Why Selling a House with Empty Rooms is Not Recommended

Selling a house can be a daunting and challenging process. From preparing the property for listing to finding the right buyer, homeowners often invest significant time and effort into making the sale successful. One decision that some sellers may consider is leaving rooms empty to present a blank canvas for potential buyers. However, while you may think buyers can see the space, it may actually hinder the sale. In this blog article, we will explore the reasons why selling a house with empty rooms is not recommended.

1. Lack of Vision

Walking into an empty room can be uninspiring for potential buyers. The room's purpose and potential functionality can be unclear without furniture or décor. Buyers need to visualise how they will utilise the space and make it their own. Empty rooms make it difficult for them to imagine how their furniture and belongings will fit, which may lead them to believe the space is too small or not suitable for their needs. By staging rooms with appropriate furniture and décor, you can help buyers see the possibilities, increasing the chances of an emotional connection with the property.

2. Scale and Proportion

Furniture in a home serves not only a functional purpose but also helps establish a sense of scale and proportion. Empty rooms can appear smaller than they actually are, which can be misleading to potential buyers. On the other hand, rooms with appropriately sized furniture can help showcase the true dimensions of the space, making it feel more inviting and comfortable. Appropriately scaled furnishings can accentuate the positive aspects of a room, such as high ceilings or ample natural light, and downplay any negative features.

Empty living room with orange tiles before staging

Living room after styling with grey and black furniture and decor

3. Emotional Appeal

Buying a home is a significant life decision, and emotions often play a crucial role. When buyers step into a professionally staged home, they can envision themselves living there and feel a connection to the property. Emotionally engaging buyers is essential for a successful sale. Empty rooms lack warmth and character, making it challenging for buyers to form that emotional bond.

4. Online Listings

In today's digital age, most homebuyers begin their search online. Listing photos and virtual tours are essential components of any real estate advertisement. Empty rooms in photographs can appear cold and uninviting, potentially leading buyers to skip over the listing entirely. Staging allows you to capture high-quality, enticing photos that showcase the home's potential and draw in potential buyers, increasing the likelihood of in-person inspections.

Empty modern living room ready for staging

Living room after staging with grey colours and greenery

5. Highlighting Unique Features

Every home has unique features that set it apart from others on the market. These features may include a cosy reading nook, a beautiful fireplace, or a charming bay window. Staging can draw attention to these special elements, making them stand out and leave a lasting impression on buyers. Without staging, these distinctive characteristics may go unnoticed, diminishing the property's overall appeal.

6. Professional Touch

Staging a home is not just about placing furniture randomly; it requires a professional touch to create a cohesive and appealing ambience. Hiring a professional home stylist can transform an ordinary room into an extraordinary space that leaves potential buyers in awe. Their expertise in interior design and home décor can elevate the presentation of your property, maximising its market value.

Selling a house with empty rooms is not recommended for several reasons. From hindering buyers' ability to visualise themselves living in the space to missing out on opportunities to highlight the property's unique features, leaving rooms empty can be detrimental to the sale. Instead, consider investing in professional staging services to create an inviting and emotionally engaging environment that will attract potential buyers and increase your chances of a successful and lucrative sale.