Good photos are essential for selling a house. With over 95% of home buyers searching online, having high quality images isn’t just nice to have – research shows it can significantly impact the number of buyer inquiries, time on the market and final sale price. Yet many sellers still underestimate the value of professional property photography. So, what’s the evidence that investments here really pay off?
Visibility Through Viewability
Online listings with photos generate up to 61% more views. This visibility advantage comes down to human behaviour. We’re simply more inclined to click on listings with eye-catching thumbnail images. Additionally, portals like Rightmove and Zoopla rank listings algorithmically based on clicks and views. So, images that draw attention can improve search placement over time.
Emotional Connections Drive Action
Once inside a listing, compelling photography forges an emotional bond between potential buyers and the property itself. Surveys indicate over 84% of buyers feel more positively towards homes marketed with professional photos, while most say such images make them more likely to view or enquire.
By contrast, low quality photos can negatively impact a buyer’s perception of the property. Dull, dark or distorted images leave room for doubt, turning off viewers before they’ve even stepped through the door.
Pricing Power
With demand established, excellent photography also influences the perceived value of a home. A US study by Redfin property brokers evaluated over thousands of listings across the country. According to them, having professional photography can contribute a lot towards the sale price of a property.
While premiums varied by price bracket, edited high-res photos helped homes sell faster and closer to asking across market segments. Notably though, cheaper properties under saw the biggest pricing boost at nearly +1%. This suggests even modest photography investments can generate strong ROI for sellers targeting first-time buyers and lower price points.
The Right Angles
Shooting techniques matter too. Photographers versed in wide-angle property photography can make rooms look larger and more spacious. Redfin’s analysis confirms the adage that perception is reality. On average, listings photographed using wide-angle lenses saw boosts per room at sale. With buyer preference for more square footage, this telescoping effect translates directly into higher valuations.
Maximising Marketing Channels
Finally, compelling property photos underpin integrated digital marketing campaigns across channels. For estate agents active on social media, high quality images attract more organic engagement, shares and page follows. Great visual content also elevates email marketing and digital brochures – making sales collateral standout.
As portals like Rightmove introduction augmented reality, professional photos are the foundation enabling virtual property viewings and 3D staging. Ultimately for modern, tech-enabled agencies, skillful digital photography powers diverse platforms – future-proofing marketing materials even as technologies continue evolving.
Now you have a clear idea on why your property listings require professional photography. Always work with an expert photographer and you will be able to experience all benefits that come along with it. It can be one of the best investments you do as an estate agent.