Elite’s Realistic-Photo Policy

Elite’s Realistic-Photo Policy

Elite International Real Estate is committed to presenting properties accurately and honestly. Photographs must give prospective buyers and tenants a fair impression of the property’s current appearance, condition and layout.

1. Accurate representation

Photographs must not exaggerate room sizes, distort layouts or misrepresent fixtures, views, gardens, parking or other features.

2. Photographing the property

Where possible, cleaning, tidying and moving personal belongings should take place before photographs are taken. Permission must be obtained before photographing an occupied property, and personal documents and identifying information must be kept out of view.

3. Editing and labelling

Any image changed from the original photograph must be clearly labelled:

“Illustrative image - photograph edited.”

Where an edit changes the visible contents or appearance of the property, the label or accompanying caption must also explain the alteration, for example:

“Illustrative image - personal belongings digitally removed.”

Labels must be legible and displayed on the image so they remain visible when it is downloaded, shared or published elsewhere.

4. Changes that are not permitted

Images must not conceal damp, mould, cracks, damage or other defects. Permanent structures and neighbouring buildings must not be removed or altered. Rooms, windows, gardens and views must not be enlarged, added or changed to create a misleading impression.

An illustrative label does not make a misleading alteration acceptable.

5. Virtual staging

Elite does not use virtual staging in standard property photographs. Any separately commissioned design concept must receive the Director’s approval, appear separately from photographs showing the current property and carry the label:

“Illustrative concept only - does not show the property’s current condition.”

6. Approval and record keeping

Original photographs must be retained. Edited images must be checked against the originals and approved before publication. The landlord or seller should confirm that the photographs fairly represent the property.

This policy applies to property portals, Elite’s website, brochures, social media and all other marketing materials.