Photographs in sales particulars

thriftytracey

I'd love to know what sort of lens the photographers use.  I viewed three properties yesterday and the gardens were about half the size!  The rooms too.  I know they publish the dimensions of room but I often don't really look at those - its the photographs.  I will from now on.  Viewed a four bedroom modern property (build in 1980's).  It was in a perfect location but the rooms were so small I would have junk half our furniture, no utility room, small kitchen, small dining area, we wouldn't fit our bed in the master bedroom, tiny garden.  I know house buying is all about Location, Location and Location but the space is important too. 

NameUnavailable

A lot use specialist equipment like this https://www.giraffe360.com/

Yes, it distorts the image and gives a false impression of space, so you can only really judge if a space works for you IMHO by a personal viewing.

moneysavinghero

A lot of agents will put a disclaimer such as this:

We would like to point out that all measurements, floor plans and photographs are for guidance purposes only (photographs may be taken with a wide angled/zoom lens), and dimensions, shapes and precise locations may differ to those set out in these sales particulars which are approximate and intended for guidance purposes only.

thriftytracey

The other thing is the close proximity of post 1980's detached houses.  When viewing the garden we could hear the conversation from next door's garden with perfect clarity. Couldn't have an argument!  In our 1960's house we can have a good bicker with no one overhearing!

thriftytracey

moneysavinghero said:

A lot of agents will put a disclaimer such as this:

We would like to point out that all measurements, floor plans and photographs are for guidance purposes only (photographs may be taken with a wide angled/zoom lens), and dimensions, shapes and precise locations may differ to those set out in these sales particulars which are approximate and intended for guidance purposes only.

Just checked four different estate agent particulars - all have the disclaimer about measurements but nothing about wide angled/zoom lens.  I do think it is a bit time wasting but I will now check the measurements carefully.  If they didn't use wide angle lens I am sure they would get less viewings.  

user1977

If they didn't use wide angle lenses then they wouldn't be able to fit as much of the room in the photo, it's not just a cunning ploy to make the rooms look bigger. Have a look at the listings where the photos have been done by amateurs (i.e. the vendors) and how little the pics actually show.

Greatgimp

You need to look at the distortion of the vertical and horizontal lines (door frames etc) at the edge of the pictures to work out if it's been exaggerated.

thriftytracey

Greatgimp said:

You need to look at the distortion of the vertical and horizontal lines (door frames etc) at the edge of the pictures to work out if it's been exaggerated.

Good tip.  It's more the outside space that seems incredibly distorted so a bit more difficult to judge.  I do look at Street View but doesn't show the back of the property.  Look at Satellite too but bit difficult to judge.

Greatgimp

If you've got Google Earth, find the property then measure garden using the tools, then measure your own with the same app, then compare.

ilikewatch2

We went to view a rural property that was advertised as having an "extremely generous" back garden , and indeed, in the photo's the back lawn looked to be literally the size of a football pitch - when we saw it in person it was actually about the size of a badminton court.

Greatgimp

You're lucky it wasn't a table tennis court