Checklist for preparing a property for video and photography

At a glanceWhat this article covers

1. 01

   Remove distractions without erasing the space

2. 02

   Check access, lighting and operation

3. 03

   Share technical details and priorities before filming

A camera records architecture and distractions alike. Preparing a property does not mean removing every sign of life. It means making circulation, light, materials and scale easier to understand.

Exterior and access

Confirm parking, keys, gates, lifts and building rules. Remove bins, hoses, tools and vehicles blocking the facade where possible. Gardens, pools and balconies should be clean and ready.

Interiors

Clean surfaces, glass and mirrors. Reduce cables, packaging, toiletries and personal items. Straighten chairs, curtains, cushions and bedding. Small adjustments usually have more impact than adding new decoration.

Light and operation

Check bulbs and keep colour temperatures consistent where possible. Open blinds and curtains according to the crew's direction. Confirm that water, electricity, climate control and relevant equipment work if they need to appear.

Information for the story

Share floor plans, areas, sunlight direction, materials, renovations, technical features and important views. Describe the likely buyer or guest and identify priority spaces.

People, animals and schedule

Plan for the property to be clear during filming unless people are part of the narrative. Organise pets and avoid cleaning, deliveries or maintenance at the same time. Allow room for photography, video and drone where applicable, because each medium moves differently through the space.

The day before, walk through the property as if arriving for the first time and notice what attracts attention before the architecture. A prepared space speeds production and gives the crew more time for light, framing and the property's real story.

Prepare the property room by room

Start with the spaces that sell the experience of the property, not necessarily the largest rooms. The entrance, living area, kitchen, principal bedroom, exterior and view normally build the clearest sequence. In every space, aim for an immediate reading of circulation, natural light and purpose. Remove distraction without making the property feel unused.

Use the first-impression test

Walk into each room and notice the first element that attracts attention. If it is a cable, reflection, half-open door or personal object, correct it before adding more decoration. Then check the route between spaces. Doors, corridors and stairs must allow the crew to move without resetting the property for every shot.

Light, reflections and continuity

Replace failed bulbs and avoid mixing very different colour temperatures unless that contrast is intentional. Clean glass, mirrors and polished surfaces because cameras reveal marks that are easy to miss in person. Confirm that blinds, curtains and practical lights can be repeated consistently between video and photography.

Information that helps tell the property story

• Confirmed floor plan and areas.
• Orientation and best natural-light window.
• Relevant materials, authorship and renovations.
• Relationship with transport, services, landscape and access.
• Intended buyer, tenant or guest profile.
• Priority rooms and anything that cannot be filmed.
• Building, privacy, drone or access restrictions.

On the production day

Have the property completely ready before call time. Keep one decision-maker available, but allow the crew to work without constant interruption. Avoid scheduling visits, cleaning and deliveries at the same time. When video, photography and drone are included, the order of work should follow the light and minimise repeated preparation.

Frequently asked questions

Does the property need to be completely empty?

No. Well-chosen furniture helps communicate scale and use. The goal is to reduce distractions and organise what remains.

Can the crew reorganise the property on the day?

Small framing adjustments are possible, but cleaning, maintenance and general preparation should be complete to protect filming time.