How to photograph your home for sale — 8 steps that actually work

The data is unambiguous: properties with high-quality photographs receive more views, more saves, and sell faster. On open for offer, listings with 10+ quality images receive 3.4x more engagement than those with fewer than 5. Here’s how to get it right with nothing more than a modern smartphone.

1. Clean and declutter first

This isn’t about making your home look unlived-in — it’s about letting the space speak. Remove personal items from surfaces, clear kitchen worktops, and tidy away shoes from hallways. You want potential buyers to see the property, not your possessions.

2. Shoot at the right time of day

Natural light is your best friend. Shoot between 10am and 2pm on an overcast day for even, soft light without harsh shadows. South-facing rooms photograph best in late morning, north-facing rooms around midday.

3. Use landscape orientation

Always shoot in landscape (horizontal). This matches how property portals display images and gives a sense of space. Hold your phone at chest height — eye level tends to distort proportions.

4. Shoot from corners

Position yourself in the corner of each room and angle the camera to capture two walls and the floor. This gives the greatest sense of depth and makes rooms feel larger than straight-on shots.

5. Include the hero shot

Your first image should be the best exterior shot of the property. This is the image that appears in search results and determines whether someone clicks through. Shoot from across the road with the whole frontage visible.

6. Photograph every room

Don’t skip bathrooms, utility rooms, or the garden. Buyers want to see everything. A missing room raises questions. Aim for 15–20 photos for a typical 3-bed house.

7. Stage key moments

A made bed with plumped pillows, a kitchen with fresh flowers, a garden with furniture arranged for summer. These small touches create emotional connection without looking artificial.

8. Edit lightly

Use your phone’s built-in editor to straighten horizons and very slightly increase brightness. Do not use filters. Buyers will visit and the property needs to match the photos. Over-edited images erode trust.