When selling a property, what are the main reasons some homeowners give for not using a professional stager? Hugo Fleming, Design Director of award-winning local interior design company Cranberryhome, explains.

My house is vacant therefore the spaces look bigger:

A room always looks bigger with furniture in it. In reality, items of furniture correctly scaled to a room, gives a buyer a perspective of how their furniture will fit into spaces and correctly purpose the room.

I don’t want to spend any more money on my house as I’m selling it:

The return on investment for professionally styling your property on average is 8-10% more than a non staged home.

Staged properties sell 50-80% quicker, avoiding potential additional costs and price reductions.

I never staged my home before and it sold OK:

In reality, buyers are savvier now and are expecting higher standards. More and more homes are now being professionally presented, which increases the competition for buyers.

Buyers can look past imperfections:

Again buyers are much more sophisticated than before. With access to the internet, TV design shows and DIY classes this has all changed.

If a buyer subconsciously observes too many “red flags” he/she will move to the next property or demand a price reduction.

My house is beautiful, therefore everyone else will love it:

Even decorated homes still need a professional touch. With decorating, the focus is on the “stuff” whereas, with property styling, it is more about highlighting the architectural features and focal points of your home.

I can’t afford a home stager:

Many assume that home stagers charge similar fees to interior designers, however, the cost of staging can accommodate many budgets from a simple consultation to a full home style.

With the current stamp duty holiday still around till the end of March, now is a great time to consider selling.

Hugo is Design director of Cranberryhome, the award winning interior design and property styling company based in Milton Keynes. Often found at Ask an Expert at Grand Designs Live, Hugo is in demand as an interior designer all over the UK.

You can email him on hello@cranberryhome.co.uk or visit cranberryhome.co.uk for more information.

This feature was published in the February and March 2021 issue of Celebrate:MK lifestyle magazine. Read the full magazine above or by clicking on this link.