It’s still location, location... but also presentation
Location is still most important thing when selling a property.
But presentation, presentation, presentation can also make a huge difference.
So much so that special companies have sprung up in recent years which literally transform your home into a showhouse by sprucing up the décor and filling it with funky, space-enhancing modern furniture, rented out for three months.
Australian Manny O’Hara says she pioneered this ‘staging’ trend in Ireland starting more than 10 years ago with her firm House & Garden Furnishings.
‘I brought in staging in Ireland in 2006 and it took off very well for a few years. Then the crash happened but now we’re flat out,’ she said.
It doesn’t come cheaply: prices range from €7,500 for a three bed to €9,500 for a four-bedroom home, up to €12,500 for a five bed or more.
But you may have some snazzy furniture of your own that can bring down the cost of rental.
‘Those prices are for a whole house full of furniture. If clients only want some furnishing they could spend from €3,000 upwards,’ said Manny.
According to Manny, the investment can pay off by increasing prices by up to 15-20%.