Purplebricks Photography: Why Hiring Your Own Photographer Gets Better Results

If you're selling your home through Purplebricks, you've probably already noticed that the photography situation isn't quite as straightforward as it first appears. Depending on which package you've chosen, you might be expected to take your own photos, or you might have professional photography included but find yourself wondering whether it's really good enough to make your property stand out on Rightmove and Zoopla.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Purplebricks photography, what's actually included, what it costs, and why hiring an independent property photographer could be the smartest decision you make during the selling process.

Purplebricks has gone through several pricing changes since Strike acquired the brand in 2023. As of 2026, their model works like this:

Their free package includes a Zoopla listing, a for-sale board, and access to their online dashboard, but photography is not included. You're expected to provide your own images. If you want your property on Rightmove, that's an extra £299. If you want professional photography, a 360 virtual tour, and a floorplan, you're looking at £699 on top.

Their paid packages (from £799 upfront or £1,299 on completion) do include professional photography, floorplans, and a 360 tour. Drone photography is an additional £199, and elevated photography (up to six metres) costs £99 extra.

Then there's Purple Portals at £599, which is their DIY option where you use your own photos and floorplans but get access to the Purplebricks platform to manage viewings and offers.

The key takeaway is this: unless you're paying for one of the premium packages, you're either taking your own photos or paying separately for photography.

If you're on the free package or Purple Portals, you'll need to provide your own images. This is where a lot of sellers come unstuck. The difference between a smartphone photo and a professional property image isn't just about having a better camera, it's about understanding composition, lighting, lens choice, and how to make a room look its best without misrepresenting it.

Common issues with DIY property photos include rooms that look smaller than they actually are, colour casts from mixed lighting, cluttered compositions that distract from the space itself, blown-out windows where you can't see the view, and dark corners where the camera's sensor couldn't cope with the contrast range. These aren't minor cosmetic problems. Research consistently shows that properties with professional photography sell faster and for higher prices. A study by Redfin found that homes with professional photos sold for between £1,000 and £11,000 more than comparable properties with amateur images.

If you're on one of the paid packages that includes professional photography, Purplebricks will send a local photographer to your property. The quality varies depending on who's available in your area. Some sellers report excellent results, others have been disappointed.

The most common complaints about Purplebricks photography relate to the number of images (sometimes as few as six photos for a whole house), the lack of attention to staging and preparation, rushed shoots that don't capture the property at its best, and limited or no editing beyond basic adjustments. This isn't necessarily the photographer's fault. When you're working for a platform that's trying to keep costs down, the time allocated per property is often tight. An independent photographer working directly for you will typically spend longer on site, take more care with composition and staging advice, and deliver a larger set of fully edited images.

Whether you're using Purplebricks' free package, Purple Portals, or even one of their paid options, you can use your own photographer's images instead. This is worth knowing because it means you're not locked into whatever Purplebricks provides.

Here's what you get when you hire an independent property photographer like me:

More images. My standard property packages start at 15-20 edited images and go up from there. That means every room, every angle, and every selling point gets covered properly.

HDR processing. Every image I deliver uses HDR (High Dynamic Range) bracketing, which means bright windows and dark corners are both properly exposed. This is the single biggest technical difference between professional and amateur property photos.

Drone photography included. Purplebricks charges £199 extra for drone photography. Many of my packages include aerial shots as standard, giving your listing that elevated perspective that immediately catches a buyer's eye on Rightmove.

Staging advice. Before I start shooting, I'll walk through the property with you and suggest small adjustments, moving a piece of furniture, tidying a worktop, opening curtains, that can make a significant difference to how the space photographs.

Fast turnaround. I deliver fully edited images within 24-48 hours, so your listing goes live quickly.

Local knowledge. I know the Somerset, Bristol, Bath, and South West property market. I understand what buyers in this area are looking for and how to photograph properties to appeal to them.

To make the comparison clearer, here's how the two options stack up:

If you've decided to hire an independent photographer, the process is straightforward. On the free package and Purple Portals, you upload your own images directly through the Purplebricks dashboard. You're in full control of which photos appear on your listing and in what order.

If you're on a paid package that includes photography, you can still request to use your own images instead. Contact your Purplebricks property expert and let them know you'll be providing professional photography. Most are happy to accommodate this because better photos mean a faster sale, which is good for everyone.

The images I provide are delivered in the correct format and resolution for Rightmove, Zoopla, and all major property portals. You won't need to resize or reformat anything.

This advice applies equally if you're selling through any online estate agent. Yopa, Doorsteps, Settled, or any of the other platforms that have emerged in recent years all follow a similar model where photography is either an add-on or varies in quality. The principle is the same: your listing photos are the single most important factor in whether a buyer clicks through to find out more about your property, and investing in professional photography is almost always worth it.

Even if you're using a traditional high-street estate agent, it's worth asking who takes their photos and whether you can provide your own. Some agents use in-house photographers who do excellent work, others rely on negotiators with smartphones. If you're not happy with what's being offered, you have the right to commission your own photography.

Purplebricks includes a 360 virtual tour in their photography add-on package. If you're hiring an independent photographer instead, you can add a Matterport 3D virtual tour and professional floor plans to your shoot. I offer both as add-ons, and they're particularly valuable for larger properties, unusual layouts, or homes where the flow between rooms is a key selling point.

Floor plans are increasingly expected by buyers. Rightmove data shows that listings with floor plans receive significantly more engagement than those without. If Purplebricks isn't providing one with your package, it's worth adding.

If you're selling through Purplebricks, or any other online or traditional estate agent, and you want your property to look its absolute best online, get in touch. I cover property photography across Somerset, Bristol, Bath, Devon, Cornwall, and the wider South West, with packages starting from £149.

Your listing photos are the first impression buyers get of your home. Make sure it's a good one.

Get a free quote or call me on 07545 450543 to discuss your property.

I work with estate agents across Somerset, Bristol and Bath. If you need professional property photography for your listings, get in touch or call 07545 450543.