Virtual Staging in Property Listings: A New Frontier or Misleading Practice?

Estate Agents Employ Virtual Staging for Cluttered Property, Sparking Debate A recent online video by content creator "Housing Horrors" has brought attention to the use of virtual staging in property listings, particularly for homes with significantly cluttered interiors. The video showcases a 4-bedroom semi-detached house in Sellindge, Kent, listed with a guide price of £330,500. The creator highlights before-and-after images, suggesting that estate agents utilized artificial intelligence to digitally declutter and furnish the rooms, transforming them from a state he described as an "absolute eyesore" to a more appealing, staged appearance. The property is also noted to be part of a "Home for Life" scheme by Homewise, targeting individuals over 60, with an actual full market value stated as £500,000. This scheme allows eligible buyers to purchase a percentage share of the property value, leading to the lower guide price. The use of virtual staging has elicited mixed reactions from the public. While some commenters view it as a "genius idea" that helps potential buyers "visualise living there" and "see past objects," others express concerns about transparency. One commenter stated, "I've usually only seen this on empty properties... Not sure I agree in this instance unless the EA brochure shows both 'before' & 'after'." Another pointed out that "Agents have been doing this for years, and it’s not AI," suggesting traditional photo editing rather than advanced AI. The debate underscores evolving practices in real estate marketing and consumer expectations regarding property presentation.

Metro

one month ago

Letting agents are increasingly using AI — and it’s hurting ‘desperate’ renters

A useful tool, or completely unethical?