Click appeal counts - before buyers ever visit 

In today’s fast-paced property market, your listing photos are more than pictures, they’re your home’s first impression. With the majority of buyers and renters beginning their search online, getting your home photo-ready is essential. 

A scroll-stopping image can mean the difference between a saved listing and a skipped one. Here's how to make your home shine on screen. 

1. Declutter with a buyer’s eye 

Before the camera even comes out, walk through your home as if you’re seeing it for the first time. Remove unnecessary items from worktops, coffee tables, and shelves. Tidy cables, toys, shoes, and laundry baskets, anything that disrupts clean lines and open space. 

Less is more. You want each room to look functional but spacious, styled but not overly personal. 

2. Deep clean - yes, really deep 

Photos catch everything. Smudged windows, dusty skirting boards, limescale on taps all can show up and distract from your home’s features. A deep clean before photography day is time well spent. 

Pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms. Sparkling surfaces, polished mirrors, and fresh towels create a clean, inviting look. 

3. Light it up 

Light sells. Open blinds, clean windows, and let in as much natural light as possible. If a room still feels dark, add lamps with warm-toned bulbs. Shoot during the brightest part of the day, ideally mid-morning or early afternoon. 

Mirrors can help bounce light and create a sense of depth especially in smaller rooms. 

4. Set the scene 

Dress each space for its purpose. Make the bed with fresh linens, fluff the sofa cushions, lay out a few magazines, or add a bowl of fruit to the kitchen counter. It’s not about staging a fantasy, just giving a gentle nudge to the imagination. 

In dining rooms, a simple set table can feel warm and welcoming. In the hallway, a clear console or coat rack signals a functional entryway. 

5. Don’t forget the outside 

Your online gallery starts before the front door. Mow the lawn, clean the driveway, sweep paths, and hide bins. Add a welcoming touch like a potted plant or doormat. 

For gardens and balconies, keep things tidy and position outdoor furniture to showcase how the space can be used. 

 
Want your photos to shine? Let’s prep your home for its best online debut