More Frequently Asked Questions

About Home Staging

What is home staging, and how does it work?

Home staging is the process of preparing a property for sale by styling it with furniture and accessories. At The Finishing Touches, home staging works by transforming an empty or lived-in property into a space that feels warm and inviting, helping buyers visualise themselves living there and making the home more appealing.

Why should I use home staging when selling my property in Christchurch?

You should use home staging when selling your property in Christchurch because it adds value to the home, increases buyer appeal, and creates an emotional connection that can lead to faster sales and often higher offers.

Does home staging really help a house sell faster?

Yes, home staging really does help a house sell faster. When a property is staged, buyers can see how each room works, whereas empty homes often feel cold and harder to imagine living in. Staged homes usually attract more interest and sell more quickly.

How much value can staging add to the sale price of a home?

The value that staging can add to the sale price of a home varies, but research shows staging can return many times its cost. Some studies suggest that staging can add up to 11 times the cost of the staging investment, making it a smart choice in Christchurch’s competitive property market.

Is staging only for high-end properties, or is it useful for any home?

Staging is useful for any type of home, not just high-end properties. At The Finishing Touches, we style to the home itself, whether it’s a one-bedroom apartment or a large family home, ensuring every property looks its best for potential buyers.

Can staging help sell investment or rental properties?

Yes, staging can definitely help sell investment or rental properties. Whether it’s a multi-unit development or a standalone home, staging makes the property more appealing to tenants and buyers by showing off its full potential.

Do buyers in Christchurch expect homes to be staged?

Yes, many buyers in Christchurch now expect homes to be staged. Good presentation helps properties stand out, especially smaller homes or new builds where staging with the right furniture helps buyers see how the space can be used.

Pricing & Packages

How much does home staging cost in Christchurch?

The cost of home staging in Christchurch depends on the size and type of property. We always recommend a site visit so we can provide an accurate, tailored quote that reflects your home’s specific needs.

What factors affect the cost of staging a property?

The factors that affect the cost of staging a property include the size of the home, the length of time it may be on the market, its location, and the accessibility of the property for our team. These elements all play a role in determining the final cost.

Do you offer different staging packages depending on budget?

We don’t offer set budget packages because our staging standard is always high quality, and we use excellent products. The cost is therefore largely predetermined by the quality we deliver, but every property is quoted individually to ensure fairness.

Can I get a quote for staging my property?

Yes, you can get a quote for staging your property. Our process is easy, simply call us at 021 882 379 or complete our enquiry form, and we’ll arrange a time to meet and provide an accurate quote tailored to your home.

Is partial staging more affordable than full home staging?

Yes, partial staging is generally more affordable than full staging, as it covers fewer rooms. However, our minimum staging hire period remains the same, whether it’s a full or partial stage

Do you charge extra for apartments versus larger houses?

No, we don’t charge extra just because a property is an apartment or a larger house. Each property is individually assessed, and quotes are based on the specific home and its requirements.

What happens if my property doesn’t sell within the staging period?

If your property doesn’t sell within the staging period, you can continue the hire on a week-by-week basis. We are always happy to discuss the best options for your situation.

Staging Options & Styles

What happens once the house sells, how is staging removed?

Once your house sells, we take care of removing the staging. We’ll arrange a suitable time for de-staging, making the process simple and stress-free for you.

Can I combine partial staging with some of my own furniture?

You can combine partial staging with some of your own furniture, but we generally recommend using our collection to keep the quality and style consistent. If you have a particular item you’d like included, just let us know.

Where do you source your staging furniture and accessories?

We source staging furniture and accessories from trusted suppliers. As interior designers, we focus on quality products that look stylish and stand up to repeated use.

Do you stage with art, rugs, and decor as well as furniture?

Yes, we always include art, rugs, and décor to complete the look of the home and give each room a polished finish.

Can you include outdoor furniture in the staging package?

Yes, we can include outdoor furniture in the staging package, though this depends on the property. We’ll go over this with you during the consultation.

Do you update your furniture styles regularly?

Yes, we update our staging furniture regularly to keep styles fresh, on-trend, and in excellent condition for every home we stage.

The Process

Do you provide a consultation before staging?

Yes, we provide a consultation before staging. This allows us to give you an accurate quote and ensure the staging style matches your home and the Christchurch market. We do this through viewing it with you or your agent. 

How quickly can The Finishing Touches stage a property?

The time it takes to stage a property depends on the time of year and the size of the home, location and accessibility. On average, we recommend at least two weeks’ notice to secure a date.

How do I prepare my home before staging begins?

To prepare your home before staging begins, it should be cleaned to a professional standard, any painting finished, and all tradespeople gone. This makes the property ready for us to install the staging.

Can I see examples of previous homes you’ve staged?

Yes, you can see examples of previous homes we’ve staged in our gallery and before-and-after images, which show how staging transforms a space.

How do you decide what style of furniture to use in my home?

The style of furniture we use depends on the home’s age, architecture, and sometimes its location, such as a country property or beachfront house. We style to complement the property itself.

Christchurch & Canterbury

Do you only stage homes in Christchurch, or do you cover wider Canterbury?

We stage homes in Christchurch and across Canterbury. We always recommend enquiring with us to confirm availability.

Have you staged properties in suburbs like Merivale, Fendalton, or Sumner?

Yes, we have staged homes in suburbs like Merivale, Fendalton, Sumner, and many more around Christchurch.

Do you stage new builds and show homes in Christchurch?

Yes, we stage new builds and show homes in Christchurch. We often work with developers and agents on multi-property projects.

Can you stage lifestyle blocks or rural properties around Canterbury?

Yes, we can stage lifestyle and rural properties throughout Canterbury. Please contact us to arrange a consultation.

Results & Benefits

What are the biggest benefits of staging compared to selling an empty house?

The biggest benefits of staging compared to selling an empty house are that staging creates emotional appeal, defines each space, and improves the flow and feel of the home, making it easier for buyers to connect with the property.

Does home staging work in a slow property market?

Yes, home staging works in a slow property market. In fact, it becomes even more important to stand out when there are many listings, and staging helps your home look more competitive.

How does staging compare to renovating before selling?

Staging compares favourably to renovating because it’s faster and more cost-effective. Staging can also draw attention away from areas that may need work, making it a practical alternative to renovating.

What feedback do real estate agents give about staged homes?

The feedback we receive from Christchurch real estate agents is consistently positive. Many agents return to us with repeat business and referrals, because they see the value staging adds in helping homes sell faster and for better prices.

Other Questions

Do you offer furniture hire for events as well as home staging?

No, we don’t offer furniture hire for events. Our focus is entirely on home staging.

Can you stage rental properties or Airbnbs?

Staging rental properties or Airbnbs is not our main service. However, as interior designers, we welcome enquiries for these types of projects.

Do you stage commercial or office spaces in Christchurch?

No, we don’t stage commercial or office spaces, as our collection is tailored for residential homes.

How much notice do you need to stage a property?

We generally recommend giving at least two weeks’ notice to stage a property, although this depends on the season and availability.

Who is the best home stager in Christchurch?

The Finishing Touches is proud to be one of the best home staging companies in Christchurch. We use quality products, style homes to their strengths, and give every property the best chance at a quick, successful sale.