How to photograph properties for sale and attract more buyers

Preparing the property: the essential step before photography

Before reaching for the camera, it’s crucial to ensure the property looks its best. This involves:

• Thorough cleaning and organisation: A clean space shows care. Remove personal items, tidy up cables, toys and everyday clutter.

• Depersonalisation: Family photos, fridge magnets or collections should be removed. Buyers should be able to imagine themselves living there.

• Quick repairs: Replace burnt-out bulbs, fix loose doors or leaking taps, and refresh any marked walls.

These simple steps help the property shine and highlight its full potential.

Lighting and best times to shoot

Light is one of the most powerful allies in property photography. Whenever possible, shoot using natural light. Open windows and curtains, and choose times when the sun hits each room most effectively. Avoid using direct flash, which can create harsh shadows or reflective surfaces.

Photographing early in the morning or late in the afternoon offers soft, warm light that enhances the atmosphere.

Equipment: what you need (and what you can skip)

While DSLR cameras with wide-angle lenses are ideal, modern smartphones can also deliver excellent results. Regardless of the equipment, using a tripod is essential to ensure stable, well-aligned shots with proper exposure.

It’s also important to use a level or grid overlay to keep vertical and horizontal lines straight, avoiding tilted images that distort the sense of space.

Composition and framing: how to highlight each space

Good framing can visually enlarge the room and create a pleasant visual journey. Some practical tips include:

• Shoot from corners to capture more of the room;

• Include two walls to create depth;

• Keep doors open to invite the viewer into the next space;

• Position the camera at chest height, about 1.2 m to 1.5 m above the ground;

• Take several photos per room: a wide shot, a detailed one, and one focused on natural light or views.

Photos should allow the buyer to "walk through" the property with their eyes before scheduling a visit.

Photo sequence: telling a visual story

The image sequence should follow the same flow as an in-person viewing. Ideally, start with:

1. Exterior or façade;

2. Entrance and hallway;

3. Living and dining rooms;

4. Kitchen;

5. Bedrooms;

6. Bathrooms;

7. Outdoor areas (balconies, gardens, garage);

8. Unique details worth highlighting (finishes, views, materials).

This visual walkthrough engages the buyer emotionally and helps them envision themselves living there.

Editing: enhance without deceiving

After the photo session, light editing can further enhance the material. Adjusting brightness, contrast, sharpness, and colour correction is welcome — as long as it reflects reality. Do not remove structural flaws or change wall colours.

Buyers value transparency, and authentic photos build trust from the start.

Where and how to publish the photos

The way the photos are presented online is as important as their quality. Platforms like  Engel & Völkers website allow for high-resolution photo uploads.

Make sure your photos load quickly and are properly ordered. Your listing’s description should match what is shown in the images.  

Working with experts: more than just nice photos

Taking great pictures is important, but a successful sale depends on a comprehensive strategy. By relying on the experienced team in the real estate sector at Engel & Völkers, your sale is supported by professionals who know exactly how to position your property on the market.

From the initial valuation to staging, promotion and negotiation, real estate consultants from Engel & Völkers offer personalised and results-oriented support.

Let your images tell a story buyers want to be part of

The right photographs do more than show rooms — they tell a story of what life could be like in that home. And it’s that story that draws buyers in, sparks desire and encourages decisions.

Investing in preparation, quality photography and thoughtful presentation is key to standing out. With Engel & Völkers by your side, you gain access to best practices and a wide network of qualified buyers, helping turn your photos into viewings, offers and a successful sale.

If you want to sell confidently, professionally and profitably, start by showing your home in the best possible light — because every visual detail could be the beginning of a great sale.