Virtual home staging: turning an empty property into a must-see

An empty flat is cold. Four white walls, echoing floors, zero emotion. The prospect visits, nods, and moves on to the next property. Yet the space is beautiful, bright, well-designed.

The problem isn't the property. It's that the human brain needs context to envision itself there. That's where virtual staging comes in.

What is virtual staging?

It's simple: a designer (or AI software) adds furniture and decor to your interior photos. The result is a realistic image of the furnished property, without moving a single sofa.

Unlike physical staging (renting furniture, hiring a decorator, managing logistics), virtual staging is done in 24-48 hours for a fraction of the cost.

How much does it cost?

| Solution | Price per photo | Turnaround | |----------|----------------|------------| | Freelance designer | €30-80 | 48-72h | | Specialised platform (BoxBrownie, Virtual Staging AI) | €15-40 | 24-48h | | Automatic AI (newer solutions) | €5-15 | Minutes |

For a property with 5 main rooms, expect €75 to €400 all-in. Compared to physical staging (€2,000-5,000), the maths speaks for itself.

When to use it

Virtual staging works particularly well in three situations:

• Empty property after move-out: buyers only see flaws in a bare space
• Property under renovation: showing the potential of the final result
• Dated furnishings: virtually replacing 1980s furniture with a contemporary style

Rules to follow

Virtual staging is a powerful tool, but it must be used ethically:

1. Disclose that photos are staged: transparency prevents visit disappointments
2. Don't alter the structure: no enlarging windows or removing pillars
3. Keep the style realistic: furniture consistent with the property's standing
4. Keep original photos too: the prospect must be able to see the real property

Impact on sales

The numbers speak for themselves:

• Virtually staged properties sell 73% faster than empty ones
• 83% of agents say virtual staging helps buyers envision themselves
• Average ROI is 5 to 15 times the initial investment

Going further: the immersive sales page

Virtual staging produces beautiful images. But where to present them? On a listing portal, they're lost in a standard grid, among hundreds of other properties.

With OHOS, you create a dedicated page where these staged images reach their full potential: full screen, with a narrative journey guiding the buyer from facade to living room, from living room to terrace.

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Already using virtual staging? Join OHOS to present your staged properties in a premium showcase.