How to stage a rental property for maximum impact

If you’re getting ready to rent out a property, how it looks can make all the difference.

A well-staged place can grab attention fast, help it rent quicker, and bring in better-quality tenants. And it doesn’t take a full renovation job either, just a few smart moves to show off the space properly.

Here’s how to stage a rental property so it stands out in all the right ways.

Start with a deep clean and declutter

Before you even think about cushions or colour schemes, you’ve gotta get the basics right. A spotless space instantly feels more inviting, and it tells potential tenants the property’s well looked after.

Give everything a proper once-over. By that, we mean floors, windows, walls, and light switches. Steam clean the carpets, scrub the grout, air it all out. If it smells musty or looks grubby (be honest with yourself), it’ll turn people off fast.

And while you’re at it, lose the clutter. Old furniture, random knick-knacks, and any personal items (yes, even the family photos) should go. Clean, clear spaces help renters imagine their own stuff in the home, and not yours.

Neutral, but not soulless

Neutral tones are your best friend when staging, but that doesn’t mean everything needs to be beige and boring. A simple colour palette helps the space feel calm and open, and gives potential tenants a blank canvas to picture their own style.

That said, don’t be afraid to throw in a bit of personality. A pop of colour in a cushion, a piece of artwork, or a warm-toned rug can go a long way. The goal is to make it feel more like a home than a display suite.

Maximise natural light

Light sells. The more natural light you can pull into a space, the bigger, cleaner, and more welcoming it feels. Open up all the curtains and blinds, clean the windows properly, and trim back any plants outside that are blocking the sun.

If the place still feels a bit dark, add in some warm-toned lamps or swap out old bulbs for brighter ones. Floor lamps are a solid option in corners that need a boost.

And don’t forget mirrors either! They’re a simple trick for bouncing light around and opening things up.

Create a sense of space

You don’t need a huge floor plan to make a place feel spacious (you just need to be smart with your layout).

Keep furniture minimal and well-positioned so it’s easy to move through each room. Don’t block doorways or windows, and leave enough breathing room between pieces so the space doesn’t feel cramped. Another good trick is to use rugs or furniture placement to define different areas in open-plan layouts, especially in smaller homes or apartments.

Highlight the best features

Every property has a standout feature, so make sure people notice it.

That could be a sunny balcony, big windows, polished floorboards, or a freshly renovated kitchen. Whatever it is, draw attention to it. Style the space around those features. Perhaps you could put a cosy chair near the window, pop a plant on that kitchen bench, or position the bed to show off the view.

Add a little life

You don’t need to go full interior designer here, but a few small touches can make a space feel more like a home.

You could try a couple of fresh towels in the bathroom, a clean doona cover on the bed, a few leafy plants or some greenery near a window. At the end of the day, it all helps the place feel fresh and cared for.

Don’t forget curb appeal

The front of the property is the first thing people see, so make sure it’s pulling its weight. Mow the lawn, sweep the path, hose down the driveway, and get rid of any cobwebs or stray junk. If the front door’s looking tired, a fresh coat of paint can also do wonders.

Again, you don’t need to do full-on landscaping, just a good tidy up. Even a couple of potted plants near the entry can lift the whole vibe. First impressions do matter when it comes to staging a property.

Know your audience

Think about who’s most likely to live there, and stage the space with them in mind.

A two-bed unit near the city? Make room for a desk or a simple WFH setup.

A family-sized place in the suburbs? Go for comfy, practical furniture and maybe a dining table that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.

The more it fits your ideal renter, the easier it is for them to picture themselves moving in.

Let’s make your property shine

A bit of effort upfront with staging can seriously pay off. From better listing photos to attracting quality tenants, it all adds up to less downtime and more return.If you’re looking for help with property management in Perth, we can show you how to get your rental looking sharp, priced right, and in front of the right people. We’ll help you stand out from the competition and get real value from your property.