Staging on a shoestring

You’ve probably heard that staged homes sell faster and for more money. Figures promoted by certain staging companies claim that staged properties in New Zealand can fetch 5–10% above the RV and sell up to three times faster than their empty counterparts. 

Traditional staging isn’t cheap. We’re talking $3,500 to $7,000+ for a basic package, with some Auckland properties hitting $15,000–$20,000 for full staging. That’s a big chunk of capital that could be better deployed elsewhere in your portfolio. 

Savvy sellers today are using smarter, more cost-effective ways to get their property market-ready. Here are three approaches worth considering, depending on your property type and budget. 

Option 1: Virtual staging 

This is where the market’s shifted dramatically in the past few years. Virtual staging uses computer graphics to digitally furnish empty rooms in your listing photos. 

The economics are compelling: around $35 per image with some local providers, meaning you can stage an entire three-bedroom property for $175–$350 compared to several thousand for the real deal. Turnaround is typically 24–48 hours. 

Obviously, virtual staging works for online marketing only. Once buyers turn up to the open home, they’re seeing empty rooms. That said, with 90% of buyers starting their property search online, getting them through the door in the first place is half the battle. 

The Fair Trading Act requires accurate and truthful marketing, so you must clearly label virtually staged images. Most agents add “Images digitally enhanced” or similar disclaimers to avoid misleading buyers. Do this properly and you’re fine – skip it and you’re opening yourself up to Commerce Commission scrutiny.

Virtual staging works best for:
• Empty properties where buyers struggle to visualise potential
• Reaching overseas or out-of-town buyers who can’t attend viewings
• Properties with dated interiors that need a vision refresh
• Investors with multiple properties on tight marketing budgets 

Where it falls short: Luxury properties over $1 million and high-end family homes, where buyers expect to walk through and feel premium finishes. For these, physical presence matters. 

Option 2: DIY staging 

If your property isn’t empty, you can achieve a lot through clever decluttering and strategic styling without hiring professionals. This is particularly relevant for investor-owned rentals transitioning between tenants or properties you’re selling with tenants still in place. 

The fundamentals are free: deep clean, declutter ruthlessly, depersonalise, and maximise natural light. Focus on the money rooms – the living room, kitchen, main bedroom, and bathroom. These drive the most buyer interest. 

Budget-conscious additions that punch above their weight: fresh white towels in bathrooms, a bowl of lemons on the kitchen bench, neutral cushions for the sofa, and ensuring every light bulb works and is bright. You’re looking at a few hundred dollars in total outlay. 

If you’ve got time but limited cash, consider rental furniture packages from companies like Mr Rental, starting at around $59.50 weekly for basic packages. Not cheap for extended periods, but viable for short-term staging before settlement. 

Option 3: Hybrid approach 

Smart investors recognise that not every room needs staging, and not every property justifies the same investment. 

Partial staging, where stagers work with your existing furniture and add statement pieces, sits around $1,500–$3,500 and can deliver strong results. Or consider consultation-only services starting at a few hundred dollars, where a professional tells you exactly what to fix, and you execute it yourself. 

Another option: use virtual staging for your online listings and marketing materials, but hire rental furniture for just the main living area during open homes. This gives buyers something tangible to experience in person while keeping costs manageable. 

For mid-tier properties ($600k–$900k), this hybrid approach often delivers the best return. You’re competing against multiple similar properties, so standing out matters – but you’re not in the luxury bracket where buyers expect champagne staging on everything. 

Bottom line 

If staging (virtual, physical, or hybrid) costs you $500 and helps you sell 5% above your expected price on a $750,000 property, that’s an extra $37,500. Even at $3,000 for full staging, the math works. 

The mistake is either overspending on staging that doesn’t match your property’s price point or – more commonly – skipping staging entirely and leaving tens of thousands on the table because buyers couldn’t visualise the property’s potential. 

Start with virtual staging for your online presence (it’s cheap and effective), then assess whether physical staging is justified based on your property value, likely time on market, and target buyer demographic. For most investment properties, a combination of virtual staging and strategic DIY improvements will get you 80% of the benefit for 20% of the cost. 

Need guidance on positioning your investment property for sale in the current market? Give the Goodwins team a call on 0800 GOODWINS.