Should You Hire a Gold Coast Property Stylist?
If you’re preparing to sell your home, you’ve likely heard the advice: “You should get a stylist.” But is it actually worth the money? Or is it just another thing agents push to justify higher fees?
Make a smart, calm decision that feels right for you.
First, What Does a Property Stylist Actually Do?
A stylist doesn’t renovate or knock down walls. They work with what your property already has, plus carefully chosen furniture and décor. This is done to:
- Highlight the strongest features of your home
- Create a mood that buyers connect with
- Make each room look brighter, more spacious, and “finished”
In short, they help your home feel more valuable. But that doesn’t mean it’s always necessary.
What Styling Can Do (When It’s Done Well)
You’re not trying to trick anyone. You’re trying to show your home in its best light. Good styling can help with:
- Stronger first impressions online
(most buyers decide in 3 seconds whether to click your listing) - Making smaller rooms feel bigger
(especially if you’re working with an odd layout) - Helping buyers emotionally connect
(a styled space makes it easier to picture living there) - Boosting your sale price
(in many cases, styled homes do sell faster and for higher prices, but not always)
When Styling Makes Sense, And When It Doesn’t
It’s not about spending money for the sake of it. Here’s how to know if it’s likely worth it:
Consider Property Styling If:
- Your home will be vacant during the sale
- You’re targeting a higher-end or aspirational buyer
- Your current furniture doesn’t show off the space
- Your listing photos really need to pop
You Might Skip Styling If:
- The home is already beautifully presented
- You’re on a tight budget and every dollar counts
- It’s a fixer-upper where buyers expect to renovate
- You can achieve a similar effect with decluttering and rearranging
What Styling Costs on the Gold Coast
Expect to pay anywhere from $1,800–$5,000 for a small to medium-sized home. This usually includes:
- Furniture rental (typically for 4–6 weeks)
- Delivery, setup, and removal
- Styling of main living areas, master bedroom, and possibly outdoor spaces
Pro tip: You don’t need to style every room. A “partial style,” just the key areas, can reduce the spend while still making a strong impression.
Can You DIY Your Styling?
Absolutely, and many sellers do. A solid clean, declutter, and rearrange can go a long way. You don’t need designer cushions to get a good result.
But if you’re unsure how to present your home for the right audience, or want to compete with polished listings in your suburb, bringing in a pro might be a worthwhile shortcut.
So… Should You Hire a Stylist?
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself:
- Will it help me stand out in this market?
- Will it improve how buyers feel in the space?
- Will it return more than it costs — or just add stress?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It’s about what works for your property, your goals, and your budget.
Want Help Weighing It Up?
You don’t need to commit to anything yet. If you’d like honest feedback (not a sales pitch), I can walk you through:
- How your home might present as-is
- Whether styling is likely to make a real difference
- Your other options for preparing on a tight budget
No pressure. Just solid advice to help you move forward with clarity.
Styling ROI: Where It Adds Value (and Where It Doesn’t)
If you’re thinking of hiring a property stylist before selling your Gold Coast home, you’ve probably asked yourself:
“Is it actually worth it?”
The short answer: Sometimes, yes. But not always.
This guide will help you figure out where styling adds the most bang for your buck, where it’s often overkill, and what to ask before spending a cent.
What Property Styling Really Does
Styling isn’t about making your home look like a showroom. It’s about making it feel:
- Bigger
- Brighter
- Warmer
- More “move-in ready”
It helps buyers emotionally connect, and that often translates to stronger offers.
But styling isn’t magic. If done poorly or in the wrong setting, it can just become another cost you don’t recoup.
Room-by-Room Styling ROI Tips
Living Room – High ROI
This is your emotional hook. A styled living space helps buyers picture themselves relaxing there.
Worth it if: The room feels small, cluttered, or empty.
Styling tip: Use light colours, layered textures, and seating arrangements that create flow.
Master Bedroom – Medium to High ROI
Buyers want to feel calm, not cramped. Well-placed furniture and soft lighting make a big difference.
Worth it if: Your current layout doesn’t maximise space.
Styling tip: Stick to neutral tones and remove bulky or personal furniture.
Kitchen – Low Styling ROI
Buyers care more about the layout and appliances than what’s on the bench.
Worth it if: You’re adding minimal props (e.g. a wooden board, plant, fresh towel).
Styling tip: Keep benches clear and avoid clutter.
Dining Area – Medium ROI
Helps define the space and show it works for entertaining.
Worth it if: You have an open-plan layout that lacks structure.
Styling tip: Use a simple table setting and avoid oversized furniture.
Bathrooms – Low Styling ROI
Cleanliness matters more than styling here.
Worth it if: You’re adding small touches (fresh towels, soap, greenery).
Styling tip: Remove personal items completely.
Outdoor Spaces – High ROI (on the Gold Coast)
People buy into lifestyle here. A styled deck or balcony can really sell the dream.
Worth it if: You’ve got usable outdoor areas that feel flat or forgotten.
Styling tip: Use compact furniture, soft lighting, and a touch of greenery.
When to Skip vs Spend on Styling
Spend If:
- Your home will be vacant during the sale
- The listing needs to stand out in a competitive suburb
- You’re marketing to aspirational buyers
- Your current furniture doesn’t do the space justice
Skip or Scale Back If:
- You’re already living in the home and can present it well
- It’s a renovator’s delight or an unrenovated home
- You’re on a tight timeline or a strict budget
- You’re only getting one or two rooms styled, and it creates an imbalance
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Gold Coast Property Stylist
Don’t just book the first stylist you find. Ask these questions to protect your budget and get better results:
- What’s included in the quote?
(Ask if it covers delivery, setup, removal, insurance, and partial styling) - How long is the furniture hire period?
(Most contracts are 4–6 weeks with optional extensions) - Can I style only a few key rooms?
(Not every home needs a full-package style) - Have you styled homes in my suburb or price range before?
(They should know how to appeal to your likely buyer) - Do you offer pre-sale consultations if I don’t need full styling?
(Some stylists offer advice-only packages) - What’s your backup plan if the home doesn’t sell quickly?
(Avoid blowout costs on extended rental periods)
Let’s Work Out What’s Right for You
Styling can absolutely help, but only if it suits your property, your goals, and your budget. If you’re not sure whether to spend or save, I’m happy to give honest, personalised advice based on:
- Your current home presentation
- Your suburb and likely buyer profile
- The market conditions right now
You won’t get a sales pitch. Just guidance from someone who wants your sale to work for you, not for anyone else’s bottom line.
Author – Craig Douglas
Please Note: The information contained in this document is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The laws and regulations governing the sale of property in Queensland are complex and constantly changing. It is important to seek the advice of a qualified property lawyer or conveyancer before making any decisions about the sale of your property. This document does not take into account your individual circumstances and may not apply to your situation. By reading this document you agree that you have not relied on the information contained herein and that you will seek independent legal advice before taking any action.
Are you ready for a casual chat?
Let’s get you Selling
LET’S GET YOU SOLD!
Phone me now, Craig Douglas 0418 189 963
Professional | Knowledgeable | Experienced
Some of the suburbs that I proudly sell homes in:
Currumbin Valley
This page was proudly created by Craig Douglas, your local independent Gold Coast real estate agent, working for a Boutique Real Estate Agency. Selling residential and commercial properties, from those that are awe-inspiring, through to a diamond-in-the-rough, otherwise known as a “renovator’s delight“.
I negotiate and sell on behalf of property owners who want to get the best possible price, with the least amount of hassle. Let’s talk about the process of selling your property over a coffee to get you started – 0418 189 963
