Is home staging worth the investment in St. Petersburg's competitive real estate market? We analyzed over 500 property sales from the past 12 months to give you the hard data on staging return on investment.
St. Petersburg Staging ROI: The Numbers
Average price increase for staged homes
Average time on market vs. 67 days unstaged
Average return on staging investment
Of staged homes received multiple offers
The Data Behind the Numbers
Our analysis included single-family homes in St. Petersburg ranging from $300,000 to $1.2 million, sold between January 2024 and December 2024. We compared 267 professionally staged properties against 298 unstaged properties with similar characteristics (square footage, location, age, and condition).
Price Per Square Foot Analysis
Staged homes in St. Petersburg averaged $287 per square foot, while unstaged properties averaged $251 per square foot—a difference of $36 per square foot. For a typical 1,500 square foot home, this translates to an additional $54,000 in sale price.
Neighborhood Breakdown: Where Staging Pays Most
- Downtown St. Petersburg: +$62,000 average increase
- Old Northeast: +$48,500 average increase
- Snell Isle: +$71,200 average increase
- Historic Kenwood: +$38,900 average increase
- Lakewood Estates: +$44,300 average increase
Time on Market: The Hidden Cost Savings
Beyond the higher sale price, staged homes sell dramatically faster. The average unstaged home in St. Petersburg spent 67 days on the market, while staged properties averaged just 23 days. This 44-day difference saves sellers significant money in:
- Mortgage payments on an empty home
- Utility costs and maintenance
- Insurance premiums
- Property taxes
- Opportunity cost of tied-up equity
The Investment vs. The Return
Professional staging in St. Petersburg typically costs between $3,000 and $8,000 for a complete home transformation, depending on size and scope. Our data shows the average staging investment was $4,200, resulting in an average additional profit of $43,300 after staging costs.
Case Study: Snell Isle Waterfront Home
Without Staging:
- Listed at: $875,000
- Sold for: $825,000
- Days on market: 89
- Multiple offers: No
With Staging ($6,500 investment):
- Listed at: $889,000
- Sold for: $905,000
- Days on market: 18
- Multiple offers: Yes (4 offers)
Net staging benefit: $73,500 additional profit
Why St. Petersburg Buyers Respond to Staging
St. Petersburg's unique buyer demographics contribute to staging's effectiveness. The city attracts a mix of young professionals, retirees, and investors, all seeking move-in ready properties. Staged homes allow buyers to emotionally connect with the space and envision their lifestyle there.
Additionally, the high number of out-of-state buyers (approximately 40% of purchases) means many buyers are making decisions based on photos and virtual tours. Professional staging ensures homes photograph beautifully and stand out in online listings.
The Bottom Line for St. Petersburg Sellers
The data is clear: professional staging is one of the highest-return investments a St. Petersburg seller can make. With an average 312% return on investment and significantly faster sales, staging pays for itself many times over.
However, not all staging is created equal. Working with experienced professionals who understand the local market ensures your investment yields maximum returns.