Would you like to achieve the best possible price for your property and speed up the sales process? Professional home staging and well-thought-out renovations are the key. Find out how to present your house perfectly and achieve up to 15% more in sales proceeds.
Chat with ImmoGPT for free now.
With access to Google, BORIS, and Deep Research.
The topic briefly and concisely
Professional home staging can increase the sale price by up to 15% and halve the selling time.
Small renovations like a fresh coat of paint or modernising bathrooms and kitchens often have a big impact on the first impression and the value.
A thorough cost-benefit analysis before each renovation measure is crucial to avoid misguided investments and maximise returns.
The first impression counts – this wisdom holds true nowhere more than in real estate sales. How do you present your house or flat optimally to not only convince but also excite potential buyers? The answer lies in a combination of professional home staging and targeted renovations. These measures can reduce the sales period by up to 50 percent and significantly increase the selling price. In this article, you will learn which strategies really work and how to sustainably increase the value of your property.
Home Staging: More than just decoration for better selling opportunities
What exactly is behind the term Home Staging? It is the art of optimally preparing a property for sale and presenting it attractively. The goal is to create a neutral yet inviting atmosphere where as many potential buyers as possible feel comfortable and can imagine living there. Studies show that Home Staging can increase the sale price by up to 15%.
The costs for professional Home Staging usually range between 1 and 3 percent of the targeted sale price. However, this investment can quickly pay off, as staged properties often find a buyer faster. A professional presentation of your property evokes emotions and makes it easier for buyers to decide. Keep in mind: Only about 2 out of 10 people can imagine a room differently furnished than it currently is.
Home Staging aims to highlight the advantages of your property and mask any potential weaknesses. It’s about making the full potential visible. This is an important step to optimally present your house.
Small renovations, big impact: Increasing value with care
Not every property needs a full refurbishment before selling. Often, even small renovations can significantly increase value and greatly improve the first impression. A fresh coat of paint in neutral colours can make rooms appear brighter and larger. The costs for this are manageable, but the effect is substantial.
Other sensible measures can include:
Renewing floor coverings: Worn-out laminate or old carpets can put off potential buyers.
Modernising the lighting: Contemporary light sources create a pleasant atmosphere.
Repairing minor defects: A dripping tap or a sticking door should be fixed before viewings. These details show that the property has been well maintained.
Refreshing the kitchen and bathroom: Sometimes simply replacing taps or handles can give these important rooms a more modern look.
Such small renovations signal to prospective buyers that they can move in without major effort. An analysis by ImmoScout24 revealed that unsanitary homes face price reductions of an average of 19-20%.
Extensive Renovations: When Are Larger Investments Worthwhile?
Major renovation works are worth considering when they significantly increase the sale price more than the incurred costs. This is often the case with older properties that require considerable modernization. An energy renovation, such as replacing old windows or new insulation, can substantially increase the value, as buyers are increasingly focused on energy efficiency.
Upgrading heating systems or renovating the roof are also investments that can pay off. Before deciding on extensive renovations that convince buyers, a precise cost-benefit analysis is essential. Not every expensive measure automatically leads to a proportionally higher sale price. Seek expert advice to avoid poor investments. A professional assessment of renovation costs is crucial in this regard.
The Psychology of Selling: What Buyers Really Want
Purchasing property is rarely a purely rational decision. Emotions play a significant role. Buyers want to immediately feel at home in a property. Home staging and appealing renovations help to create this positive emotional connection. A study by the Hamburg Institute for Management and Economic Research (IMWF) from 2010 found that for 85% of women and around 77% of men, the first gut impression is crucial.
Depersonalisation is an important aspect: Remove very personal items and photos so that buyers can project their own living dreams. Neutral colours and modern, yet not overly specific furnishings appeal to a broader audience. Show what buyers truly want to see: a well-maintained, bright, and inviting home. The right presentation technique and sales psychology can make all the difference.
Optimal Presentation: From Professional Photos to the Brochure
Successful marketing starts long before the first viewing. High-quality photos and an informative exposé are your business card. Invest in professional property photography that showcases your property in the best light. Poor or few images can diminish the interest of potential buyers from the outset.
The exposé should contain all important information and clearly communicate the advantages of your property. This includes:
Detailed property description and floor plans
Energy certificate data
Information on location and infrastructure
Highlighting special features and recent renovations
Virtual 360-degree tours can also be a valuable tool to give interested parties a comprehensive first impression. A well-thought-out visual sales presentation is essential today. Remember that most buyers start their search online.
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Which Measures Really Pay Off?
Before starting renovations, a careful cost-benefit analysis is crucial. Not every well-intentioned improvement results in a corresponding increase in value. Focus on measures that appeal to a wide range of buyers and have the greatest impact on perceived value. This often includes modernising the kitchen and bathroom as well as an appealing surface design (walls, floors).
Luxury renovations are only worthwhile in rare cases, unless the property is in an appropriate high-price segment. Sometimes, it is more sensible to leave the buyer some room for negotiation on the price rather than making expensive alterations that do not match their taste. A neutral, yet high-quality base is usually the best strategy. Detailed planning helps control costs and maintain focus on value-enhancing measures.
home-staging-and-renovations-how-to-present-your-home-ideally
Home staging and renovations are not just short-term sales promotion measures, but can also contribute to the long-term value enhancement of your property. Well-maintained and modernised properties are more sought after on the market and achieve sustainably better prices. When renovating, pay attention to high-quality materials and solid workmanship.
Carefully document all work carried out. This creates transparency and trust among potential buyers. A well-maintained property signals value retention and lower follow-up costs for the buyer. With a strategic approach to home staging and renovations, you ensure the best possible sales success. Do you need a neutral assessment or strategic advice? Auctoa's ImmoGPT-Chat can provide you with initial evaluations, or contact us for a detailed analysis without obligation.
Additional useful links
Statistisches Bundesamt offers information on construction prices and the property price index.
The Statistische Bundesamt provides detailed tables on house and land prices.
The Sparkasse offers an article on home staging for property sales.
Dr. Klein provides an article about possibilities for increasing property value.
At Städtebauförderung.info, you will find information on urban development promotion and programmes in Germany.
The Bundesregierung publishes the speech by the Federal Minister of Housing, Urban Development and Building, Klara Geywitz.
BNP Paribas Real Estate offers market reports on the German real estate market.
FAQ
How quickly does a property sell with home staging?
Experiences and studies suggest that properties with home staging often sell significantly faster. The selling time can be reduced by up to half.
Is home staging also advisable for vacant properties?
Yes, home staging is particularly useful for vacant properties. Furnished spaces appear more inviting and help buyers better imagine the dimensions and possible uses. Empty properties benefit from home staging through a colour and space concept.
What role does energy efficiency play in renovations before selling?
Energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important. Measures such as new windows, insulation, or a modern heating system can increase the value and are a crucial criterion for many buyers, as they save costs in the long term.
Should I carry out expensive luxury renovations before selling?
Expensive luxury renovations are usually only worthwhile if the property is in a corresponding price segment and the target audience expects it. Otherwise, a neutral, high-quality modernisation is often more sensible.
How do I determine which renovations are worthwhile for my property?
A professional property valuation and consultation, like the one offered by Auctoa, can help you identify meaningful and value-enhancing renovation measures for your specific property. Our ImmoGPT chat can also provide initial insights.
What is the difference between renovating and refurbishing?
Renovation typically refers to cosmetic repairs and the restoration of surfaces (e.g., painting, new flooring). In contrast, renovation often involves more extensive measures for restoring or modernizing the building fabric (e.g., roof renovation, electrical renewal).
