How to Take Photos of a House for Sale? A Layout That Accurately Shows the Rooms

A good property photograph highlights the home’s strengths. However, making a small room appear larger than it is, or removing a permanent feature, can create false expectations. Preparing a brief itinerary and a shot list before the shoot is more efficient than selecting photographs at random afterwards.

What should you do during preparation?

Clear the way through doorways, declutter surfaces and tidy the curtains. Remove personal photographs, documents containing addresses and screens displaying private information from the frame. Do not unnecessarily show the interiors of neighbouring properties or recognisable individuals. Principles regarding the processing of personal data must also be taken into account.

Choose the lighting according to the room

Not every room receives the same light at the same time. Observe how the light from the window is distributed across the walls and floor. When brightening a dark corner, try not to make the exterior appear completely white. Establish a natural colour balance by adjusting lamps that cast different colours.

Framing checklist

• Keep door and wall lines as straight as possible.
• Choose an angle that shows the main living area.
• Minimise repetitive shots of the same area.
• Show the connection between the room and the balcony or corridor.
• Clearly indicate the location where the environmental photograph was taken.

Editing limits

Exposure and colour balance may be adjusted. However, columns, neighbouring buildings, permanent damage or the actual landscape must not be removed. If virtual furniture is used, it must be stated alongside the relevant image that this is a layout suggestion.

Order of photographs

First, a shot that accurately showcases the property, followed by the main living areas, bedrooms, wet rooms and the building’s surroundings. The final check question is: ‘Could someone who hasn’t seen this property understand how the rooms are connected?’ If the answer is no, try a more explanatory sequence rather than a wider angle.

Further reading

How to Read a Flat for Sale Advertisement? Floor, Facade, Heating and Title Deed Status guide, where you can find further information on the subject.

Sources

• Official source 1