Home Staging on the Real Estate Housing Market in Canada
In the competitive real estate market, making a strong first impression is crucial. Did you know that most buyers form an opinion about a home within the first 7-10 seconds of arriving? This is where the power of home staging comes into play.
In this article, we delve into the impact of home staging on the Canadian real estate housing market, backed by statistical data. Let us explore why home buyers prefer staged homes and how staging can make a significant difference in the selling process.
Home staging in Canada
Home staging is the art of presenting a property in its best possible light by strategically arranging furniture, decor, and accessories. The aim is to showcase the potential of the space and create an atmosphere that appeals to buyers.
In Canada, home staging has become increasingly popular as sellers recognize its impact on both the selling price and speed of the sale. By investing in staging, sellers aim to maximize their return on investment and create a competitive edge in the market.
Do buyers prefer staged homes?
The answer is a resounding yes.
According to a study by the Real Estate Staging Association, staged homes spend 73% less time on the market than their un-staged counterparts. This statistic alone highlights the significance of staging in capturing buyer interest and speeding up the sale process.
Additionally, over 50% of realtors claim that buyers are willing to offer more for a staged home, with 32% stating an increase in value ranging from 1% to 5%. This finding is further supported by RESA’s survey, which reveals that 85% of staged homes sold for 5-23% over their listing price.
Is home staging compulsory?
While staging can significantly impact a sale, not all homes require the same level of staging.
According to realtors surveyed, 52% stage every home or only some, while 11% do not stage homes at all. The decision to stage or not depends on various factors, such as the home’s condition, price range, and target market.
For lower priced properties, extensive staging may not be a requirement. These properties often attract buyers seeking affordability rather than luxurious aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, in a strong seller’s market, where demand exceeds supply, homes tend to sell quickly without staging. In such instances, buyers are eager to secure any available property, making staging less crucial for a successful sale.
Key rooms for staging success
When staging, it is not necessary to cover every nook and cranny of the house. Certain rooms hold more weight when it comes to staging a home. According to home buyer’s agents, the living room is the most important room to stage, with 90% of staged homes featuring a beautifully arranged and welcoming living space.
While the kitchen is also crucial to stage, the primary bedroom holds somewhat more significance. About 43% of buyers consider the primary bedroom very important compared to only 35% for the kitchen.
The least popular rooms to stage were guest bedrooms, as they are often less used and typically well maintained. Conversely, children’s bedrooms, often more frequently utilized and potentially less tidy, were similarly neglected in the staging process. Forgoing staging in these rooms is understandable, as they may not significantly impact the overall perception of the property.
Home staging undeniably plays a pivotal role in the Canadian real estate housing market. With statistical evidence backing up its effectiveness, staging can dramatically reduce selling time, increase property value, and sway buyer preferences. By strategically staging the key rooms, create a lasting impression on the potential home buyers and increase the chances of a successful sale.
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August 2025 GTA Real Estate Market Update | Regan Irish
The August 2025 GTA Real Estate Market Update reflects renewed momentum and affordability in Toronto, Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington, and Muskoka. Thanks to steady interest rates and appealing home prices, July proved surprisingly dynamic. Let’s dig into the numbers and what they mean for you.
Interest Rates Remain Stable — Affordability Fueling Activity
In July 2025, the Bank of Canada maintained its key rate at 2.75%, its third consecutive pause. With lower borrowing costs now more accessible, affordability is encouraging a wave of renewed buyer activity.
GTA Market Overview: Sales Surge, Prices Slightly Dip
- Home Sales: 6,100+ transactions region-wide, marking a 10.9% increase YoY and the strongest July since 2021.
- Month-over-Month: Seasonally adjusted sales rose 13% from June to approximately 5,744 units, the biggest monthly gain in nine months.
- New Listings: Up 5.7% YoY, totaling 17,613 new offers.
- Price Trends:
- The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) Composite Benchmark fell 5.4% YoY.
- The average GTA selling price dropped 5.5% YoY to around $1,051,719.
- Word on the street indicates the HPI drifted slightly lower—about $979,000, down 0.2% from June.
What It Adds Up To: Buyers are back in force—sales are outpacing new listings while prices softened, creating renewed market opportunities.
