Think You Need a Full Refurb? Read This First.

Claire Thomson
Jul 30
2 min read

If you're an overseas property owner looking to sell or rent out your UK home, chances are you’ve been told a full refurb is the way to go.

New kitchen. Fresh carpets. Full paint job. The works.

But before you commit to the cost and the chaos, here’s what we want you to know:

Not every property needs a renovation. What it really needs is the right strategy.

At Staging Rooms, we’ve helped countless clients skip unnecessary spend by focusing on what really sells a home, smart staging, expert styling, and a buyer-focused approach that gets results.

Let’s take a closer look at why refurb might not be the answer and how the right eyes on your property could save you thousands.

home staging showcasing that the property in Aberdeen did not need a refurb. beautifully staged property to sell faster.

The Problem with the “Full Refurb First” Approach

Some staging companies also offer refurbishment services, which can be useful in some cases, but also means they’re financially incentivised to recommend big jobs.

That fresh paint job? Those new carpets? That total kitchen overhaul?They might not be necessary at all.

In fact, we’ve walked into properties where thousands of pounds had already been spent and it still wasn’t market-ready. Why? Because there was no cohesive strategy.

What We Do Differently at Staging Rooms

We don’t sell you a dream. We sell your property.

That means we assess every space through the eyes of your target buyer or tenant. Our goal is to create an emotional connection quickly and cost-effectively. Sometimes that means a little TLC.

Sometimes it means a furniture package, styling, and clever layout choices and nothing more.

Our design decisions are always intentional and informed by:

Your target market
The property type and location
Your timeline and budget
And the likely return on any spend

The Staging-First Advantage

We’ve staged properties where the owners were told to fully renovate first and instead, we delivered a complete transformation with no refurb at all. The result? A quicker sale. A higher offer. A happy client who saved thousands.

In many cases, strategic staging:

Distracts from minor flaws buyers will expect at the price point
Makes tired rooms feel fresh and inviting
Adds perceived value without major spend
Gets the property launched faster

A Note to Overseas or Remote Owners

You’re juggling a lot, time zones, agents, contractors, and often a deep emotional connection to the property. What you need is someone on the ground who’s working in your best interests, not just quoting for extra work.

At Staging Rooms, we’re known for our straight-talking advice and trusted judgement. If we think a lick of paint will help, we’ll say so. If we think you can skip the refurb and go straight to staging?

We’ll say that too and we’ll show you how.