Short answer
In real estate, scent can make a show apartment, sales office or shared entrance feel more like a finished living environment. The scent must match the architecture and target group and must never be used to hide moisture, mould or other building problems.
From square metres to feeling
A buyer does not just assess the floor plan, surface area and finish. They try to imagine what it would be like to live there.
That is why a show apartment uses furniture, light, textiles and art to create context. Scent can add an extra residential layer to that setting.
Don't choose a stereotypical "home scent"
Vanilla or freshly baked cookies are often mentioned in home sales, but a premium project usually calls for more nuance.
A modern coastal residence can have a different scent language than an urban loft project or a green development outside the city.
Common areas
Entrance halls and sales offices are interesting too. When future residents visit the project several times, a consistent scent can support the development's brand identity.
Watch out for new building materials
New apartments can have glue, paint, sealant or material odours. First ensure sufficient ventilation and compliance with technical regulations. A perfume must not be an excuse to present an insufficiently ventilated space.
Moisture and mould are a separate category
A musty smell can indicate moisture problems. These must be investigated and repaired. Odour control can possibly be used temporarily when an external cause cannot be resolved immediately, but transparency and tackling the source remain essential.
Subtlety sells credibility
The ideal scent does not give visitors the feeling that the home has been deliberately perfumed to force an impression. Rather, it should contribute to the feeling that the space is finished, calm and well cared for.