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COVID-19’s Effects on Home Staging
COVID-19’s impact on the world is one thing we can be sure of. Lockdowns, restrictions and masks have become the normality for most with adjustments everywhere we turn. The effect doesn’t stop at the Home Staging Industry, but to what extent has the industry been affected?
A question here at HSA we have been getting to grips with to help our members adapt and overcome. Our Home Staging Report 2020 covers the effect in extensive detail; however, this article will give you an insight into the effect of COVID-19.
Home Staging has unsurprisingly come to the rescue during the pandemic, allowing a positive effect. Pre-lockdown, properties on average were listed on the market for 277 days before staging. However, Post-lockdown properties on average were listed for only 199 days before staging. This means more properties sought after the benefits that staging can bring, allowing their properties to flourish with our crafted work.
After staging, pre-lockdown, the same properties took 28 days to achieve an offer on average. In comparison, the same properties post-lockdown took 32 days to achieve an offer on average. Although this is a 4-day increase, the reduction of 78 days before looking to staging, means the home staging industry is still helping both homeowners and developers despite the national lockdowns.
An additional effect is a digital switch. Digital services are in high demand, whether it’s remote staging or online assistance, clients are working around the pandemic to achieve success. Take evidence from our members, this year’s average of virtual staging projects performed by HSA members, in both the UK and Ireland, saw a substantial increase in comparison to 2019.
In fact, there was 3 times increase from May 2019 to May 2020. The home staging industry has not let this pandemic stop us as we hold out hope for better days. As hard times continue, HSA look to continuously adapt and overcome.
There’s no better evidence than seeing real-life proof. Our members do just that! Our first example is HAS Accredited Stager Company and Founding Member Beau Property, who staged a gorgeous property in East Sussex:
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“Forest Row - We staged this architecturally designed light and airy family home in March 2020 just before lockdown. It had a very large reception room which was open plan leading to the kitchen so really needed some careful thought as to how best to show off this space. The property had been on the market for 2 years prior to staging. It went under offer during the Covid-19 lockdown and is now sold!â€Â
Another great example is by The Interior NRD. This leading, Ireland-based show home specialist, made use of well-scaled and trendy furniture to highlight the bright and spacious apartment:[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image media=”3950″ media_width_percent=”100″ alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]
“Natasha Rocca Devine has staged this apartment with a ‘City-Scape Style’ akin to location of Dublin’s City Centre – Grand Canal Dock. Maximising the square feet using core colours, minimalist designs, cityscape art and photography, allowing the view to take centre stage was a core feature. Supporting local Irish and UK artists and suppliers during this time of COVID-19 was the essence of this project.
Working for Agent Owen Reilly & his client, this superb two-bedroom apartment is overlooking the River Liffey, with incredible views from all the principal rooms. The generous terrace with winter garden features boasts a stunning panorama of Dublin City Centre, the Samuel Beckett Bridge, Convention Centre and North Docklands.
The sale price pre-staging was €590,000. After staging, it was listed for €610,000.â€Â
The success doesn’t stop with these two members. We are proud of all our members and encourage you to download our Home Staging Report 2020 on our home page to read about the successes for yourself. Alternatively, we have a Coffee Table version or Trade book. Read about our member through our case studies and how their home staging came alive during COVID-19.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]