Agency Defends AI Images Amid Misleading Property Claims

An estate agency has become embroiled in a public dispute over the use of AI-generated images in a property listing, which neighbors have slammed as ‘misleading’.

AI-Edited Photos Spark Neighborhood Dispute

Roseberry Newhouse, an agency covering North Yorkshire and Teesside, was recently featured in the Daily Mail following claims that photographs for a £350,000 terraced house had been significantly "doctored." The listing for the home in the village of Eaglescliffe described it as a “fully renovated three-bedroom Edwardian terrace” with “beautiful period features throughout.”

However, neighbors directed their criticism primarily at the property owner, suggesting an attempt to "pull a fast one."

They are pulling a fast one. It’s a laugh.

Neighbor Andrew Bailey told the newspaper, "The price is shocking. They have faked it all. It is a bit overpriced even though they have done it up." Another resident added, "It was funny when I looked at because I realised they had used AI to do the place up. Obviously, no one is going to make an offer before looking at it, but it is kind of false advertising.”

Agency's Response and Portal Intervention

Following the complaints, some of the pictures were removed from the Rightmove listing at the portal's request. The removed images included a photo of the building's exterior where an adjoining beauty parlour had been digitally erased, as well as others that featured imaginary, AI-generated furniture.

The agency had included an ‘Additional Note’ in the listing, which stated: “This property advertisement includes a combination of original interior photographs and virtually staged images (provided by the vendor) of the same rooms to illustrate potential lifestyle and living arrangements.”

John Newhouse, MD at Roseberry Newhouse, defended the listing. He told the Mail:

Please be assured there was no intention to deceive in our marketing of the property.

He added, "The listing clearly states that some images have been virtually staged to enhance presentation.”

Further Reading:

• Learn more about the brewing trouble over AI photography in real estate.
• Explore the intersection of Material Information and Photoshop in property photography.