmth in photos. An empty room often looks smaller, while furniture provides scale and highlights usable space.
Helping buyers visualise lifestyle
Styling draws attention to functionality: a bedroom that doubles as a study, or an outdoor space dressed for entertaining. Buyers connect more strongly with a staged lifestyle than a blank canvas.
Costs & practical options in Canberra
Typical staging costs
In Canberra, full staging for a vacant property generally costs between $2,000 and $6,000, depending on the size of the home and the level of furniture required. Partial staging for occupied homes — such as adding key pieces and décor — can be more affordable. As a guide, staging is often 1–3% of the property’s asking price. Presenting Homes and other stylists in Canberra list similar ranges.
DIY styling vs professional staging
If you’re budget-conscious, you can achieve some staging benefits by:
- Decluttering and depersonalising rooms
- Using neutral colours
- Maximising light with mirrors and clean windows
- Styling key areas (kitchen benches, bathrooms, entryway)
Professional staging, however, goes beyond these basics — with curated furniture, artwork, and décor designed to appeal to your specific buyer demographic.
Staging timeline
Most staging companies can install in one day, with homes photo-ready within 24–72 hours. This makes it easy to line up professional photography and hit the market quickly.
Evidence & Canberra examples
ROI and industry data
According to property styling research in Australia, staged homes can sell faster and for a noticeable premium. OpenAgent
suggests many staged homes achieve a return on investment well above the initial styling cost.
ROI and industry data
One Canberra property in Belconnen sat empty on the market for weeks. After staging the living and master bedroom, buyer interest spiked and the home sold within the month. The staged photos created warmth that the empty rooms never conveyed.
At YPP, we’ve seen this time and again — a modest investment in staging delivers more enquiries and higher perceived value.
Risks, limitations & when staging may not help
Staging isn’t a magic bullet.
- Structural or major cosmetic issues still need addressing — peeling paint, old carpets, or bathroom mould can’t be hidden by furniture.
- Poor location may reduce the overall buyer pool regardless of staging.
- Over-styling with ultra-luxury furniture can feel unrealistic for certain markets and even alienate buyers.
Finally, if staging involves furniture delivery or temporary works, it’s important to comply with City Services ACT’s verge and nature strip guidelines.
Compliance, safety & licensed practices
Safe handling of staging items
Furniture delivery, temporary fixtures, and any overlap with renovation work must follow safe practices. In Canberra, WorkSafe ACT outlines workplace and residential site safety requirements.
Approvals for verge use
If staging furniture or delivery vehicles temporarily use the verge or nature strip, homeowners should check City Services ACT
for guidance. Some activities may require approval.
For more detailed information on approvals, you can also visit Access Canberra or Planning ACT.
How YPP approaches staging
At Your Property Profits, we make the process simple.
- Full service: furniture hire, styling, installation, and removal — all managed for you.
- Part of the package: staging is often included in our renovation-for-profit service, with no upfront cost for sellers.
- Photography-ready: we ensure your property is styled and ready for professional photography and open homes.
- Tailored to Canberra buyers: we select pieces and styles that match your target demographic, whether inner-city professionals or family buyers in the suburbs.
FAQs
Does home staging increase sale price?
Yes, staged homes in Australia frequently sell faster and often for a higher price than comparable empty homes.
How much does home staging cost in Canberra?
Full staging for a vacant home can cost $2,000–$6,000, while partial styling for an occupied property is usually less.
Is it better to stage or leave a house empty?
Staging typically creates stronger emotional connections with buyers and photographs far better than empty rooms.
Can staging be done in an occupied home?
Yes. Many sellers choose partial staging — decluttering, adding a few key pieces, and refreshing décor.
Do I need approval to place staging items on the verge?
Yes, if staging requires temporary use of the verge or nature strip, you’ll need to follow City Services ACT guidelines.
How long does staging take before photos or opens?
Installation usually takes one day, with homes ready for photography within 24–72 hours.
Ready to boost your sale outcome?
Contact Your Property Profits today for a free staging assessment and discover how we can transform your property into a buyer magnet.
