Why photography is a vital part of the property industry

When it comes to the property industry, the importance of photographs cannot be overlooked.

Prospective tenants rely on property listing images when deciding whether a property is suitable for them. Photographs also demonstrate deterioration or damage to a rental property at the start, during, and at the end of a tenancy.

Here at the AIIC, we break down why photography is a vital part of the property industry, none more so than the lettings sector.

Images make the decision-making process easier

Images of the home form a large part of online property marketing adverts. They are also one of the first things a prospective buyer will see on a property listing and are therefore highly valuable.

When letting a home, great emphasis should be placed on the images because they make the decision-making process easier for prospective tenants by helping them to identify the attributes of the home online.

According to a study by MoveStreets, property images were the most important aspect of a property listing. Around 79% of buyers revealed that photos were the first thing they analysed when viewing a property online.

As humans are visual beings, images are guaranteed to make any decision-making process less complex.

Images can also help when it comes to preventing deposit disputes in the rental sector. Photographic evidence as part of a detailed inventory can remove any doubt about the original condition of items if a tenant tries to claim no damage has been caused.

Detailed inventories will include a full written report of condition, which is an in-depth documentation of the inside and outside of a home. Contents, appliances, fixtures, and fittings are some examples of what will be included in a professionally put together inventory report.

Before, after and during photos of a rental home can help to provide further clarification of the condition of the property throughout the tenancy, allowing adjudicators to come to a fair decision based on factual evidence.

Professional images get better results

Landlords recognise that professional images for property listings are vital to a successful let. 

Therefore, professional photographers are often relied on to produce quality images that represent the property in a positive light and lead to a vast number of viewings.

We recommend that landlords not only to pay close attention to photography at the letting stage, but that they also understand that images captured during the whole tenancy will help to protect them and the tenant. 

By relying on professional inventory clerks, landlords can better protect their homes and tenants if deposit disputes arise. 

As inventories are their area of expertise, they will know what works best and will be equipped to take reliable images, helping landlords dedicate more time to other tasks.

Professional inventory clerks also know what aspects of the home to photograph. This is especially the case with regards to expensive items such as washing machines, and furniture, in addition to early signs of wear and tear that could be overlooked by a landlord.

Adjudicators do not require studio-quality photography for evidence – however, they do need clear images that are in line with the reports. Inventory clerks are professionally trained to reliably provide these.

As an agent or landlord, you want to protect your investments and establish smooth transitions from one tenant to the next. Here at the AIIC, we are dedicated to promoting the highest possible standards of accuracy and reliability in the inventory process and have been endorsing high levels of professionalism in the inventory business since 1996.

It is our mission to ensure proper information and training is provided and our bank of highly skilled members will provide the best possible service. For more information, please contact us or search for your local AIIC member clerk now.

You can also download a copy of our Code of Practice and Guidelines for Professional Practice guide here.

Published on 10/06/2022