Why Your Home isn’t Getting Bookings … (and how to fix it!)

There’s something undeniably exciting about the idea of your home transforming into a photoshoot location. But if you’ve listed your property and the bookings aren’t rolling in, don’t worry - you’re not alone. Many homeowners face similar challenges.

The good news? With a few strategic tweaks, you can turn things around. Here are the top reasons your home might not be attracting bookings and what you can do about it.

1. Presentation and Quality of Photographs

First impressions matter, and for scouts and production teams, your property photos are that first impression. High-quality, well-lit images are essential to showcase your home’s potential.

Professional photos aren’t always necessary - some great smartphone shots can work. The key is that they must be clear, well-composed, and highlight your home’s best features. A dark or cluttered photo will struggle to compete with a portfolio of bright, clean, and enticing images.

Pro Tip:

Take photos during the day when natural light floods your space. If possible, add a few evening shots for variety. But remember, quality trumps quantity.

2. Unique Features and Aesthetic Appeal

Scouts are on the lookout for properties that stand out. Does your home have something unique to offer? Think architectural features like exposed beams, sweeping staircases, or period details. Even striking interiors - bold wallpaper, a colourful kitchen, or a perfectly minimalist room - can make a difference.

If your home doesn’t have standout features, don’t panic. Versatility is just as valuable. A neutral, well-maintained space that can transform into different styles might be exactly what a scout needs.

Pro Tip:

Think about your home’s story and USPs. If it’s versatile, highlight that. If it’s unique, make that your focus. 

3. Flexibility and Accessibility

Practicality plays a big role in a scout’s decision. How easy is it for a crew to work at your property? Do you have ample parking? Is there space to store equipment? How flexible are you with timings or requests?

Production teams value hosts who understand their needs. A homeowner who’s willing to accommodate a shoot running late and has flexibility is likely to stand out.

Pro Tip:

Be upfront in your listing about logistical benefits, like driveway parking, ground floor access, or nearby facilities. Little details can make a big difference.

4. Clutter and Over-Personalisation

While your family photos and keepsakes might be precious to you, they’re unlikely to appeal to a production team. A cluttered or overly personalised space can be distracting and limit the shoot’s versatility.

Clearing surfaces, removing excess furniture, and opting for neutral styling can give your home broader appeal. But don’t mistake neutral for boring - make sure your home still feels warm and inviting.

Pro Tip:

If you’re short on time, the ‘cardboard box trick’ is a lifesaver. Pack away unnecessary items and stash them in your Monica cupboard or spare room.

5. Market Saturation and Competition

In areas with lots of properties vying for attention, parts of London and Manchester are good examples of this, it’s harder to stand out. Regularly updating your listing with fresh photos or highlighting unique selling points can help keep scouts interested.

For example, if you’ve recently redecorated, shout about it. If you’ve added a garden feature, take a new photo. Show scouts that your property is dynamic and well cared for.

Pro Tip:

Think like a scout: What’s different about your property now compared to a year ago? Make sure your listing reflects any updates.

How to Boost Your Property’s Appeal

If you’re serious about securing bookings, here are some actionable steps:

- Invest in Great Photography: Whether professional or smartphone, your images must be high quality. Remember, scouts are visual and busy professionals - they need to *see* your property’s potential.

- Emphasise Your Unique Features:*Your home’s USPs could be its period details, versatile spaces, or stunning natural light.

- Stay Flexible: The more accommodating you are, the more appealing your property becomes.

- Declutter and Neutralise: A clean, neutral environment offers scouts a blank canvas for their vision.

Ready to Go Further?

This blog gives you a head start, but it’s just the beginning. If you’re ready to transform your home into a sought-after photoshoot location, The Course, Becoming a Shoot Location Host, is your next step. It covers everything from styling your space to managing bookings and building lasting relationships and repeat bookings.

Stop guessing and start thriving - because with the right knowledge, your property has the potential to be a star.

Learn more about our course here.