Listings with high-quality photos receive significantly more booking requests. Photos are the first thing tenants see — they decide in seconds whether to enquire or keep scrolling.
Why photos are the #1 factor in booking decisions
International students searching for accommodation on Uniplaces are making decisions remotely — they can’t visit the property before booking. Your photos are the property visit. A listing with dark, blurry or missing photos will be skipped, regardless of how well-priced or well-located it is.
Tenants comparing listings in cities like Lisbon, Madrid or Berlin will typically have dozens of options at similar price points. The listings that convert are the ones where photos create an immediate feeling of trust and desirability. This is the single highest-return investment of time you can make as a landlord on Uniplaces.
How many photos should you have?
Uniplaces requires a minimum of 5 photos, but the recommended number is significantly higher. Listings with 10 or more photos consistently outperform those with fewer. Aim for at least one photo of every room a tenant will use — bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living area and any outdoor space.
More photos also reduce disputes at move-in. When tenants can see exactly what to expect, there are fewer surprises on arrival — which means fewer issues to resolve through the 24-hour safety period.
What to photograph — room by room
- Bedroom — bed made and tidy, show the window and natural light, include the wardrobe and desk if present
- Bathroom — clean, toilet lid closed, include any storage. If en-suite, make this clear.
- Kitchen — worktops clear, appliances visible, show the hob, fridge and any storage space
- Living area — if shared, show the sofa, TV and any communal space
- Hallway and entrance — gives context for the overall property size and condition
- Outdoor space — any balcony, terrace or garden is a significant selling point; photograph it
- Building exterior — a photo of the front of the building or street helps tenants feel orientated
Lighting and angles — practical tips
Natural light is everything. Photograph during the day with curtains and blinds fully open. Turn on all artificial lights too — layering natural and artificial light makes rooms feel warm and inviting rather than clinical.
- Shoot from corners of the room, not the doorway — corner shots make spaces look bigger
- Hold the camera at chest height, not eye level — lower angles make ceilings appear higher
- Keep the camera level — tilted horizons look unprofessional and distracting
- Remove clutter before shooting — a tidy room photographs significantly better
- Avoid shooting directly into windows — the room will appear dark and the window will be blown out
Professional photography — when it’s worth it
If your listing is in a high-demand city and priced above the average for your area, professional photography pays for itself quickly. A professional photographer with interior experience can typically shoot an entire apartment in 1–2 hours and will handle lighting, angles and editing.
The cost of one professional shoot is usually recovered within the first confirmed booking from the increased conversion rate it generates. For landlords with multiple listings, it’s an even stronger investment.
Before and after — how good photos impact your bookings
Landlords who update their listings with better photos consistently report a noticeable increase in booking requests within days. The impact is immediate because Uniplaces shows your listing to tenants who are actively searching — better photos mean more clicks, more requests and faster confirmations.
If your listing has been live for more than two weeks with few requests, the photos are almost always the first thing to review. Update them and monitor the change in interest before adjusting price or other details.
Frequently asked questions
What file formats and sizes are accepted for photos?
Uniplaces accepts JPG and PNG formats. Photos should be at least 1024px wide for good display quality. There is a maximum file size per photo — if your file is too large, compress it slightly before uploading without reducing the resolution significantly.
Can I use photos taken on a smartphone?
Yes — modern smartphones produce excellent photos if used correctly. Use the guidelines above: shoot in daylight, from corners, with the camera level. Avoid using portrait mode for interiors as it can blur backgrounds in ways that look unnatural.
How do I update my photos if I’ve already published my listing?
Go to your Personal Dashboard, select your listing, click Edit, and navigate to the Photos section. You can add, remove or reorder photos at any time. Changes typically go live within minutes.
Should photos show the property exactly as it will be when the tenant arrives?
Yes — always. Photos that show furniture, amenities or conditions that won’t be present when the tenant moves in create disputes through the 24-hour safety period. Show the property exactly as it is and will be. Accuracy builds trust and avoids problems.
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