New rules require estate agents to show original property photos

Finland’s Central Federation of Real Estate Agencies is tightening its guidance on AI-generated images in property listings, Yle reports. The new guidance says unedited photos must also be shown alongside AI-altered images.

Yle reported last week that AI images have become more common in property listings, including depictions of renovations that may not be possible to carry out.

The guidance distinguishes digital staging from virtual renovation. Digital staging adds furniture or decor while leaving the property itself unchanged. Virtual renovation alters the image to show features such as new surfaces or a kitchen after a renovation.

Images may show only renovations that can actually be made, and any image alterations must be clearly disclosed. Original and AI-altered images must also be easy to compare. In listings previously reviewed by Yle, images were sometimes separated or taken from different angles.

The Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority says an estate agency could face costly consequences if AI has been used to conceal defects and the agent is found to have failed in its duty to provide information. Agents must tell buyers about defects and other property features that could affect their decision to purchase.