Why Landlords Should Invest in Professional Photography for Student Properties
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Student Housing
#1 Student Lettings Agency
In cites like Nottingham and Lincoln, where student housing is in high demand but competition between landlords is fierce, one of the simplest ways to stand out is with professional property photography.
At Student Housing, we’ve spent years analysing what works when it comes to letting properties quickly and profitably. Across both Nottingham and Lincoln, our data consistently shows that listings with professional photos:
Receive significantly more clicks on platforms like Rightmove and Zoopla
Generate more high-quality tenant enquiries
Let faster and often at higher weekly rents
In short: first impressions count — and your photos are your first impression
The Psychology of a Scroll: Why Photos Sell Student Lets
Today’s students — and their parents — shop online. The average browser spends just 1.5 seconds scanning each property before deciding whether to click through. If your images are dark, blurry, or poorly framed, you risk being skipped entirely.
Compare these two real images:
The professionally photographed room looks bright, spacious, and inviting. The standard photo makes the same room appear cramped and unappealing.
Great photography taps into emotion. It helps prospective tenants imagine themselves living, studying, and relaxing in the space. And it sends a clear signal: this landlord takes pride in their property.
What Professional Photography Can Do for You as a Landlord
Whether you own a 5-bed HMO in Lenton or a student flat near the University of Lincoln, the benefits of professional photography are clear:
✅ Higher Rents
Properties with high-quality images consistently attract higher-paying tenants. The perception of value increases when a property is well-presented, often allowing landlords to charge £5–£15 more per week, per room.
⏳ Faster Letting Times
Professional listings tend to let 30–50% faster than those with basic smartphone photos. That means fewer void periods and more consistent rental income.
📊 Better Marketing Performance
Rightmove, Zoopla, and our own internal listings prioritise well-performing content. Properties with more clicks and longer engagement times rank higher in search results.
Why It Works: The Professional Advantage
Professional property photographers use:
Wide-angle lenses to show room size and layout
Natural and balanced lighting to avoid shadows and glare
Tripods and editing software to ensure clean, sharp results
Strategic framing to highlight key features students care about (desks, communal areas, storage, etc.)
Check out this kitchen example:
Which one would you book a viewing for?
Meet the Photographer: Iain McMillan
We strongly recommend working with Iain McMillan, a professional photographer who specialises in HMO and student property photography.
Iain McMillan
Email: iain@iainmcmillan.com
Facebook: facebook.com/100064654015267
Iain has photographed hundreds of student properties across the East Midlands. He knows how to capture space, showcase features students love, and turn even the smallest rooms into bright, marketable spaces.
Final Thoughts: A Small Investment, a Big Return
Professional photography typically costs less than one week’s rent for a single room — but the return is often tenfold.
At Student Housing, we work with landlords across Nottingham and Lincoln to help market their properties professionally. If you want your student accommodation to stand out and secure tenancies quickly, great photos are the easiest place to start.
Get in touch with our team or book a session directly with Iain McMillan today.
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Student Housing
#1 Student Lettings Agency
Student Housing is a top-rated student lettings agency offering fully furnished, bills-included accommodation across Lincoln, Nottingham, and Hull. Run by former students, we provide hassle-free, transparent housing tailored for university life.
