Did you know that staged homes sell three times faster than those that aren’t staged?
That’s why sellers need to understand how they can present their properties in an exciting, eye-catching way that will grab buyers’ attention and have them flocking to viewings.
Data shows that the average number of days it takes to sell a house in London was 63 in December, compared to 27 in Scotland and 32 in the Southwest. It can be so frustrating to have properties lingering on the market – but knowing where to start with home staging can be daunting.
The good news is that Urban Village can help with our free home staging consultation service. Not only that, but we’ve put together a guide of top home staging trends that sellers need to be thinking about this year.
The key thing to remember is this: decorating and staging a house are two very different beasts – it’s not about how you would personally arrange the space. It’s about thinking about who your buyer is likely to be and what they are looking for. So, what are buyers looking for in 2022?
Staging your property to support a post-pandemic lifestyle
Our homes have become where many of us eat, sleep, work go to the gym and play. That’s why your staging needs to reflect how your house/apartment could potentially fulfil each of these needs.
It could be creating a ‘health and wellness zone’ in one space/room, complete with a yoga mat, storage equipment and candles. It could be upgrading your home office setup in the study with a Zoom-worthy background (a shelf with books, or some simple but not distracting paintings).
Think about the purpose that each space in your property could have and how you can help your prospective buyer to imagine themselves living there.
New neutral colours emerging in 2022
Walking into a home as a potential buyer and immediately hating the wall colour is a bad first impression that is easily avoided. Why not pick colours that aren’t distracting and won’t polarise buyers in 2022?
Neutral colours, such as whites, greys and light brown, create an unintrusive backdrop that keeps your buyers focused on what really matters: the space and how they will use it.
A search on Pinterest reveals that, as we enter 2022, we’re seeing new neutral colours grow in popularity. Warmer neutrals such as light beiges, greens and greys are coming into the limelight as people seek out colours that instantly create a warm, cosy and inviting feeling.
Mixing old and new
Marrying old and new in your staged interior is a great way to make your property more relatable in 2022 – after all, we all have that piece of furniture that’s been with us since the dawn of time. Remember it’s all about balance – you don’t want a house stuck in the past, but you also don’t want an Ikea showroom.
Consider mixing contemporary artworks in your living room with vintage furniture such as armchairs or coffee tables. If your kitchen is large and doesn’t have an island, think about including a rustic/farmhouse table as a centrepiece – you can also consider painting your kitchen cabinets to instantly give them a fresh look.
The ‘Cottagecore’ trend is one to keep an eye on in 2022 – it’s all about applying a cosy rural aesthetic and a bit of rustic charm to your staging. Think wooden/stone floors, handmade furniture, soft vintage armchairs, reclaimed wood coffee tables, dressers showcasing fine china and floral curtains. Using neutral colours gives homes a light and airy feel and bring a sense of nature indoors – which reminds us...
Sprucing up your outdoor space
Buyers really care about gardens (in a recent survey 100% of participants said they would lower their offer on a property based on the condition of the garden), so it’s important to make sure they are clean and tidy: mow the grass, repair any sheds or outdoor furniture, prune flowers, cut hedges back and pull any weeds out.
While you want to avoid clutter, think about including furniture like sunbeds, tables and chairs if you have the space to showcase the potential of your garden for hosting, relaxing or enjoying al fresco dining.
Showcasing sustainability in your home
Research has shown that 89% of prospective buyers want sustainable homes. If your property has green credentials, flaunt them!
Eco-friendly lighting will likely be a big draw this year in 2022 – aside from cutting their environmental impact, buyers will also be thinking about their bank account as energy prices look set to increase. More energy-efficient appliances and lighting will help sustainably minded buyers picture themselves living in your property. (Want more tips on sustainable shopping in SE15? Read our blog here).
Bring the outdoors in
Biophilic design (in a nutshell, using more plants to connect homeowners with the outdoors) is expected to be one of the biggest trends for 2022. We’re not surprised, as bringing plants indoors can instantly give your interiors a new lease of life.
Research from Primrose found that Kentia palms, money trees and anthuriums are among the top trending houseplants, while searches for the colourful Kalanchoe plant are up by 454%. But if keeping plants watered and fertilised sounds like a chore, artificial plants are growing increasingly popular as buyers seek out zen-like WFH spaces.
Decluttering and tidying up your property
This one will be as true in 2022 as it always has been. Make sure you keep personal items to a minimum, leaving counters, bedstands, corridors and tables free of clutter.
If your house is dirty, it can be really hard for potential buyers to look past it, so make sure you clean all surfaces, floors and walls, appliances, your driveway and patios. Don’t forget the inside and outside of appliances – many buyers will want to inspect your oven as soon as they walk into the kitchen.
It all comes back to that crucial point: staging a home is about presenting it in the best possible light, while also helping someone else to envision how they will live in that home. Do it well, and you’ll see your property fly off the market in no time
Looking for more tips on how to stage your home effectively in 2022? We offer a free home staging consultation to help you get started. You can book this service here, or just give us a call on 0203 519 9121 for some friendly advice.