It was M6 and its star presenter, Stéphane Plazza, that helped make the concept of home staging well known in Switzerland. The idea is straightforward: showcase a property for sale by reworking, furnishing and rethinking the space to make it more attractive on the market. There are several ways to do this, including decoration, renovation, repairs, layout changes, space-saving solutions and more.

Yes, but how much does it cost?

That depends on your project. With a relatively modest budget, it is possible to improve your chances of selling quickly and at the best price by redesigning your interior.

Refreshing the paintwork, for example, can give your home a new lease of life. That said, try not to make your colour choices too personal, as the main goal is still to appeal to potential buyers who may not share your taste. In addition, a flat or house furnished in line with current trends is generally an advantage, as interested buyers can more easily imagine themselves living there. By contrast, outdated or overly cluttered furnishings will fail to showcase the property and will reduce the perception of available space.

Making significant changes does not necessarily mean spending astronomical sums. In fact, some retailers offer designer furniture at perfectly reasonable prices. It is also worth noting that the budget allocated to redesigning your property can be viewed as an investment, since it may then be possible to raise your asking price.

For larger-scale projects, calling on a professional designer can prove worthwhile. An interior architect will know how to adapt and optimise the layout and specific features of your home. An interior decorator, meanwhile, can create coherent atmospheres while maintaining overall unity throughout the project. Although these solutions are generally effective, they also come with higher costs, which vary depending on the extent of the changes made. Before committing, do not hesitate to ask for a quote to set clear limits on your investment.

Buyers decide at first glance

Numerous studies have shown that during a property viewing, the first few minutes are decisive in the purchase decision. If the property does not appeal immediately, it is unlikely to progress to a serious offer. This makes the stakes of home staging much clearer. Moreover, creating an emotional connection with visitors also helps improve negotiation leverage, as they will be prepared, where possible, to stretch their budget rather than let the opportunity slip away.

Ultimately, this preliminary redesign work can save a great deal of time while also helping secure a higher final sale price. Several interior design websites also provide simple advice and effective ideas to make your home more attractive — all with ease and practicality!

Laurent Pannatier – Consultant at Le Monde Economique and Regional Manager of PROXIMMO