Selling guide

5 tips for staging your home to sell this summer

Get your property summer ready.

Last updated: 20 November 2024

The summer is one of the busiest periods for selling a home in NZ. If you’re hoping that your home is one of those that will change hands over the coming months, now is the time to put in the ground work.

One of the most important things you should aim to do throughout your home selling journey is to allow would-be buyers to picture themselves in your home.

So much about buying (and, therefore, selling) a home is about creating an emotional connection with the home, and doing this is tough when it’s full of someone else’s (your) stuff. This is where home staging comes in. A well-staged home should appeal to as many buyers as possible by showing off its best features, while allowing those viewing it to see themselves in the space.

The best way to stage a home changes with the season, so here we’re going to take a look at how to stage your home for summer.

Home staging should allow prospective buyers to see themselves inhabiting the property.

Summer home staging tips for your NZ propert

1. Make your first impressions count

In the summer, people aren’t going to be rushing up the path to get out of the cold or the rain. They’ll be taking their time, and taking in every aspect of the home.

So, you need to make sure the first impression counts. A few ways to do this include:

Clean all the windows thoroughly and inspect the caulking around both windows and doors.
Clear any debris from your gutters and downspouts.
Apply a fresh coat of paint to the front door, to give your home a refreshed look.
A new, clean welcome mat can create a lasting impression and help make your home feel more inviting.

2. Let the light do the work

Lighting plays a crucial role in selling a home. You want each room to feel inviting and well-lit, as this creates a sense of openness and airiness. So, trim back any trees or shrubs that might be obstructing natural light from coming through the windows. Opt for window coverings in light, airy fabrics to maximise brightness. For rooms that lack sufficient daylight, be sure to supplement with strategically placed artificial lighting to keep the space bright and welcoming.

3. Don’t create an accidental greenhouse

Summers in Aotearoa can get pretty hot and humid, making it essential that your home offers a cool, comfortable escape. Buyers won’t be impressed by a stuffy, overheated space, so it’s important to create an environment of relief from the heat. Make sure to highlight this by keeping windows and doors open to let in a breeze, or use your heat pump if you have one, to keep the interior pleasantly cool.

Outdoor spaces can be a major selling point for your home, if staged correctly.

4. Accentuate your outdoor spaces (if you have them)

It’s no secret that Kiwi like their homes to have a good outdoor space. BBQs, gardens, maybe even a pool or pizza oven, we’re a nation that is keen to soak up the sun whenever we can.

So, if your home has any outdoor living spaces, be sure to highlight them when staging the property in summer. Arrange seating areas with neutral furniture and add colourful accents to create an inviting atmosphere

If you have an outdoor dining area, set the scene with elegant plates and a striking centrepiece. This staging technique can be especially appealing to families, helping them envision enjoying meals together outdoors. And don't forget about shade—without it, potential buyers may retreat indoors too quickly, missing out on the charm of your outdoor areas.

5. Concentrate on summery colours

While staging a home in winter is all about rich and warm colours, and thick fabrics like wool or velvet, summer is all about neutral tones with vibrant accents. The neutral tones will help with your overall mission to make your property feel light and airy, while the accents will keep things interested.

In terms of accessories, light materials like linen should be your go-to, and you can further brighten up your interior with greenery and artwork.

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Author

Al Hall

Al Hall is a regular contributor at Trade Me Jobs and Trade Me Property. He’s dedicated to helping people succeed in their aspirations to find their dream job and place to live.