Perth Home Staging FAQs
Everything you need to know about home staging with The Listing Stylists
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What Is Home Staging & Is It Worth It?
What is a Home Staging and a Listing Stylist?
Home staging is the process of styling a property (with furniture, art, textiles and decor) so buyers can immediately picture themselves living there. Rather than a full interior design overhaul, it’s a strategic, temporary transformation aimed at one outcome: helping a property sell faster and for a stronger price.
A listing stylist (often called a property stylist or home stager) is a professional who prepares a home for the real estate market. Unlike interior designers (who style a home to match a current owner’s personal taste and lifestyle), a listing stylist removes personal items (like family photos and unique memorabilia) and arranges neutral, universally appealing decor.
Here is a breakdown of what a listing stylist does and why they are used in home staging:
Objective Space Planning: The main goal is to arrange, decorate, and furnish a property so that it appeals to the highest possible number of potential buyers.
Furniture Hire and Placement: If a home is completely vacant, a listing stylist will bring in rented furniture, rugs, artwork, and accessories to give each room a clear purpose and show proper scale. If the home is already lived-in, they may use a mix of the owner’s items and their own pieces.
Optimising for Photography and Open Houses: They strategically style rooms so they look bright, spacious, and inviting in online real estate photographs and during in-person walkthroughs.
Highlighting Architectural Features: They draw attention to a home’s best assets (like a great fireplace, large windows, or an open-plan layout) while minimizing awkward spaces or flaws.
Does home staging actually help sell a house faster? What does the data say?
Brisbane-based agency Cape Cod Residential and the Interior Design Association conducted a six-year study (click to view the study). It was exclusively focused on that location and covered 144 properties which all received the same staging package. It found:
- 49% of staged homes sold in the first week, with 66% of homes sold within the first 2 weeks, with 87% selling within 4 weeks.
- The average price premium increase across the properties in the study was $69,017, with a range of 3% – 10%. 30% of homes achieved a price premium of $100,000+.
In the US a National Association of Realtors (NAR) survey found that staged homes:
- Spend an average of 73% less time on the market.
- Helped 82% of surveyed buyers visualise living in the home.
The study also highlighted which rooms agents and homeowners prioritised for staging, with the living room the clear winner, followed by the kitchen, master bedroom, dining room and bathroom.
A Home Staging Association UK & Ireland study in 2023, which surveyed a diverse range of property professionals, found:
- 100% of respondents said that staged homes sell up to two times faster than non-staged homes
- 100% of respondents believe staging increases the value of a property. 25% said by 1-3%, 50% said by 4-6%, while 25% said by 11-15%
- 100% of respondents found that staging a home increased viewings
Industry data consistently shows staged homes spend less time on market than unstaged comparables.
Does home staging really increase the sale price?
It can. NAR’s 2025 Profile of Home Staging found around 29% of agents reported staged homes received offers 1–10% higher than comparable unstaged properties. Results vary by property and market, but the consistent finding across published data is that staging improves buyer perception, which flows through to stronger offers.
What's the difference between a Style Consult and the Hybrid Edit?
Style Consult gives you a strategic plan to execute yourself. We don’t bring in any furniture or decor.
Hybrid Edit is a full styling service for occupied homes, where our team physically installs furniture, art and decor alongside your own pieces. Its is sometimes called partial staging or co-staging.
What's the difference between home staging and interior design?
Interior design creates a personalised, long-term home for the people living in it. Home staging is the opposite — deliberately neutral, broad-appeal styling designed to help the widest possible pool of buyers emotionally connect with a property they don’t yet own, built for a short campaign rather than a lifetime.
Is home staging only worth it for expensive homes?
No, it is worth it for all property sizes because the same buyer psychology applies whether a property is a $500,000 apartment or a $2.5M family home: buyers respond to spaces they can picture themselves living in.
Our packages start from $350 for a DIY strategy consult right through to full luxury installations.
Can I stage my home myself instead of hiring a professional stylist?
