In today’s slow-moving property market, every edge counts. Whether you’re a seasoned property developer or just getting started, property staging might be the key you’re overlooking. And there’s no better person to learn from than Claire Wainwright, founder of Birmingham-based Staging Rooms, who will be sharing her insights at the upcoming Property Developer Show in Birmingham on 16th July.

We sat down with Claire to talk about the value of home staging, common mistakes developers make, and how staging helped shift properties that had sat unsold for almost a year.

“First impressions happen online”

Claire’s number one piece of advice? Don’t list a property empty.

“The most common mistake I see developers make is rushing to market and leaving the home vacant,” Claire explains. “You only get one chance at that initial ‘hit’ on Rightmove or Zoopla, if a buyer scrolls past, you’ve lost them.”

An empty property often looks cold and lacks character. While developers may think they’re saving money by skipping staging, they often lose far more in the long run through price drops and delays.

The data speaks for itself

Staged properties aren’t just prettier, they’re more profitable.

• Staged homes can receive up to 50% more online clicks than empty ones
• Average time on market drops from 90 days to just 45 with staging

“In today’s buyer’s market, standing out is essential,” Claire says. “Staging gives your development that edge, emotionally connecting with buyers before they even walk through the door.”

Staging on a budget?

If you’re thinking staging sounds expensive, Claire encourages developers to reconsider.

“People don’t realise how much it costs to furnish a house yourself, from beds and lightbulbs to artwork and accessories,” she says. “We already have everything ready to go. Hiring a stager is often more cost-effective and efficient than trying to do it yourself.”

For busy developers juggling multiple sites, outsourcing staging saves time, stress, and ultimately money.

Real example where staging worked

Claire shared a standout success story from a gated development in Worcester. Two three-bedroom detached homes had been on the market for 9+ months, sitting empty with little interest.

After Claire staged one of them, it sold in just eight weeks, which also went over the Christmas period. The second property was staged shortly after, and sold within hours of a viewing on the day it was staged.

“By time I drove home, which took me 3 hours, they’d had an offer.”

Meet Claire at the Birmingham Property Developer Show

Claire will be speaking live at the Property Developer Show in Birmingham on 16th July, where she’ll explain how staging helps sell properties faster and for more money.

With years of experience in marketing and show home design across the UK, Claire brings a strategic, creative lens to every project. Don’t miss her talk if you’re serious about improving your sales pipeline in this competitive market.

If you’re a property developer working in Birmingham or beyond, property staging isn’t a luxury, it’s a strategy. Whether you’re developing one unit or an entire scheme, the way your property is presented can dramatically impact the outcome.

Join us in Birmingham to learn more about staging, selling smarter, and hearing from industry experts like Claire Wainwright.