Barton Wyatt estate agents in Wentworth Estate assert that home staging is a skilled art. Done poorly, it can put off prospective purchasers the moment the front door is opened. Done well, it can be the deciding factor that inspires buyers to commit to a property purchase on the spot.

In fact, home staging in the right hands can be award-winningly good, as demonstrated by Alexander James, who are famed for dressing (amongst others) the stunning new Silverwood residence on the main island of the Wentworth Estate in Surrey. On the market at £4.6 million through Surrey's leading estate agency, Barton Wyatt, the home includes five bedrooms, five bathrooms, five reception rooms, a kitchen/breakfast room, a cinema room and a games room. James Wyatt, Partner at Barton Wyatt, comments,

"Dressing a property as impressive as Silverwood takes real flair, which is why we were delighted to work with Alexander James. The company is able to achieve the perfect balance between sophisticated elegance and homely warmth that makes such grand properties so attractive to those viewing them. It is a balance that is key when it comes to home staging at this level - prospective buyers have to be able to imagine themselves at home the moment they step over the threshold."

Clean, neutral shades, with splashes of brighter accent colours here and there, are a great way to appeal to the majority of buyers, advises Surrey estate agency.

"It's not just new builds that can benefit from home staging," he explains. "Those looking to sell their homes can use a few simple tricks, like swapping out hectic patterns for fresh, white linens, to add instant appeal to any room. The key is to think like someone viewing the property for the first time - what is the eye immediately drawn to? Is the place clean? Is it tidy?"

Many of those buying through Ideal Homes Portugal are looking for a second home and won't necessarily be bringing their own furniture, the way one would when moving into a main residence. The company offers furniture packs that provide all of the essentials, from beds to paintings and mirrors for the walls. Colin and Moira Hutchinson, who bought a two bedroom apartment with shared pool on the lovely O Pomar development in the town of Cabanas in the eastern Algarve, offered purchasing furniture well in advance as their top tip to those buying second homes overseas.

For new build homes overseas, home staging is an incredibly important marketing tool. The majority of buyers will inspect a property online before travelling out to their second home country of choice to view it, so having a well staged home to post details of online is the perfect way to reach out to potential buyers. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of prestigious Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, comments,

"The key to home staging for high end holiday properties is to provide not just the main furniture items, but also the right amount of finishing touches. A simple bowl of fruit or bunch of flowers can make a room feel complete when placed correctly and can help those looking at images online to picture themselves relaxing in the property. Décor must be tasteful and stylish, with a contemporary edge that exudes comfort and relaxation."

Over in Italy, home staging takes on a new dimension for luxury fractional ownership company Appassionata. Owner Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs explains,

"With fractional ownership properties, home staging has to appeal to prospective owners at the same time as perfectly meeting the needs of current owners. It's a delicate balance but one that can lead to a truly fantastic home for all concerned."

The approach includes furnishing the Appassionata properties with a unique selection of antiques, hand-chosen restored items and other pieces that fit with the style of each individual property. For Dawn's creative nature, one of the delights of fractional ownership is the ability to re-stage slightly in between each owner's arrival - an act that is often well received. Owner Chris Everard comments,

"The thoughtfulness, unrestricted kindness and generosity of spirit displayed by the Appassionata team in the setting up of a beautiful new baby's cot, a selection of mats, toys and baby equipment was a true act of empathy and kindness."

From luxury new builds in the UK to ancient restorations in the rolling hills of central Italy, the value of home staging cannot be underestimated.