AI-Edited Property Listing Photos Create Confusion

AI-edited images in property listings are drawing complaints from people who say the photos show features absent from the homes. TechRadar’s Benedict Collins describes trying to compare photos of one house listed on Rightmove, where details appeared to change from image to image.

In the listing, plants in the driveway shifted or disappeared across different views. The rear garden looked patchy in one photo but had a neat path, repaired fence and larger lawn in others. Indoor details also seemed inconsistent: a framed picture changed with the viewer’s position, towels appeared to change color, and a towel rail seemed to have either five or six rails. The decking had either three or four steps, with extra steps and a gravel path offered as additions.

Collins also found an image described as original, but it showed a road that appeared in ordinance survey maps dating back to at least 1975 as a dead end. A “For Sale” sign in both the original and edited images had incomprehensible writing. Collins concluded that both images appeared digitally altered.

The listing’s disclaimer appeared after a 1,700-word description that Collins said also showed signs of AI involvement. It said digital staging was not intended to represent changes to the property’s physical structure, layout or dimensions, and advised prospective purchasers to rely on their own inspection.

Collins notes that this is one example, while Reddit communities such as r/SpottedonRightMove contain other complaints about AI-enhanced listings. Property valuations are not based on listing photos alone, but misleading images can waste the time and money of people who travel to view a home.