Study or extra bedroom? Which one is worth more?
Study or extra bedroom? Which one is worth more?
With the increased growth in working from home since the start of the pandemic, a dedicated study or home office can be a valuable asset when selling your home. However, extra bedrooms are also highly sought after particularly for buyers with a family. If you have an extra bedroom in your property and are considering staging your home for sale, choosing to stage it as a study or as an extra bedroom requires some consideration.
Dedicated study spaces
Whilst home offices have always been popular with buyers, the pandemic saw employee working models change to work from home and, more recently, hybrid days at home/days in the office arrangements. With this shift, extra bedrooms set up as home offices are highly appealing to potential buyers who work from home.
The pandemic has also seen a shift in demand for regional properties as city dwellers seek more space, relaxed lifestyles and more affordable property prices. Many city workers who can work from home continue to move to regional locations and are demanding dedicated home offices in properties. Expenses associated with home offices can also be used as a tax deduction for employees working from home.
Image source: First National
Extra bedroom
The pandemic has also increased demand for more spacious homes where families can have their own spaces to separate from each other. Properties with additional bedrooms for young and older children are highly sought after. Ask any real estate agent, and they will agree that the more bedrooms a property has, the higher the home's value.
Bedroom or Home Office: What to choose when staging your home for sale
Many potential home buyers strongly desire extra bedrooms and home office spaces when searching for a property. If you are staging your home for sale and have a spare bedroom, there are some important considerations to make before choosing to stage it as a home office or bedroom.
Understanding the market you are selling in and who the likely potential buyers are, is a good starting point. Are the potential buyers empty nesters and less likely to need an extra bedroom, or is your property likely to attract families with children looking for additional bedrooms? It is essential to discuss with your agent who the target market is and the types of rooms they are looking for.
If you are targeting a broader target market who are likely to be looking for both extra bedrooms and a home office, consider making the bedroom multi-functional with a bed and a desk (if space permits). Keep in mind, it is important not to overcrowd the room with furniture, as you want to create the perception of space.
Alternatively, you can create a study space in another area of the home using a desk, chair, and styling. Whilst enclosed study spaces are preferred by buyers, showing the potential of a study nook or alternative place for a desk set-up can also be effective. Granny flats or creating a study space in a garage (if space permits), is another option for including a home office in a property.
Getting ready to sell
Preparing your property for sale can be stressful and time consuming. Making decisions about what will appeal to buyers to achieve the highest price is best done by working with your agent and professional stylists. At The Styling Co, we have over 20 years of experience in the real estate market and understand what buyers are looking for. Our staging and styling can create added value for your home and relieve stress for you. If you would like to discuss bedrooms vs home offices or any other aspect of staging your home for sale, contact us for a chat.
