Top 10 Turn-Offs for Property Buyers (Fixed by Staging)
- apaneser
- Jul 16
- 4 min read
By Maria Stokes
You’d think an empty house would make it easier for buyers to picture themselves living there, right? No clutter, no distractions—just a blank canvas. Sounds ideal?
Unfortunately… not quite.
Empty properties often sit on the market longer than furnished ones, attract lower offers, and feel a bit lifeless during viewings. Why? Because buyers aren’t just shopping for bricks and mortar—they’re buying into a lifestyle, a story, and a feeling. And that’s something a cold, echoey room just doesn’t deliver.
The good news? Home staging fixes all of that.
At House of Arden, we specialise in transforming empty spaces into irresistible homes buyers can emotionally connect with. Here are the 10 biggest buyer turn-offs in vacant homes—and how staging solves each one beautifully.
1. Cold and Uninviting Vibes
Let’s face it—walking into a bare, echoey house doesn’t exactly scream ‘Welcome home’. It feels cold, empty, and just a bit… sad.
The staging fix: We bring in warm, tasteful furniture, soft textiles, and ambient lighting to create a cosy, welcoming atmosphere. The second a buyer walks through the door, they feel at home. It’s all about tuning into buyer psychology.
2. Lack of Spatial Perspective
In an empty room, it’s hard to tell what fits where. Is that bedroom big enough for a king-size bed? Will a dining table look cramped?
The staging fix: We style each room with appropriately sized furniture to show buyers how the space can work. A well-staged room helps buyers instantly visualise their life there—and eliminates confusion about layout or functionality.
3. Echoes and Acoustics
It might sound minor, but when every step echoes and voices bounce off the walls, it can make a home feel cavernous and impersonal.
The staging fix: Soft furnishings like rugs, curtains, cushions, and even art on the walls reduce echo and make a space feel calm and well-designed—like a real home, not a shell.
4. Visible Flaws and Wear-and-Tear
Empty rooms expose every little scuff, dent, and cracked skirting board. There's nowhere for imperfections to hide.
The staging fix: Some sellers assume their property isn’t right for staging, but strategic staging draws attention away from minor flaws and towards the home’s best features. We highlight focal points—like fireplaces, bay windows, and high ceilings—so buyers notice what matters most.
5. Lack of Emotional Connection
Buying a home is emotional. If a property doesn’t pull on the heartstrings, buyers walk away without a second thought.
The staging fix: Through thoughtful styling, layered textures, and curated finishing touches, we create an aspirational lifestyle. It’s all about romance and resonance—making buyers want your property.
6. Confusing Room Function
That odd-shaped room upstairs… is it a study? A nursery? A glorified storage cupboard?
The staging fix: We define each space clearly and purposefully. Whether it's a home office, guest bedroom or reading nook, we show buyers exactly how each area can be used—removing guesswork and sparking imagination.
7. No Sense of Scale
Rooms often feel smaller when they’re empty. Strange but true.
The staging fix: Properly proportioned furniture actually makes rooms feel bigger. It helps buyers see how much space they’re really getting. Without it, they may underestimate your square footage and move on to the next listing.
8. Photographs That Don’t Pop Online
Empty rooms in property listings just don’t stand out. Scroll through Rightmove or Zoopla and you’ll spot it straight away—blank rooms are forgettable.
The staging fix: Styled homes photograph beautifully. Our staging turns your listing into eye candy, with warm lighting, texture, and colour creating Instagram-worthy images that stop thumbs mid-scroll.
9. No Lifestyle Inspiration
A big part of selling a home is selling the dream. Can buyers imagine entertaining friends in the garden? Working from the home office? Curling up in the lounge with a cup of tea?
The staging fix: We stage with your audience and their ideal lifestyle in mind—think sophisticated dining scenes, styled coffee tables, luxurious bedding, and reading corners that whisper, slow down and stay a while.
10. Price Reductions and Lingering on the Market
Let’s get straight to it: empty homes often stick around longer and end up with price cuts. Why? Because they just don’t grab attention or spark excitement.
The staging fix: A staged home sells faster and for more money. In fact, staged properties often receive offers within weeks—sometimes even days—of going to market. Why? Because staging makes buyers fall in love. Stage, don’t reduce!
So… Is Staging Worth It?
Absolutely. If you’re trying to sell an empty property, you’re already at a slight disadvantage—but staging levels the playing field and then some. It turns your vacant house into a beautifully styled home that buyers can emotionally invest in.
At House of Arden, we specialise in vacant home staging that works. Whether you're selling a city flat, a family home, or a luxury new build, we tailor every room to appeal to your ideal buyer. We don’t do cookie-cutter—we do considered, crafted, and clever styling that gets results.
Want to See the Difference Staging Can Make?
Drop us a message or book a consultation. Let’s make your property the one buyers can’t stop thinking about.
Because when it comes to selling empty homes, staging isn’t a luxury—it’s your secret weapon.
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