Mona Vale Blog

Thinking of selling on the Northern Beaches? Styling your home could be the difference between a good price and a great one.

With buyers increasingly swiping through homes online before stepping through the door, presentation matters more than ever.

Whether you're listing a coastal apartment in Manly or a family home in Mona Vale, these expert tips—tailored to the Northern Beaches lifestyle—will help you make the most of your property.

1. Capture the Coastal Vibe Buyers Expect

Buyers drawn to the Northern Beaches often expect homes that reflect the relaxed, beachside lifestyle. Use soft, neutral tones—like white, beige and warm grey—and layer with textures like linen, light wood, rattan, and cotton.

If you're close to the water, subtly referencing that in your styling with coastal accents (not clichés) helps buyers emotionally connect to the space. Think: a pale blue throw, breezy sheer curtains, or textured vases in natural tones.

2. Declutter Ruthlessly, Then Style Lightly

One of the golden rules of selling is “space sells.” Remove anything that personalises or clutters the home—family photos, piles of paperwork, oversized furniture, even dog beds. Aim for a clean, calm, and minimal aesthetic.

Give every room a clear purpose. If you’ve got a study nook or sunroom, style it with intent—buyers love lifestyle zones they didn’t expect.

Pro tip: Take photos after each room is styled. If it looks cluttered in photos, it’ll feel cluttered in person.

We have included a helpful example below, decluttered and styled lightly.

3. Focus on High-Impact Areas

When styling your home, prioritise the living room, master bedroom, kitchen and any outdoor areas. These are the emotional touchpoints for most buyers.

In outdoor areas, even a small balcony or courtyard can be transformed with a café set, cushions, and some greenery. It turns “just a balcony” into an extra lifestyle space.

Local tip: Styling your outdoor area is especially important in suburbs like Freshwater, Collaroy Plateau, Mona Vale, Curl Curl, and Manly, where buyers expect indoor-outdoor living.

4. Style with Northern Beaches Buyer Psychology in Mind

Buyers here are lifestyle-driven. They're drawn to homes that feel easy, open, and connected to nature. Real indoor plants (like fiddle leaf figs or monsteras) can lift a space instantly. Timber sideboards, soft lighting, and oversized art bring a room to life. See example below.

A recent Homely survey found that natural styling touches can lift perceived value by up to 12% (Homely).

5. Consider Professional Styling (Even Partially)

Professional property styling is proven to deliver strong returns. On the Northern Beaches, a professionally styled home can sell 30% faster and achieve 5–10% higher prices, according to industry research in recent years.

Even partial styling—just the main rooms—can elevate a home’s presence online and in person. Many local stylists also offer short-term furniture hire packages, which can be surprisingly affordable compared to the potential upside.

6. Prep for Online-First Buyers

More than 90% of buyers view a home online before inspecting. That means your home’s online photography—and how it’s styled—has never been more critical.

Include fresh styling before your professional real estate photography session and realestate.com.au listing. Think of it as your home’s “first impression” outfit.

In Summary... In The Northern Beaches Market, Styling Matters

In a competitive market like the Northern Beaches, styling isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s strategy. It positions your home to emotionally connect with buyers, stand out in online search results, and potentially sell faster and for more.

And if you're selling in high-demand areas like Manly, Mona Vale, or Warriewood, strong styling gives you a serious edge.

Want Help Presenting Your Home Perfectly?

We work with some of the best stylists and photographers on the Northern Beaches and can help you prepare a standout campaign—whether you're thinking of selling now or just exploring your options.

If you would like to chat about styling your property or getting your home valued, please give us a call today on 02 9999 0800. We would love to chat!

The information in this blog is provided as general property advice only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we accept no responsibility for any errors.