Thinking of selling your home in 2025? First impressions matter more than ever. In a market where buyers are spoilt for choice and search online before they step through the door, how you present your home could be the key to a faster sale and a better price.
Staging your home doesn’t mean a complete redesign or expensive renovations. Instead, it’s about creating a space buyers can see themselves living in – clean, inviting, and thoughtfully styled. Whether you’re a first-time seller or a seasoned mover, these staging tips from the team at Country Properties will help you put your best foot forward.
What is home staging and why does it matter in 2025?
Home staging is the process of preparing a property for sale by enhancing its appeal to as many potential buyers as possible. This might include rearranging furniture, adding accessories, or decluttering.
According to Zoopla’s House Price Index, homes that are well presented continue to sell more quickly than those that aren’t. In fact, Rightmove data from late 2024 showed that staged homes sold up to three times faster than unstaged ones, with a higher chance of attracting the asking price.
In 2025, buyers expect more. With high-quality photography and 360° virtual tours becoming the norm, homes need to look great both in person and online. Staging helps create a strong emotional connection for buyers, which can make the difference between a quick offer and a home that lingers on the market.
Focus on first impressions: kerb appeal counts
Your home’s exterior sets the tone for the entire viewing. Many buyers form an opinion in the first few seconds of arriving, so make sure your entrance impresses.
- Mow the lawn and trim hedges
- Repaint tired woodwork or front doors
- Clean windows, gutters, and paths
- Replace any broken light fixtures or house numbers
- Add a welcoming touch like a potted plant or seasonal wreath
If your home is listed online, the first photo buyers see is usually the front view. Make it count.
Create light, space and flow in every room
Buyers crave space and light, and your goal is to make every room feel bigger, brighter, and more open.
Start with a deep declutter. Pack away personal items, knick-knacks, and anything that makes rooms feel cramped. Less really is more.
Next, maximise natural light. Open blinds and curtains, clean windows inside and out, and use mirrors to reflect daylight.
Arrange furniture to create clear pathways through each room. Avoid blocking doors and windows. In smaller spaces, remove bulky pieces to open things up.
Think about the flow from room to room. Can buyers move through the house easily? Are rooms clearly defined by their use? If not, reposition furniture to make their purpose obvious.
Neutral tones and lifestyle touches sell homes
In 2025, the trend for calming, neutral interiors continues. Buyers want a blank canvas they can personalise.
Repaint any bold feature walls in soft shades like off-white, taupe, or light grey. These colours make spaces feel larger and allow your furnishings to shine.
Add lifestyle touches to help buyers imagine themselves living in the space. Think:
- A cosy throw draped over the arm of a sofa
- Fresh flowers in a simple vase
- A coffee table book or open magazine
- A stylish tray with cups and a teapot
Buyers aren’t just buying bricks and mortar – they’re buying a lifestyle.
Depersonalise without losing character
While it’s important to remove personal photographs and highly individual décor, you still want your home to feel warm and inviting.
Swap out family photos for art prints or mirrors. Tuck away trophies, name signs, or anything too specific. Remove children’s artwork from the fridge.
Keep some characterful touches, such as a statement cushion, a well-chosen ornament, or a houseplant. The aim is to appeal to as wide an audience as possible, without your own personality dominating the space.
At Country Properties, we often say: think show home, not showroom. You want your home to feel lived-in, but not lived-on.
Tackle smells, sounds and temperature
Staging isn’t just visual. Your home should smell fresh, feel comfortable, and offer a calm atmosphere.
- Open windows before viewings to let in fresh air
- Avoid overpowering scents like incense or strong plug-ins
- Light a subtle candle or bake something simple like bread or biscuits
- Eliminate pet odours with a deep clean and keep litter trays or food bowls out of sight
- Make sure rooms are warm in winter and cool in summer
You can even play gentle music during viewings to create a relaxing ambiance, though silence is often safer if unsure.
Maximise key rooms: kitchen, living room and master bedroom
Some rooms matter more than others when it comes to staging. Focus your efforts where it counts most:
Kitchens should be clean, clear, and fresh-smelling. Put away appliances, wipe down all surfaces, and consider adding a bowl of lemons or a stylish chopping board as a finishing touch.
Living rooms are about comfort and lifestyle. Plump cushions, soft throws, and tidy storage help create a welcoming feel.
Master bedrooms should feel like a retreat. Dress the bed with crisp linen and neutral cushions. Add soft lighting with bedside lamps and remove anything that doesn’t belong (such as drying racks or paperwork).
If you’re lucky enough to have a home office or extra reception space, stage it clearly to show its value.
Don’t forget your digital staging
In 2025, your property’s online listing is the gateway to viewings. According to Rightmove, over 90% of property searches start online. If your photos don’t stand out, potential buyers may scroll straight past.
Prepare your home carefully before the photographer arrives:
- Clean every room top to bottom
- Open blinds and turn on lights
- Hide clutter, cables and bins
- Straighten furniture and cushions
- Remove anything reflective or distracting
Consider virtual staging or CGI furniture for empty properties. These tools can help buyers visualise the home’s potential.
Some sellers also choose video tours or 3D walkarounds, which have grown in popularity since the pandemic. Done well, these can bring your home to life and reduce time-wasters.
Use local expertise to get it right first time
Every home is different, and what works in one property might not work in another. That’s where local expertise matters.
At Country Properties, our agents know what buyers in your area are looking for. We can offer tailored advice on how to present your home, which updates are worth it, and how to get the best price.
We’ll work with you to make sure your home looks its best from day one – both in person and online. And if you’re ready to take the next step, book a free, no-obligation valuation with your local branch.
Selling a home is a journey, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