You can, and our Style Consult package is built exactly for that — a strategic, room-by-room action plan you execute yourself. Many sellers combine the two: a professional consult for the strategy, then their own labour for the execution, which is a cost effective path for handson sellers who already have beautiful furniture that just need a final edge to make the home photography ready.
Vacant vs. Occupied Staging
Can you stage a home while I'm still living in it?
Yes. Our Hybrid Edit is built specifically for occupied and part-furnished properties. We work with your existing furniture, editing and elevating it with our own art, rugs and decor, so you can keep living comfortably in the home throughout the campaign.
For hybrid staging will you ask me to remove or store any of my own furniture?
Sometimes if a piece isn’t working for the space (dated, the wrong scale, or worn), we’ll flag it and suggest either removing it for the campaign or storing it elsewhere in the home, out of view for photography and inspections. We’ll always discuss this with you before anything is moved.
Do you charge a damage waiver or bond?
All home staging projects have a Bond paid in full before installation, regardless of how you’re paying for your styling package. This covers potential cleaning and damage.
The bond rate is low for vacant properties (circa $150) but increases for occupied staged homes as the risk of damage and need for cleaning is much higher – especially in homes with pets or young children.
If the inventory doesn’t require cleaning (eg pet hair or stain removal) AND there is no damage beyond normal wear, then the bond is fully refundable within 14 days.
Where cleaning is needed or damage beyond normal wear is identified (eg pet hair, stains, tears, marks breakages or loss) then a cleaning, repair or replacement cost is deducted from your Bond reflective of bringing the item back to professional home staging presentation standards. For this we are happy to provide an itemised breakdown and photos. Any remaining Bond is refunded within 14 days.
Where damage exceeds the Bond, the balance is invoiced separately, due within 7 days.
Can we use the soft furnishings while occupying the property?
Styled soft furnishings (bedding, cushions, throws etc) are provided for photography and inspection purposes only and aren’t intended for everyday use. For an occupied bedroom, we can style a decorative layer you reset each morning, or style a guest or spare room instead so your everyday bedroom stays untouched.
Is Hybrid Edit cheaper than staging a vacant home?
Often, no. It is a common misconception that keeping some of your existing furniture makes the staging process cheaper. We can only indicate this once we complete an on site consult.
In reality, The Hybrid Edit is a highly specialised design service. Rather than working with a blank canvas, our team must meticulously curate our luxury inventory to flawlessly match the scale, style, and colour palette of your existing pieces. Additionally, installing premium staging inventory around a family currently living in the home requires significantly more logistical planning, careful handling, and time on site. You are investing in a bespoke, editorial integration, rather than a budget shortcut.
Does the DIY Home Staging Style consult work if my property is already vacant, not currently lived in?
Yes. Style Consult works for both occupied and vacant properties. For a vacant home, the advice shifts toward what to bring in yourself or hire, rather than what to declutter or remove.
Areas We Service & Getting Started
What areas of Perth do you service?
South of the River is home for us — Fremantle, Applecross, Cockburn are the surrounding suburbs are where we service. But we stage homes right across greater Perth, from Alkimos to Mandurah and everywhere between. Wherever your listing is, reach out.
How do I get started?
Submit your property details through our quote form, or call us directly and we’ll ask a few quick questions about your property (size, status, target date) and follow up with a consult and tailored quote.
What's the process in more detail?
1. Get in Touch – Tell us about your property
Fill in the form, email, or call us. We’ll confirm the basics — vacant or occupied, your target dates — and check we can fit your timeline. We usually respond within 24 hours
2. Quick Estimate – We will send an estimate
Within 1–2 business days we’ll send a ballpark figure so you know roughly what to expect. Want to lock in a date early? A deposit against this estimate holds your spot while we finalise the rest.
3. Style & Design Strategy – We Visit The Property
Within a few days one of our Listing Stylists visits the property, at a time that suits you. We do a full walkthrough and review your floorplan to understand exactly what the space needs suited to your target buyer.
4. Fixed Price Quote – No Hidden Surprises
Within 2–3 business days our design team curates a collection of furniture, artwork, and textiles specifically for your space. You receive a clear, fixed price quote with zero hidden fees.