City Highlights
Toronto
A more balanced landscape—but some segments remain soft. Condos and detached homes see inventory rising; semis are steadier.
Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington & Muskoka
While TRREB doesn’t break down by city in these reports, regional trends suggest:
- Mississauga & Burlington: Strong rise in listings and dipping average prices give buyers leverage.
- Oakville: Stability in demand for luxury keeps discounts modest.
- Muskoka: Continued strong interest in sub-$2M waterfront properties should benefit from broader GTA momentum.
What This Means for You
- For Buyers:
Renewed affordability, rising inventory, and favorable interest rates make August a prime time to move. - For Sellers:
A more balanced market—strategic pricing and quick response will be key to success. - For Investors & Cottage Buyers:
Strong July sales in the GTA point to increasing investor interest; Muskoka remains a high-value lifestyle and investment destination.
Work With the GTA Real Estate Experts
Whether you’re planning to buy a Muskoka cottage, invest in a luxurious Oakville property, or explore options across Toronto, Mississauga, or Burlington, now is the time to act.
Regan Irish & Associates specializes in luxury, resale, and investment properties across the GTA and Muskoka. Our market insight and negotiation skills help you get the best results—whether buying, selling, or investing.
1320 Cornwall Rd Unit 103, Oakville, ON L6J 7W5
905.842.7677
Visit reganirish.com
Let’s make today’s market your opportunity—contact us today!
Ultimate Guide to Downsizing Your Home in Canada
Alex Irish & Associates and The Regan Team Announce Strategic Merger
Two of the most respected names in real estate, Alex Irish & Associates and The Regan Team, are excited to announce a strategic merger that will combine their expertise, resources, and market reach. This partnership of Regan Irish & Associates brings together the strengths of both firms, offering an enhanced real estate experience for clients across Southern Ontario, including expanding into new regions like Collingwood and Muskoka. The merger reflects both brokerages’ long-standing commitment to providing high-quality, relationship-focused service while leveraging new technologies and business strategies to ensure their clients receive unparalleled support.
“Alex is the consummate professional,” said Matthew Regan, CEO of The Regan Team. “She embodies the qualities of a person I would trust with my own home sale, and I am excited to partner with her to combine the best of both our brokerages. Our goal is to create a work culture that allows our agents to thrive, while being confident and equipped to provide the service our clients deserve. Our clients are going to benefit immensely with a wider and deeper net of potential buyers and an even further reach in marketing and advertising.”
Alex Irish, Founder of Alex Irish & Associates, emphasized that this partnership is the next natural step for her business. “By combining our resources and efforts we knew we’d be able to create a better real estate experience for our clients, our agents and business partners.” she explained. “This merger allows me to focus more on client relationships while also mentoring our agents who can continue to offer that same high level of service. Matthew has built a business model that aligns with my long-term vision, allowing us to scale while still maintaining the personal touch. Simply put, we are better together.”
Alex has built her brand over decades, particularly in the Oakville area, where her name is synonymous with excellence in real estate. Her personal approach, based on referrals and repeat business, has earned her a loyal clientele. Matthew has focused on recruiting top agents and scaling his business, growing The Regan Team to one of the top brokerages in Canada. This merger offers an exciting opportunity to grow into new territories. Together, the merged brokerage will have 15 offices spanning from Niagara to Toronto to Muskoka. This expanded presence means more resources for clients, from enhanced marketing capabilities to a wider net of potential buyers.
The merger will officially take effect on October 31, 2024, and the new branding and operations will be rolled out in the coming months.
About Alex Irish & Associates
Alex Irish & Associates, led by Alex Irish, is a highly respected name in Oakville, known for its personalized, referral-based business model and long-standing relationships with clients. Alex has built her brand on trust, excellence, and attention to detail, qualities that will remain at the forefront of the merged firm.
About The Regan Team
The Regan Team has a long-standing reputation for innovation, process-driven operations, and a focus on agent recruitment and development to provide the highest level of service for their clients. Under Matthew’s leadership, the brokerage has expanded its presence across Ontario, providing agents with the tools and support needed to succeed in a competitive market. For more information on this exciting merger, please contact Matthew Regan.