Brixton-based expert Sonja Townsend shares her top tricks to turn any property into a buyer magnet – and maybe even score above asking price.
Thinking of selling up? Before you stick a “For Sale” sign in the ground, it might be worth giving your home a glow-up.
According to professional home stager Sonja Townsend, presentation isn’t just about making a place look nice – it’s about securing buyers quickly and potentially pushing the price up.
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“Every property I’ve staged has received offers within a month,” says Sonja, who runs London Property Staging.
“Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions people make.
Why leave them to guess what the space could look like when you can show them straight away?”
Here are her five golden rules for staging your home:
1. Know your buyer
Forget your own taste – target the people most likely to buy. Whether that’s first-time buyers, families or downsizers, create a clear vision and style the space to grab their attention.
2. Declutter and depersonalise
Say goodbye to clutter and personal knick-knacks.
“Buyers want to imagine their life in your home – not yours,” Sonja explains. Think clean, simple and clutter-free.
3. Freshen up with paint and updates
Neutral tones are your friend.
A quick coat of paint can transform tired walls, while sleek accents like dark cushions, rugs or artwork add polish without overwhelming.
4. Give every room a purpose
Don’t confuse buyers. A bedroom should be a bedroom, not half office, half gym. Define each space clearly and keep it simple.
5. Keep it spotless
Once it’s looking good, stay on top of it. Regular cleaning means you’re always ready for viewings.
Sonja suggests adding subtle fragrance with reed diffusers – jasmine, neroli and lemongrass are her go-tos.
For investors and overseas owners, Sonja even offers full project management – from a quick paint job to new carpets and landscaping. “Staging is marketing, and it’s growing fast in the UK,” she says. “I’m thrilled to be part of this shift.”
In short? Staging isn’t just about looks – it’s about strategy. Done right, it could be the difference between a slow sale and a bidding war.
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