5. Lock In Your Install Date – Secured By Deposit
Call us to secure your install date. Bookings made more than 14 days before your staging date can be secured with a 20% deposit. For bookings made within 14 days of your staging date, a 50% deposit is required to secure your booking.
6. Operational Preperation – For a smooth Install Day
From strata approvals, lift bookings, truck parking, stock — we manage it all behind the scenes. You dont have to worry about a thing.
7. Finalisation & Paid In Full – at least 48 hrs prior
We received full payment received at least 48 hrs prior. Your styling is finalised, and every piece is picked, checked and packed ready to go.
8. Install Day – We Transform The Property
We transform your home, room by room with every piece placed with purpose. With a meticulous finish – steaming linens, adjusting lighting, and ensuring every single room looks flawless and undeniably market ready.
9. Sale & Settlement – Congratulations!
Our standard campaigns run for 5 weeks, giving your agent plenty of time to secure a premium offer.
10. Pack down – Quick & Clean
I'm not selling yet. Can I still get advice now?
Yes, our Style Consult is designed exactly for this. If you’re three to six months from listing, a consult now means your pre-market renovation and decluttering budget goes toward the updates that will actually move the needle with buyers, rather than guesswork.
Pricing, Payment & Value
How much does home staging cost in Perth?
Our packages range from $350 for a Style Consult up to $12,000+ for a full luxury Gallery Edit, with most full vacant-home packages sitting between $2,350 and $4,350 depending on property size. Every project is custom quoted… see our Pricing page for a full breakdown by package.
Do you provide a pricing guide agents can share with sellers?
Yes. We maintain up to date, guide pricing for on our website. However, these prices are a guide and a final quote is sent following the consultation..
How is my quote calculated?
We visit the property (or review your floorplan) and quote based on the number of rooms, the property’s size and finish level, and which package best fits (vacant, occupied, or consult-only). You’ll receive a clear, fixed price quote with no hidden fees before anything is booked.
What does "pay at settlement" actually mean?
It means you can have your property fully styled, listed and sold before paying a cent for staging. The investment is settled from the proceeds of your sale. It’s designed to remove cash flow as a barrier to presenting your property at its best. Eligibility and terms apply, so ask us for details when you enquire.
Is a deposit required to book?
Bookings made more than 14 days before your staging date can be secured with a 20% deposit, with the remaining balance due no later than 48 hours prior to staging.
For bookings made within 14 days of your staging date, a 50% deposit is required to secure your booking.
Do prices include GST?
All figures are GST inclusive starting rates for a standard 5 week styling term.
When is full payment due?
Full payment must be received at least 48 hours before your staging date. If it isn’t, your deposit will be forfeited and your date released.
We offer style now pay later options but this must be organised 1 week in advance to the payment due date.
What happens if my property sells faster than expected — do I get money back for unused hire time?
Our packages are priced for the standard five week campaign regardless of how quickly the property sells. Our costs (design, delivery, installation and insurance) are fixed upfront and there is no refund if the property sells early.
Do prices vary by property size within a package?
Yes the price shown for each package is a starting point (“From $X”), and your exact quote depends on your property’s specific size, room count, and condition. That’s why we quote every project individually rather than charging a flat rate.
Choosing the Right Package
How do I know which package is right for my property?
It comes down to your property’s size, whether it’s vacant or occupied, and your price bracket. our Pricing page compares all six packages side by side. Still not sure? Request a quote with your property details and we’ll recommend the right fit before you commit to anything.
Can I book a Style Consult now and upgrade to full staging later?
Yes your Style Consult fee is fully redeemable against any of our complete staging packages, so it’s a low risk way to start if you’re not ready to commit to full staging yet.
Do you offer staging for both vacant and occupied homes?
Yes. Foundation, Classic, Signature and Gallery Edits are built for vacant properties, while Hybrid Edit is designed specifically for occupied or part-furnished homes using your existing furniture alongside our own styling.
What's the difference between a Style Consult and the Hybrid Edit?
Style Consult gives you a strategic plan to execute yourself. We don’t bring in any furniture or decor. Hybrid Edit is a full styling service for occupied homes, where our team physically installs furniture, art and decor alongside your own pieces.
