Introduction
When it comes to selling property, first impressions are everything. This is especially true for vacant homes, which often struggle to connect with buyers. In this case study, we’ll explore how home staging transformed a luxury retirement apartment that had been sitting on the market for 13 months—and helped secure an asking price offer within just two weeks.
The Challenge with Vacant Spaces
The property in question was a vacant two-bedroom apartment in a luxury, high end retirement village. While the owner had made efforts to refresh the space – replacing carpets, painting walls, and installing new voile blinds to detract from the street-facing windows – the apartment remained unsold for over a year.
Despite its generous size and beautiful sash windows, the apartment was overlooked at every aspect, making it less desirable compared to other available properties in the same location. Viewing feedback was less than desirable with most saying they struggled to visualise the vacant apartment as a home.
This is the challenge that many vacant properties have. The buyer being unable to visualise themselves living in the property and seeing it as a home. Vacant spaces tend to be perceived as cold, unwelcoming, uninspiring and difficult to gain space perspective.
The Staging Strategy
To overcome these challenges, I developed a staging plan that aligned with the retirement village’s branding, style, and interior aesthetic. The goal was to create a welcoming, luxurious, and functional space that would help buyers connect emotionally with the apartment. Here’s how I approached it:
1. Addressing the Space Perception Issue
Importantly, used pieces that didn’t overwhelm the space and were appropriately sized.
Used standard UK-sized 4ft 6” double beds in the bedrooms to help buyers accurately gauge the space.
Used a three-seater sofa with a matching armchair to demonstrate a potential seating layout out.
Chose a round dining table to enhance flow and soften angles in the living area.
2. Enhancing Lighting & Ambiance
Introduced ambient lighting to highlight key areas and create a welcoming feel.
Ensured all bulbs were warm white for a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
Replaced any broken or flickering lights and added ceiling shades for a finished look.
3. Elevating the Interior with Textures & Colours
Added large artwork pieces to emphasise the high ceilings and elevate the overall aesthetic.
Incorporated plush velvet textures that were both luxurious and comfortable to the touch.
Maintained a cohesive colour scheme throughout the apartment to create a seamless flow during viewings.
4. Creating an Emotional Connection
In essence, the objective was to appeal to all the senses to help evoke an emotional connection.
Thoroughly cleaned the apartment, ensuring every surface gleamed including the windows.
Used accessories, cushions and throws to create a homely and welcoming feel.
Introduced reed diffusers to provide a fresh, welcoming scent.
The Results
The transformation was immediate. The staged apartment felt warm, inviting, and easy to visualise as a home. And the results spoke for themselves:
- The property, which had been on the market for 13 months with no offers, sold within just two weeks of staging.
- The buyer had previously dismissed the apartment due to its position and perceived size but reconsidered after seeing it staged.
- The buyer was so impressed with the staging that she requested an exact replication of the interior design for her new home.
Agent Testimonial
“Can’t recommend this company highly enough—Sarah transformed this apartment with quality furnishings, enabling us to achieve a sale within two weeks of ‘staging’. Sarah is professional, responsive, and willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everything is perfect before finishing the job. Apart from staging the apartment, she thoroughly cleaned everywhere before starting. The new buyer was so impressed with the appearance of the apartment, she has asked Sarah to personally buy everything new to replicate the look before she moves in!”
— Jo Meakin, Audley Villages, Leamington Spa
Conclusion
This case study is a perfect example of how home staging is a powerful marketing tool for vacant properties. By strategically designing the space to align with buyers’ expectations, staging can overcome objections, create emotional connections, and drive faster sales—even for properties that have been struggling on the market.
If you’re selling a vacant property and want to maximise its potential, you can learn more about my service here