Four Furnished Show Homes Sold: A Success Story with McGrath Group

Stylish living and dining area of McGrath Group

Despite the high demand, selling homes speedily in London’s thriving property market remains a priority for developers. Selling a flat as an empty canvas is always more challenging than showcasing its space potential with furniture. Units need to become homes. Selling a lifestyle that’s in keeping with the development and area is extremely important, which is why the desire for show homes is on the rise. This is why show homes for developers are so popular, as just one furnished unit can lead to multiple sales and extremely impressive returns.

A design-led approach to furnishing four show homes for the prestigious McGrath Group resulted in instant sales. The project consisted of two studios and two one-bedroom flats that the developer wished to use to accelerate the sales of their units in the development. Showing space potential is particularly important with show homes, and the team ensured that every square inch of space was utilised as well as possible.

Stylish McGrath Group open-plan living room and kitchen interior

The challenge: Creating show homes that sell

The brief we received from the developer was clear and straightforward. It included furnishing and space planning for the interiors of all four flats to prepare them for a quick sale, as well as pushing other units in the development. How this was achieved was entirely left in the hands of our experienced design and sales team. InStyle worked within the allocated budget and adhered to the project timeline, which is just as important as the end result when crafting show homes. Extra innovation and creativity are required when furnishing studios, Manhattans, and one-bedroom apartments, as optimising space is as crucial as installing the perfect furniture to complement the square footage. InStyle did exactly that.

McGrath Group modern dining area with set table and kitchen backdrop

Smart interior solutions: Our approach to property staging

After confirming the budget, scope of work, and delivery timelines with the developer, we got straight to work, with a couple of our senior designers taking the lead on this project. They implemented a bespoke furnishing strategy that combined some of our readily available stock items with carefully sourced external units to create an efficient solution that targeted the right buyers.

These stylish, high-quality interiors included contemporary, space-saving furnishing solutions that appeal to modern home buyers and renters. By optimising every inch of space available, our designers correctly incorporated the developer’s vision for each flat.

McGrath Group modern living room with sofa and hallway curtains

How the right furniture selection maximised space and appeal

With thoughtful design and meticulous placement, our designers balanced functionality and aesthetics to help the client achieve fast sales. Our bespoke service included sourcing specialised furniture such as compact dining tables, multifunctional storage units and slim sofas that would fit perfectly, and most importantly, would work well within the budget.

Neutral colours, such as white, beige, black and taupe, were chosen to provide optimum space and light enhancement that appeals to a broader target audience of buyers and investors. Thoughtfully positioned accent decor items like lampshades and artwork helped complete the look and create a warm and welcoming residence.

McGrath Group stylish bedroom with mustard headboard and artwork

The results: Faster sales and greater returns on investment

Our efforts to dress these show homes had an immediate impact, as the developer quickly got many viewings after marketing these ready homes. All four show homes were sold promptly for their respective asking prices, as well as other units in the building, once buyers could envision themselves or potential renters living comfortably in these newly created, attractive homes.

While our client, the McGrath Group, managed to secure an instant return on their investment, this success story highlights how smart, cost-effective furnishings for show homes can result in instant sales.

McGrath Group sleek modern bathroom with grey tiles and tub

Why show home interior design matters for developers

People do not live in empty houses, so buyers always try to envision how it looks and feels after it is furnished. If the developer can provide a fully furnished show home that resonates with the vision and preferences of buyers, the chances of a quick sale get a boost.

However, a show home must be more than an average-looking furnished flat to strike the right chord. The services of an expert furnishing and interior design company are invaluable as they can provide a cost-effective and quick turnaround for the developer’s units.

McGrath Group modern kitchen with white cabinets and wood accents

Partner with InStyle Direct for market-ready properties

Homes furnished and designed by professionals are usually much preferred by high-calibre buyers and tenants who may not have the time or inclination to go through the entire process themselves. Our service includes picking, sourcing, delivering and installing high-quality, design-led furniture packages that enhance indoor space and perceived value.

Developers looking for a turnkey solution to dress show homes find our services more cost-effective and result-driven. We understand the furnishing needs of diverse buyer groups and can help increase sales.

Our proven track record of working with and delivering results for leading developers across prime London neighbourhoods makes us a strategic partner for creating beautiful show homes. Contact us to discuss your project and learn more about our services.

Author Image

Associate Director

Author: Mark Parry

After spending several years garnering experience in the retail and real estate business, I joined InStyle Direct in 2013 and have thoroughly enjoyed my work here. As an Associate Director, I assist a diverse group of clients. Whether it is a private homeowner looking for a completely bespoke furnishing solution or a leading developer or estate agent looking to dress properties to meet business objectives, I have worked with all of them. Customer care is an essential part of my role. The ability to gauge client requirements and suggest a tailored solution is a skill I've honed after working on over 500 projects across more than a decade at this company. Another aspect of my work that keeps me motivated is the opportunity to collaborate with talented designers and cutting-edge suppliers worldwide. I guess bringing ideas to life is as stimulating for a property furnishing professional as it is rewarding for our clients. The sheer excitement in a client's voice and expression upon seeing a completely transformed property is priceless and something I strive for on every project I undertake. However, I do have interests outside of design and furnishing as well. When not drafting a client proposal or meeting with designers, I try honing my horse-riding skills or taking a spin class to keep fit. Football and travelling with my family are other passions that keep me going. In my experience as a property furnishing expert with InStyle Direct, I've had the privilege of contributing to several client successes that I'd like to share with you. From exciting results delivered to clients to the furnishing, interior design and refurbishment stories behind them, stay tuned for more.

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