Can I mix and match inclusions across packages?
Yes every package is a baseline, and we scale inclusions up or down to fit your property and budget. Common add-ons include additional bedrooms, a home office setup, extra bathroom styling, or an expanded alfresco. Ask us when you request your quote.
I'm a property developer — do you offer staging for display homes or multiple properties?
Yes, every package is a baseline, and we scale inclusions up or down to fit your property and budget. Common add-ons include additional bedrooms, a home office setup, extra bathroom styling, or an expanded alfresco. Ask us when you request your quote.
Booking, Logistics & Access
How far in advance should I get a quote?
Our standard staging lead-time is 3-6 weeks. So get in touch as early as possible, especially during peak Perth selling seasons when our installation calendar fills quickly. Ask us about current availability.
Ive got my quote, how much notice do you need to book an installation?
As a general guide, aim to lock in your quote at least 3 weeks before your target photography date. We recommend booking as early as your campaign timeline allows, particularly in peak season. Shorter-notice bookings can sometimes be accommodated. Get in touch with your target date and we’ll confirm what’s possible.
How long is the standard staging hire period?
Our standard campaigns run for 5 weeks, giving your agent a full campaign window to secure a premium offer. Once the property is sold unconditionally, our team returns to pack everything up quickly and cleanly.
Do you manage apartment lift bookings and building access?
Yes for apartment and unit installations we coordinate lift bookings and building access requirements as part of the process. Just let us know your building’s specific requirements (concierge, loading dock hours, lift booking systems) when you book.
If lifts are not avilable, surcharges will apply.
Do you charge extra for homes with difficult access, like multiple storeys or no lift?
Access requirements are factored into every quote so let us know about stairs, tight driveways, or other access considerations when you enquire so we can quote accurately from the start, with no surprises on installation day.
Furniture, Damage & Care
Can a buyer purchase the furniture along with the property?
In some cases, yes. If a buyer falls in love with specific pieces, we can arrange for them to be purchased separately. This isn’t included in the standard staging fee and is handled as its own transaction -ask us for details if this comes up during your campaign.
Can I choose the specific furniture and decor pieces used?
Our design team curates pieces to suit your property’s architecture, natural light and target buyer, based on what performs best for staging rather than personal taste.
The furniture we bring in is always reflective of the price point that we are trying to achieve for their home. For our Gallery Edit and bespoke luxury projects, there’s more scope for specific piece selection.
What style and quality of furniture can we expect?
It depends on the property style, target buyer and package opted for – we can work to all budgets based on you needs from Luxury to hybrid or budget styling. All of our projects are finished to the highest standard your budget allows and we are sure you wont be disappointed
For a hybrid package where my home is co-staged, will you ask me to remove or store any of my own furniture?
Sometimes if a piece isn’t working for the space (dated, the wrong scale, or worn), we’ll flag it and suggest either removing it for the campaign or storing it elsewhere in the home, out of view for photography and inspections. We’ll always discuss this with you before anything is moved.
Storage is not included in our quotes and is an additional cost if off site. We’ll always discuss this with you before anything is moved and can provide advise on your options.
What happens if something gets damaged during the styling period?
All home staging projects have a bond paid in full before installation, regardless of how you’re paying for your styling package. This covers potential cleaning and damage.
The bond rate is low for vacant properties (circa $150) but increases for occupied staged homes as the risk of damage and need for cleaning is much higher – especially in homes with pets or young children.
If the inventory doesn’t require cleaning (eg pet hair or stain removal) AND there is no damage beyond normal wear, then the bond is fully refundable within 14 days.
Where cleaning is needed or damage beyond normal wear is identified (eg pet hair, stains, tears, marks breakages or loss) then a cleaning, repair or replacement cost is deducted from your Bond reflective of bringing the item back to professional home staging presentation standards. For this we are happy to provide an itemised breakdown and photos. Any remaining Bond is refunded within 14 days.
Where damage exceeds the Bond, the balance is invoiced separately, due within 7 days.
Can’t find your answer here? Get in touch and we’ll respond directly.