The role of photography in rental success

A well-photographed property can make all the difference when it comes to securing tenants quickly and at the best rental price.

Becoming a Landlord
January 14, 2025

This guide explores why professional photography is critical for rental success, offers tips for getting it right, and explains how Bleisured can help homeowners maximize their property's appeal.

1. Why Quality Photography Matters in the Rental Market

The first impression potential tenants get of your property is almost always through photographs. Here's why quality imagery is so crucial:

  • Grabs attention: Listings with high-quality images receive significantly more clicks and inquiries. They make your property stand out in a sea of competition.
  • Creates emotional appeal: Professional images can highlight your property’s charm and unique features, allowing potential tenants to envision themselves living there.
  • Saves time: Clear, well-composed photographs reduce the number of unnecessary inquiries by accurately representing your property.
  • Commands better rent: Properties with superior visuals often attract higher-paying tenants who value presentation and attention to detail.

2. Key Features to Highlight Through Photography

Knowing what to emphasize in your images is essential to make your property irresistible to tenants. Focus on the following:

Interior Design and Layout

  • Highlight the most spacious rooms, natural light sources, and open layouts.
  • Show off recently updated or modernized areas, such as kitchens or bathrooms.

Amenities

  • Include images of key features like balconies, terraces, parking spaces, or modern appliances.
  • Focus on selling points such as air conditioning, built-in wardrobes, or renovated flooring.

Neighborhood Appeal

  • Add context by featuring local highlights like nearby parks, cafes, or transport links.
  • Tenants often value location as much as the property itself, so don’t overlook this aspect.
Pro Tip: Arrange the photographs in a logical flow that mirrors a walkthrough of the property, starting with the exterior and ending with the best interior features.

3. Tips for Taking High-Quality Rental Property Photos

Achieving stunning photographs is easier than you think when you follow these tried-and-true techniques:

Lighting is Everything

  • Take photos during the day to maximize natural light.
  • Avoid harsh shadows by shooting on overcast days or using a diffuser indoors.

Declutter and Stage

  • Remove personal items and unnecessary clutter to make spaces look larger and more inviting.
  • Stage furniture to highlight functionality and create a warm, livable atmosphere.

Invest in the Right Equipment

  • Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full scope of rooms.
  • A tripod ensures stable and consistent shots across all images.

Edit Smartly

  • Basic editing can enhance brightness, contrast, and color balance.
  • Avoid overediting—your photos should still look natural and true to the property.
Need help? Bleisured offers professional property photography as part of our management services to ensure your listing stands out.

4. The Impact of Great Photography on Rental Success

High-quality images can directly impact your property's performance in the rental market. Here’s how:

Attracts More Viewers

  • Listings with professional images receive up to 3x more inquiries compared to those with poor-quality photos (Redfin, 2020).
  • According to Airbnb, hosts with high-quality photos see 40% more bookings compared to those with lower-quality images.

Leads to Faster Rentals

  • Properties with professional photography spend 32% less time on the market, reducing vacancy periods significantly (VHT Studios, 2021).

Secures Higher Rental Prices

  • Tenants are willing to pay 5% to 20% more for properties with polished, high-quality images (Wall Street Journal, 2020).
  • Zillow reports that homes with professional photography sell or rent for $1,000 to $5,000 more than similar properties with amateur photos.

Builds Trust with Tenants

  • Clear, honest images help set realistic expectations, reducing tenant turnover caused by dissatisfaction upon viewing the property in person. A survey by Rent.com revealed that 78% of renters consider photos the most important factor in selecting a property to inquire about.
"Photography is the first step in building a connection between the landlord and potential tenants. It’s not just about showing a space—it’s about telling a story of what it would be like to live there."

5. How Bleisured Can Help You Maximize Your Property’s Appeal

At Bleisured, we understand that professional photography is an integral part of securing top-tier tenants. Here’s what we provide:

  • Expert Photography: From lighting to staging, we ensure your property is showcased in its best light.
  • Marketing Strategy: Your images are paired with compelling property descriptions and advertised on the most effective platforms.
  • Comprehensive Property Management: Beyond photography, we take care of tenant selection, cleaning, maintenance, and more, so you can enjoy a hands-off rental experience.

Get started with us today—contact Bleisured—and let us help you make the most of your property.

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