Should I Have People in My Property Photos?

Photo taken from Live Property Client AirBnb Property

You’ve listed your property, tidied every room, optimised your description, but something still seems off. Could the secret ingredient be as simple as adding people to your photos? You’re likely wondering if including people in real estate images can truly change the game for your listing. Let’s explore how featuring individuals within property photos increases user engagement and perceived value while revealing the tools that might make the process a breeze for you.

1. Why Include People in Property Photos?

1.1 How Does It Affect Viewer Engagement?

Using photos with people can make your property more relatable. It’s hard for potential buyers or tenants to envision themselves in a space when it feels too sterile or impersonal. People in pictures add context and help create a lived-in look. This increase in relatability can indeed capture viewers' interest as they flick through countless listings.

• Human Touch: A simple presence of people can make images feel welcoming.

• Emotional Connection: Engaging visuals featuring people can encourage potential buyers to spend more time on your listing.

Moreover, research by the National Association of Realtors suggests that a higher level of emotional engagement often leads to more practical actions, such as enquiring or scheduling a visit. Making that emotional connection can be just the nudge potential buyers need.

1.2 Boosting the Perceived Value of Your Property

By incorporating people in your property photos, you might subtly indicate that the space is desirable and functional. For example, a picture showing a family enjoying a meal at the dining table can steers buyers to perceive the home as not only a property but where genuine living happens.

• Lifestyles Imagery: Photos that show people using your property give it a "homey" appeal.

• Functional Perspective: Demonstrating the functionalities of spaces, like a neatly set dining table, can answer questions before they’re even asked.
  

Such visuals make the property stand out to viewers positively and might even justify a premium price point. A testimonial from a client named John highlighted how featuring lifestyle photos increased the perceived value of his property. John’s place attracted not only more viewers but also serious offers once he adopted this approach.

1.3 Live Property AI: Transforming Photos for Enhanced Appeal

Live Property AI offers you an ingenious way to feature people in your images without the need for elaborate photoshoots or models. With AI-driven technology, your existing property images can be transformed into dynamic visuals with people seamlessly integrated.

• AI Advantage: No need for expensive models; AI adds lifelike people to your images.

• Cost-Effective: Reduces the cost compared to traditional videography by up to 10 times.
  

Live Property can ease the process while significantly upgrading the quality and appeal of your property photos.

2. Alternatives and Practical Advice

2.1 When to Opt for People-Free Photos

There are specific scenarios where maintaining the purity of your property photos by not including people can be advantageous. For example, luxury properties often benefit from a more formal and clean aesthetic. If your listing emphasises the architectural design or unique features, cluttering images with human elements could detract from these key selling points. Below are some situations where people-free photos may be more appropriate:

• Ensuring Privacy: Essential for properties where current occupants or sensitive content make discretion necessary.
  

In addition, there may be privacy concerns, especially in residential settings or when a property seller prefers not to include identifiable faces. Consider properties located in areas where client data protection is stringent. These factors should guide your choice regarding the use of people in property imagery. A 2022 study by the National Association of Realtors found that listings with clear, clutter-free photos sold 30% faster and above the asking price compared to listings with overly stylised imagery. This underscores the power of simplicity in some real estate markets.

2.2 Techniques for Adding People Virtually

If you wish to showcase people in your property photos but want to avoid live photo shoots with models, the use of software such as Adobe Photoshop or AI-driven platforms can provide an excellent alternative. Techniques include:

• Editing Software: Use tools like Photoshop to insert people into existing photos. This can create a homely atmosphere and suggest scalable living opportunities.

• 3D Rendering: Advanced software can place lifelike human figures into 3D models or photographs to illustrate space utilisation.
  

For those less tech-savvy, the Live Property AI platform offers a helpful solution. By leveraging AI, we transform property photos into dynamic videos with virtual models, creating a welcoming and lived-in feel—all without expensive on-site shoots. This approach allows you to bring warmth and life to your imagery efficiently and affordably.

2.3 Maximising Your Listings with Live Property AI's Video Feature

Utilising videos in real estate listings increases viewer engagement dramatically. Live Property AI can convert static images into immersive video tours that feature interactions from virtual models, creating a narrative that resonates with potential buyers or renters. Here's how it benefits your property marketing:

• Engage Buyers: Videos capture attention longer than photos. A video with virtual people reveals the essence of living in the space.

• Cost-Effective: Traditional video production involves hiring videographers and models, which can be expensive. Our platform offers a 10x cheaper solution without sacrificing quality.
  

Adding a video element to your listings can enhance the emotional connection viewers feel towards the property, making your listing stand out in a crowded digital space. By integrating Live Property AI's technology, you can breathe life into your listings and boost engagement.

In summary, including people in your property photos can enhance engagement but is not always necessary. Weigh the benefits of human elements against the need to maintain focus on architectural or interior highlights. When people are desirable, innovative AI options offer cost-effective, versatile solutions. By selecting the right approach, you can elevate your property listings, resonate with potential buyers, and ultimately accelerate sales. Curious about transforming your property photos into engaging visuals? Get started with a Live Property AI demo today.