Why are homes that are styled by professionals more likely to get top dollar on the property market? Because they are visually appealing, and able to capture the senses of potential buyers as soon as they walk through the door. So here’s your step-by-step guide to styling your home like a pro, all without having to pick up a paint brush.

Whether you like it or not, home staging has gained plenty of popularity over the past five to 10 years - and it isn’t just for high-end properties anymore. Average homes are also getting the X-factor treatment because the fact is - it works. While there are no specific statistics for New Zealand, the National Association of Realtors in the US says that for every $100 invested into staging, the potential return is $400.