Whether you’re selling a quaint two-up two-down or a grand detached home, one thing’s certain: first impressions matter – especially online. Today’s buyers scroll through property listings like they scroll through social media, which means your home has only a few seconds to make an impact.
So if you’ve been wondering, “How do I prepare my house for estate agent photography?” – you’re in the right place. With expert staging, simple tweaks, and clever presentation, your home can shine in photos, draw more viewings, and potentially even sell faster (and at a better price).
Let’s walk through everything you need to know.
Why Great Photos Can Make or Break a Sale
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, it’s worth highlighting why prepping for photography is such a big deal:
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90% of buyers start their search online, meaning photos are often your home’s first impression.
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Listings with high-quality images sell 32% faster than those with lower-quality pictures.
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Stunning photos increase the chances of securing viewings and competing offers.
(Source: Rightmove Property Blog)
Declutter Ruthlessly – Less is Definitely More
Imagine scrolling through photos of a house where every shelf is crammed and countertops are overflowing. Not ideal, right? Clutter distracts and shrinks your space visually.
Focus on:
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Clearing kitchen worktops – just leave a kettle and maybe a bowl of fruit.
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Removing excess furniture to open up space.
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Boxing up personal items like family photos, toys, pet bowls, and laundry baskets.
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Emptying bins and laundry hampers – yes, even the ones tucked away!
A good rule of thumb? Remove at least 30% of your stuff before photography day. It might feel sparse, but that’s exactly what makes rooms look larger and more inviting on camera.
Let the Light In
Natural light is your best friend when it comes to photography. Dark, shadowy rooms don’t sell well.
Tips to maximise light:
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Clean all windows inside and out.
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Open all blinds and curtains wide.
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Replace any dim bulbs with brighter, warm-white LED ones.
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Turn on all lights – even during daytime – for a crisp, balanced look.
Pro tip: Avoid coloured bulbs or smart lighting with unusual hues. You want warm, natural lighting throughout.
Neutral is Nice – Tone Down Bold Décor
That hot pink feature wall might be your vibe, but it could be a turn-off to potential buyers. You want your home to appeal to as many people as possible.
Quick fixes:
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Replace loud bedding or cushions with something neutral and tidy.
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Take down bold or eccentric artwork, replacing it with calmer, on-trend alternatives.
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Stick to whites, beiges, greys, and muted tones where you can – they photograph best and create a clean canvas.
No need to redecorate fully, just tone things down a bit for the camera.
Stage Each Room with Purpose
Make sure every room in your house clearly shows its function. Buyers want to understand how they’d use the space.
What that means:
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Dining rooms should have a table set neatly.
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Spare rooms should show their potential – as a guest room or home office.
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Bedrooms should look cosy but minimal – make the bed neatly, add matching cushions or a throw.
Bonus tip: Fresh flowers, neatly folded towels, or a styled coffee table go a long way.
Don’t Forget the Outside – Kerb Appeal Counts
Your home’s exterior is the first photo most buyers will see – make it pop!
To do:
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Mow the lawn and trim hedges.
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Sweep paths, tidy up bins, and remove dead plants or weeds.
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Clean the front door and maybe add a potted plant or two.
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Move cars off the driveway if possible.
Even a small courtyard or balcony deserves attention – style it with a café table or a few pots of greenery to show off its potential.
Clean Like a Pro
No matter how well you’ve styled it, if your home isn’t clean, it’ll show in the photos.
Checklist for photo-day cleaning:
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Sparkling windows and mirrors.
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Shiny taps and surfaces.
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Clean floors (vacuum, mop, polish).
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No visible dust on skirting boards, shelves, or TV stands.
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Toilet seats down, bathroom towels folded, bins emptied.
Basically, treat it like a hotel room you’d be excited to stay in.
Hide the “Real Life” Stuff
We all live with stuff that isn’t photo-ready: cables, phone chargers, extension cords, toothbrushes, shampoos, slippers – the list goes on.
Tidy away:
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Cables and remotes.
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Kitchen cloths and washing-up liquid.
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Bathroom products and toothbrushes.
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Children’s toys and pet accessories.
Estate agent photography is about capturing the ideal, not the everyday.
Be Ready for Multiple Angles
Photographers will usually take wide shots from different corners of each room. That means you can’t just “tidy the bit in shot” – the whole space needs to be ready.
Before they arrive, do a full walk-through, stand in every doorway and view each room with fresh eyes. Anything still out of place? Tidy it now.
Get Ready for Video Content Too
Today’s estate agents aren’t just snapping stills – they’re filming scroll-stopping video content for platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, Facebook, and YouTube Shorts. These short-form videos are becoming a key part of marketing homes, especially to younger or first-time buyers.
So what does that mean for you?
Your home needs to look picture-perfect in motion, too.
Top tips for video readiness:
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Smooth transitions between rooms – no clutter blocking walkways or door swings.
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Lighting really matters – any flickering bulbs or gloomy corners will stand out.
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Sound check – turn off noisy appliances (washing machines, extractor fans, etc.).
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Consistency counts – your entire home should feel styled and cohesive on camera.
And unlike traditional photos, video captures movement and mood. A well-styled space with natural light flowing through, and inviting textures (think plump cushions or flickering candles), makes the home feel warm and lived-in without being messy.
📸 Want to stand out? Ask your agent if they offer vertical videos optimised for social media – they’re a real game-changer in today’s property market.
Quick-Prep Checklist – Day Before & Day Of
The Day Before:
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Declutter surfaces & remove personal items.
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Stage each room to reflect its purpose.
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Clean thoroughly – floors, surfaces, windows.
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Hide bins, pet bowls, cables, and clutter.
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Tidy gardens and kerb appeal areas.
Photo Day Morning:
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Open all curtains and blinds.
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Turn on all lights.
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Make beds, fluff cushions, and do a final tidy.
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Move cars from driveway.
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Do one last sweep of every room.
Mistakes to Avoid
Just a few common traps to sidestep:
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Don’t leave laundry or drying racks in view.
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Don’t forget the bathroom – it needs to be just as camera-ready.
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Don’t rely on filters – quality photos come from great prep, not editing tricks.
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Don’t be too sentimental – your home is about to become someone else’s.
Think Like a House Buyer
When asking “How to prepare my house for estate agent photography?”, the real trick is to step into a buyer’s shoes. What would make you stop scrolling and book a viewing?
A clean, bright, decluttered space that looks move-in ready will always stand out – and that’s exactly what this process is about.
FAQs
How long does estate agent photography take?
Typically 1–2 hours, depending on your home’s size. The better prepared you are, the smoother and faster it’ll be.
Should I be home during the shoot?
It’s fine to be around, but try to give the photographer space to move freely. If possible, take pets out during the shoot.
What if it’s raining or gloomy?
Professional photographers can often work around lighting challenges, but a bright day is ideal. Ask if rescheduling is an option if the weather’s really poor.
Do I need to pay for professional staging?
Not necessarily. With a bit of effort and the right tips (like those above), you can DIY most of it effectively.
Ready to Sell? Let’s Talk
At Brennan Bespoke, we know how crucial those first photos – and now videos – are in capturing the heart and interest of potential buyers. With local expertise, social-first marketing, and tailored advice, we help sellers like you showcase your property at its very best from day one.
Get in touch today to book a valuation or chat about your sale goals – we’re here to help every step of the way.
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