Home Staging: Complete Guide 2025

August 18, 2025

In today’s increasingly competitive real estate market, making a property stand out can be the difference between selling quickly at the best possible price or having it sit on the market for months without serious offers. Home Staging has become a proven strategy to maximize a property’s appeal and create an emotional connection with potential buyers.

This technique combines interior design, spatial psychology, and marketing to not only speed up the sale of a property but also increase its market value by an estimated 5% to 15%, according to industry experts. In this guide, we’ll explore in depth what Home Staging is, its key benefits, the most effective techniques, and how it can be successfully applied in 2025.

New call to action

What is Home Staging and Why Does It Matter?

The main objectives of home staging include: improving the property’s first impression (a key factor in purchase decisions), maximizing the use of space to avoid a sense of clutter or tightness, highlighting the property’s strengths (such as natural light, layout, or views), and evoking emotions that reflect the idea of a warm, welcoming home—one that invites buyers to picture themselves living there.

Origin and evolution

The concept of home staging originated in the United States in the 1970s, pioneered by decorator Barb Schwarz, widely regarded as the founder of this practice. After the 2008 housing crisis, its popularity grew significantly thanks to its effectiveness in speeding up sales.

Across Europe and Latin America, home staging has gained momentum over the past decade—especially with the rise of online property platforms, where professional photos and well-presented spaces can make all the difference. In 2025, with rapid advances in technologies like virtual reality, digital home staging has become a key trend for reaching international buyers.

Types 

Physical home staging

This approach involves physically preparing the property using furniture, lighting, and strategic décor. It’s the most traditional and effective method for in-person showings.

Virtual Home Staging

In this format, digital tools (such as 3D software) are used to redesign empty or outdated spaces. This is particularly useful for online marketing campaigns and reduces costs. Firms like GILMAR note that this technique can shorten sales times by up to 30%.

Home Staging for vacation rentals

This technique is especially effective for short-term rental properties, as it creates appealing spaces for listing photos on platforms like Airbnb or Booking, increasing reservations. Key elements include comfort, style, and functionality.

You may be interested in: investing in tourist apartments.

Advantages of Home Staging

Accelerate sales

It is estimated that home staging can help sell a property up to 73% faster.

Boost real estate marketing

Professional photos and the option of virtual tours can draw more prospects. A well-presented property also reduces price negotiations, often eliminating the need for discounts—and in many cases, the final selling price can even increase by 5% to 15%.

Attracting emotional buyers

A large percentage of buyers consider how a property makes them feel before purchasing. Creating a comfortable and positive atmosphere through home staging is an ideal way to capture their attention.

Techniques and key points

Depersonalize the space

Personal items—such as family photos and similar objects—should be removed so buyers can imagine themselves and their families living there.

Optimize lighting

Using natural light and warm lamps helps create inviting environments. In addition, neutral tones such as beige, light gray, or white make it easier for buyers to visualize themselves in the property.

Rearrange furniture

Priority should be given to avoiding overcrowded spaces and ensuring smooth circulation.

Add life-enhancing touches

Add plants, cushions and other decorative details that create warmth.

New call to action

When to use a home staging service?

Home staging is especially useful for vacant properties — an unfurnished home looks smaller and colder. It’s also effective for homes with outdated décor (a more modern look attracts more buyers). Properties with poor lighting or awkward layouts can also benefit from staging, which helps mask flaws. In competitive markets, staging helps a listing stand out from similar offerings.

How much does it cost?

Home staging costs vary by service. Physical home staging typically runs between €1,500 and €5,000 for about three months. Virtual home staging is more affordable, usually €100–€300 per image. Furniture rental for staging typically costs about €500–€2,000 per month.

Practical examples of Home Staging

Quick renovation for a small apartment

Replacing dark curtains with white blinds or rearranging furniture can increase a property’s value by up to 8%.

Virtual Staging for an empty loft

With 3D renders you can generate interest from international buyers in as little as two weeks.

Family home with excess furniture

Keep functional furniture and remove unnecessary items and overly personal details or photos — this helps sell a house much faster.

You may be interested in: How to sell my house fast.

How to implement it? Step by step

Professional appraisal

You can consult an expert who will identify the property’s strengths and weaknesses.

Thorough cleaning and decluttering

This stage should include deep cleaning of walls, floors and windows. Remove unnecessary furniture and prioritize pieces that highlight the space.

Strategic styling

Use artwork, mirrors and a variety of textiles to add warmth.

Professional photography

Having high quality images to upload to real estate portals is essential.

What mistakes should you avoid?

Ignoring the exterior

The façade and entrance are the first impression buyers get.

Striking colors

Colors that are too bright can be distracting or unappealing, so neutral tones are recommended.

Avoiding odors

Odors such as dampness, tobacco, or pet smells should be avoided.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between home staging and decoration? 

Home staging seeks neutrality to sell, while decoration reflects personal tastes.

Can home staging be applied in occupied properties?

Yes, by removing personal items and reorganizing spaces.

Can I do Home Staging on my own?

Yes, but better results are always guaranteed with a professional.

What does a professional home staging service include?

It includes consulting, decoration, high-quality photography, and even furniture.

Who pays for home staging?

Generally, it is the seller who pays, although in some real estate agencies this is included in their service.

Enter the world of real estate investment with minimal risk and capital through Domoblock.


Domoblock opens the doors to a new digital real estate investment model based on the real estate tokenization. From as little as 200 €, you can participate in high-yield assets without leaving home.

Our platform is designed to facilitate the diversification of your portfolio with carefully selected properties. This allows you to earn passive income consistently, safely, and without complex procedures.

Operations backed by blockchain technology that guarantee transparency in every investment. In addition, our team of specialists will be at your disposal to advise you according to your profile and financial objectives.

Invest with a vision for the future. Join Domoblock for free and start transforming your savings into real opportunities today!

Also, don't miss our projects: real estate investment in Madrid, real estate investment in Alicante, real estate investment in Zaragoza and real estate investment in Valencia.

New call to action

Conclusion 

Home staging is no longer considered a luxury, but rather a smart investment to sell or rent faster or at a better price. In 2025, with tools such as virtual home staging and an increasingly digitalized market, adapting to these techniques is key to standing out.

Sergio Navarro

Expert in blockchain, investments and personal finance.

Share in your social networks

Do you like what you read?

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Do you like what you read?

Subscribe to our newsletter!

Madrid | Moncloa Argüelles

Calle Arcipreste de Hita, 14

Under study
Flipping house
DOMO-MAD-5

Funded:

-

-

Objective:

3.582.749,16 €

Estimated duration:
10 meses
Rentabilidad anual estimada
14%
Minimum ticket:
200€
Talk to other investors and ask your questions in our Telegram group.

Related articles