Is Real Estate Photography Different For Rentals vs Properties For Sale?
Real estate photography is extremely important when marketing properties, whether they’re for sale or rent. While the general goal remains the same, the approach can vary significantly between rentals and properties for sale.
In this article I’ll discuss the differences between real estate photography for rentals vs properties for sale.
Table of Contents
Focus on Amenities and Appliances in Rental Properties
Highlighting Included Appliances
When photographing rental properties, it’s important to highlight the amenities and appliances included, such as kitchen appliances, washers, dryers, and even furniture if the rental is furnished.
These features are often key deciding factors for potential renters who are looking for convenience and are less likely to bring these items with them.
If you were going to rent a space, you’d likely want to know what type of washing machine and oven you’d be using since you wouldn’t be buying your own. This isn’t the case when purchasing a home.
Detailing Shared Spaces
For rentals, especially in multi-unit buildings or shared living situations, showcasing common areas like lounges, gyms, pools, and laundry facilities is crucial. These shared amenities can significantly influence a renter’s decision, as they add value to the lifestyle the rental property offers.
Emphasizing Space and Potential in Properties For Sale
Showcasing Space and Structure
For properties on the market to be sold, the focus shifts more towards showcasing the space itself, its structure, and its potential to be personalized by the buyer.
Buyers are interested in the property’s condition, layout, and architectural features because they are looking at the potential for making it their own. They want to be able to visualize their own possessions in the space, rather than renter who want to see the furnishings the space comes with.
Visualizing Future Living
Photography for properties that are listed for sale should help potential buyers imagine their own furniture, decorations, and style within the space.
This often means less focus on current furnishings and more on the rooms’ sizes, shapes, and unique architectural features.
Differing Marketing Strategies
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Appeal
Rental property photography often focuses on the immediate appeal and functionality, as renters may be more concerned with the immediate conditions of the property’s offerings. Renters aren’t going to put money into fixing up the home, so the condition of the property is extremely important.
In contrast, for-sale properties are marketed with a long-term perspective in mind, highlighting aspects like the quality of construction, the elegance of design, and the neighborhood’s desirability. If there is some work to be done, it’s not always a bad thing.
Frequency of Change
Rental properties might see more frequent turnover, necessitating regular updates to the property’s photographic portfolio to reflect current furnishings or upgrades.
For-sale properties, while also needing up-to-date images, might not require as frequent updates unless significant changes are made to the property, which is highly unlikely during the sales process.
Detailing the Lifestyle
Rental Lifestyle
With rentals, the photography might focus more on the lifestyle that the property affords, especially in urban or high-demand areas where location and convenience are major selling points.
Images might include nearby attractions, transit options, and neighborhood vibe, which are all important to renters looking for their next home.
For Sale Lifestyle
For-sale properties, while also benefiting from neighborhood and lifestyle shots, often emphasize the dream or aspirational aspect of owning the home. The imagery might focus more on the community, the potential for family growth, and the investment aspect of purchasing the home.
Quality and Style Considerations
Consistency and Branding for Rentals
Rental properties, especially those managed by large entities or chains, might require a consistent style or branding in their photographs across various locations. This consistency helps build the brand’s image and makes it easier for potential renters to recognize the property’s quality and offerings.
Individualized Approach for Sales
Each for-sale property is unique and might require a more individualized approach to photography. The style, tone, and focus of the photographs may vary greatly depending on the property’s characteristics, the target demographic, and the selling points identified by the realtor or homeowner.
Additional Resources
Check out our article 5 Tips for Photographing Rental Properties so learn how to expertly photograph rental units.
If you’re just getting started in real estate photography, check out our Beginners Guide. It’s full of helpful articles and tips that will guide you in the right direction as you begin your real estate photography journey.
You can check out our Gear section as well to see reviews and recommendations on the latest real estate photography gear.
If you’re more interested in other resources that can help your real estate photography business, check out our Business Resources page.
