Top photographer and Foxtons’ Protography Technical Manager Aaron Miller provides expert tips on getting your property ready for its photography session. Attract the most viewings possible with these seven easy steps.
Buyers and renters browse through hundreds of photos to decide which properties to view. Small factors can mean the difference between booking a viewing and falling in love with your property, or just scrolling down to the next listing.
As a general rule, photos work best when your property is presented as homely but not too personal. Photos of you and your family may appeal to you but can make it hard for other people to picture it as their home. Decluttering is also key to make your property look at large as possible and to make it easy for viewers to see its potential.
Be aware that your Protographer may not take photos of every room. They know how to present your property in the best way to attract viewings, and sometimes this means fewer, better shots of the standout highlights. They will offer plenty of help and advice during their visit, so feel free to ask lots of questions. In the meantime, have a look through the tips below to help get you ready for your visit.
1. Outside spaces
Outdoor areas are a very important factor. Outside shots need to show your property in its best light, whether that be a balcony, back garden or the front of a house.
If your vehicle is parked in front of your property, move it away for the duration of the photo shoot. Try to tidy away any bins, hoses and other clutter from outdoor and garden spaces, mow the lawn and tidy up flower beds as best as you can. It's also a good idea to get your windows cleaned, and if you have garden furniture, remember to put the cushions out. You could even set the table, as if for some al fresco dining!
2. Hallways
As with most other spaces, decluttering is important in the hall to ensure it looks as large a space as possible. Pack away coats, shoes, umbrellas and other items to make it as tidy as you can.
3. Lighting
Replace any blown bulbs around the house and use feature lighting (lamps, candles, etc.) to brighten interior spaces. Ensure blinds are drawn and curtains are fully opened to let in as much natural light as possible.
4. Kitchen
Make sure surfaces are clean, dirty dishes are washed and put away and any food bowls for pets are also tidied away. Tea towels, food boxes and bottles, fridge magnets and children's artworks should also be cleared away for the shoot.
5. Bathroom
Tackle your bathroom in a similar way to other rooms by tidying away tooth brushes, shower gels, etc. and putting the loo seat down. Remove the toilet paper from the holder and make sure any towels are fresh-looking, nicely folded and in a colour that matches the decor of the room.
6. Reception areas
Along with the kitchen and outdoor space, the lounge is also a key area that buyers are interested in. Get your cushions fluffed up and nicely arranged. Clear coffee tables and sideboards of excess clutter, tidy away magazines and try to hide away or tidy up cables from electronics such as your TV or sound system.
Fresh flowers make a big difference on the day of your shoot, and a bowl of fruit is a great way to cheaply add a splash of life and colour to your kitchen. As with the garden furniture, setting the table as if for a meal gives the dining space more life and warmth.
7. Bedrooms
Make the beds with bedding that complements the decor in the room and tuck away any photos or other personal items. Try to avoid storing anything underneath beds or on top of wardrobes that could be seen in the photos.
Home Inspiration
For more inspiration and ideas, take a look at our Home Inspiration pages. Search by room, colour, style or feature and enjoy some of our Protographers' finest work capturing London's most spectacular properties.
