The Big Interview: Suzette Shipton, Director, Tuckfield Estates

The Property Presenters started working with Suzette and Tuckfield Estates in 2025, and we have already achieved some amazing successes. Here we speak to Suzette about her experience as a relatively new agent, and how working with professional stagers has impacted on her business.

How long have you worked in the property industry?

I’ve worked in the property industry for 18 months, which on paper may not sound like a long time - but my interest in property goes back much further than that. I’ve always loved property and the market, and as a serial mover myself, I’ve experienced first-hand the highs, lows and frustrations that come with buying and selling.

Those experiences are what led me to launch Tuckfield Estates. I saw where the process so often falls short: rushed advice, poor presentation, a lack of care or strategy, too much game-playing, and too many properties being “sold” without ever truly achieving the best result for the client. I genuinely believed home movers deserved better. Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest decisions people make, and I wanted to approach it in a more thoughtful and supportive way.

From your perspective, how does collaboration with professional stagers benefit your sales process?

Working with professional stagers is a natural part of how we prepare homes for market. Buyers tend to respond emotionally first, and staging helps a property make a strong first impression.

 Stagers bring a fresh eye that works really well alongside our knowledge of the local market. They help show a home at its best and make it easier for buyers to see how they could live there. When the agent, stager and seller are all on the same page, it creates a much stronger impact, both online and in person.

A Harpenden apartment, staged by The Property Presenters for Tuckfield Estates. This property, previously on the market empty for 4 months, received an offer of £45k over the asking price within 3 days of staging and re-marketing.

What are some of the main challenges and opportunities you’ve experienced in today’s market?

The market feels steadier and more considered than it did during the busier years. Buyers are cautious, more analytical, and far less willing to compromise, which can be challenging if a property isn’t presented or priced properly - but it also creates a real opportunity for sellers who are prepared to do things properly. 

The opportunity lies in differentiation. Homes that are well-prepared, thoughtfully presented and marketed with care still attract strong interest and achieve excellent results. The difference between a home that’s ready for market, and one that isn’t, has become much more noticeable.

What key benefits have you seen from staging properties before bringing them to market?

The biggest benefit is the immediate impact. Staged homes photograph beautifully, feel more inviting, and help buyers connect with the space much more quickly. That often leads to better engagement online and more positive viewings.

 There are practical benefits too. We often see homes sell more smoothly, with a shorter time on the market and fewer negotiations along the way. Staging helps remove uncertainty and allows buyers to picture how the home could work for them.

Another Harpenden staging success! This apartment achieved an offer at £40k over asking price, just eight days after staging and re-launch.

What kind of feedback do you receive from buyers viewing staged properties?

Buyers often say a staged home just “feels right.” They can picture themselves living there more easily and understand how each room could be used. We regularly hear comments about homes feeling lighter, more spacious or more welcoming. 

Staged properties also tend to stay in buyers’ minds. When they’ve seen several homes in a short time, the ones that feel well presented are usually the ones they remember afterwards.

Which aspects of The Property Presenters’ service do you find most valuable, and why?

The Property Presenters have been great to work with. What stands out is how they combine a strong sense of style with a real understanding of the sales process. Their staging isn’t just about how a home looks, it’s about helping it appeal to the right buyer.

 They’re also very aware of timing. They take care over the details, but they understand how important it is to keep things moving when a property is coming to market. That balance makes a big difference.

 Their styling advice and range of furniture and accessories mean they can help in lots of different situations, not just full staging. It genuinely feels like a partnership, and that makes working together easy and enjoyable.

Amanda and Suzette on a recent staging job together.

In your role, how important do you believe property staging is in the current market, and why would you recommend it to other agents?

In today’s market, staging has become an important part of presenting a home well. Buyers have more choice and higher expectations, and properties need to stand out straight away. 

I’d recommend staging to other agents because it helps buyers see a home’s potential more clearly and supports a stronger overall marketing approach. When it’s done well, it often leads to a better result for the seller, which is what we all want to achieve