10 Tips to Make Your Home Stand Out in Online Listings: Insights from a Professional Property Photographer

If you're selling or letting a property, you’ve probably noticed how fierce the competition is in the UK market. With buyers and renters scrolling through endless listings, the key to standing out lies in how you present your property online. High-quality visuals created by a professional property photographer or estate agent photographer can make all the difference in capturing potential buyers' attention.

In today’s digital age, property searches often begin with a few clicks and swipes. Before anyone books a viewing, they’ve already formed an impression of your home based on the photos in your listing. High-quality visuals can mean the difference between attracting a flood of interest or being overlooked entirely. In fact, a study by Rightmove revealed that homes with professional photos can sell up to 50% faster than those without. As a professional property photographer with over six years of experience, I’ve photographed thousands of homes and have seen what truly makes a listing pop.

This post shares my top 10 actionable tips to ensure your property stands out online. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or estate agent, these insights will help you maximise your property marketing and get it noticed by the right audience.

1. Declutter Without Losing Character

Your property needs to feel spacious but also inviting. Clear away personal items like family photos or stacks of paperwork, but don’t strip the home of its charm. Tasteful accents, such as a stylish vase, a neat stack of books, or a folded throw, can help create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

For instance, I once photographed a small terraced house where the homeowner had removed bulky furniture and stored children’s toys in elegant woven baskets. The transformation was stunning, making the space feel twice as large while retaining its lived-in appeal. Decluttering is a cornerstone of effective property marketing, and tools like this storage basket set on Amazon can help you achieve that polished look.

2. Deep Clean Every Corner

A spotless home photographs significantly better. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. Don’t overlook windows, mirrors, and floors, as these reflective surfaces can make or break a photo.

A deep clean also includes appliances. Buyers notice smudges on oven doors or limescale on taps. For an easy and effective solution, a microfibre cloth can make those surfaces gleam without leaving streaks. One memorable project involved a Victorian townhouse. After a thorough clean, the intricate tiling and original fixtures in the kitchen shone beautifully in the photos, drawing significant buyer interest.

3. Let There Be Light

Natural light is your best friend when it comes to property photography. Open all curtains and blinds to let in as much daylight as possible. Clean your windows to ensure maximum light penetration, and turn on lights in darker corners to balance the brightness.

For properties that lack natural light, consider investing in a portable LED lamp. These lamps can brighten specific areas and create a welcoming ambiance. For example, in a recent shoot of a studio flat, strategically placed LED lights helped highlight the open-plan kitchen and living area, making the compact space feel inviting and functional.

4. Stage Each Room for Its Purpose

Ambiguity in room use can confuse potential buyers. A guest bedroom doubling as a storage space or a dining room being used as a makeshift office can detract from your home’s appeal. Define each room’s purpose clearly.

For example, if you have a spare room, turn it into a home office with a simple desk and chair. This affordable desk from Amazon is a great option to create a polished and functional look without breaking the bank. Proper staging is a crucial part of property marketing that showcases the best potential uses for each space.

5. Enhance Curb Appeal

The exterior is the first photo buyers see, so it’s vital to make a good impression. Tidy up your front garden, repaint the front door, and clean pathways. Small touches like potted plants or a fresh doormat can make a big difference.

For pathways and driveways, a power washer can help remove dirt and grime, instantly refreshing the look of your property. In my experience as a property photographer, presenting a clean and welcoming exterior sets the tone for the rest of the listing and increases viewer interest.

6. Add Pops of Colour

Neutral tones are ideal for broad appeal, but small pops of colour can make your listing memorable. Consider adding vibrant cushions, fresh flowers, or a bowl of fruit to inject life into your photos. These accents draw the eye and help your property stand out in a sea of beige.

Beautiful decorative cushions from Amazon are an easy way to incorporate colour and texture into your decor. Recently, in a Cotswolds cottage I photographed, a simple addition of yellow daffodils in a vase transformed the otherwise neutral kitchen, giving it a fresh and cheerful feel. Colourful accents can be the difference between a memorable listing and one that fades into the background.

7. Use Mirrors to Expand Space

Mirrors are a clever trick for making rooms appear larger and brighter. Place a mirror opposite a window to reflect natural light, or position one in a narrow hallway to create the illusion of depth.

A stylish mirror not only serves a functional purpose but also adds an element of sophistication to your decor. Mirrors are one of the simplest tools for estate agent photographers to create a sense of space, particularly in smaller properties.

8. Tidy Up Tech

Cables and cluttered electronics are a visual distraction. Take the time to tidy up your tech, hiding unsightly cables or using organisers to keep them neat. This attention to detail can make a room look significantly more polished.

This cable management kit is a simple yet effective way to create clean, sleek spaces. In property marketing, the smallest details can have a big impact on the overall impression.

9. Focus on Key Selling Points

Every property has unique features that set it apart. Identify what makes your home special and make sure these elements are front and centre in your photos.

Whether it’s a period fireplace, a landscaped garden, or a modern kitchen, emphasise these details to draw attention. In my role as a property photographer, I make it a priority to highlight these standout features in every shoot, ensuring they resonate with potential buyers.

10. Invest in Professional Photography

This one’s close to my heart. Professional images not only capture your property at its best but also increase its perceived value. Listings with high-quality photos consistently sell faster and often at higher prices.

As a property photographer in Leicester and the surrounding areas, my services include fully edited images, drone photography, and 2D floorplans to give your listing the edge it deserves. Working with a professional ensures your property marketing captures attention in a competitive marketplace. One client’s feedback still resonates: “Your photos made my house look so good I almost didn’t want to sell it!”

First impressions are everything in property marketing, and great photos paired with a well-prepared home can make all the difference. By following these tips, you’ll give your property the best chance of grabbing attention and winning hearts online.

Remember, the goal is to make buyers or renters pause and imagine themselves living in your space. A well-presented home not only attracts more interest but also instils confidence in its value.

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