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.
Alex Irish
CEO & Team Leader - Sales Representative
Alex Irish has been a leading force in real estate for over thirty years, establishing a reputation as one of Oakville’s most respected and successful realtors. Known for her unwavering work ethic and ethical approach, Alex consistently ranks among the top producers in the industry.
Her commitment to client satisfaction is unparalleled, exemplified by her signature concierge service that ensures each client receives personalized and dedicated attention. In late 2016, Alex embraced a new chapter as the Team Leader of Alex Irish & Associates, where she could uphold the high standards of service that have defined her career.
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FALL MARKET KICKOFF: September 2025 Real Estate Market Update
As summer winds down, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) real estate market is shifting once again—this time with an important boost from the Bank of Canada’s recent interest rate cut. On September 17, 2025, the Bank lowered its policy interest rate to 2.5%, marking a significant move that is expected to reinvigorate buying activity across the region.
Market Snapshot: August 2025 (TRREB)
According to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), August brought encouraging signs of stability:
- Sales: 6,232 transactions across the GTA, a 4.6% increase from August 2024.
- New Listings: 13,119, down slightly year-over-year, helping balance supply.
- Average Selling Price: $982,880, nearly flat compared to last year (+0.4%).
- Trend: Balanced conditions are giving both buyers and sellers room to maneuver, with the recent rate cut expected to stimulate fall demand.
City & Regional Highlights
Toronto 
Toronto continues to see steady demand for condos and townhomes, appealing to buyers looking for affordability in the core. Detached homes are moving more cautiously, but price stability suggests confidence returning to the market.
Mississauga 
Mississauga remains a buyer-friendly market, especially in the detached and semi-detached segments. With borrowing costs easing, families upsizing or relocating may find strong value in the fall.
Oakville 
Luxury demand in Oakville is regaining traction. The combination of limited inventory and lower financing costs positions this market for an active fall season, especially for executive homes and lakefront properties.
Burlington 
Burlington continues to attract buyers migrating west from Toronto. The city’s blend of affordability, lifestyle, and community feel has kept prices steady and competitive.
Muskoka 
Cottage country remains strong, with buyers eyeing investment properties and second homes. While activity softened slightly through the summer, the rate drop could encourage more buyers to act before year-end.
What This Means for Buyers & Sellers
With interest rates now at their lowest level in two years, affordability is improving across the GTA and Muskoka. Buyers who were waiting on the sidelines are expected to re-enter the market this fall, while sellers may benefit from increased competition for well-priced homes.
At Regan Irish & Associates, we specialize in helping clients navigate market shifts with confidence. Whether you’re buying a luxury home, selling a family property, or investing in Muskoka, our market insight and negotiation expertise ensure you get the best results.
1320 Cornwall Rd Unit 103, Oakville, ON L6J 7W5
905.842.7677
Visit reganirish.com——
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!
