Property Photography for Idealista and Fotocasa: Formats and Tips
Even excellent Marbella property photographs can underperform if the files are poorly prepared for the portals where the listing appears. Idealista and Fotocasa have technical requirements and their own systems for presenting listings to buyers.
This guide covers file formats, image size, gallery length, cover-image order and common mistakes to check before publishing a listing.
📊 Key figures: The Spanish article cites Fotocasa figures suggesting that listings with more than 20 quality photographs receive up to 58% more enquiries than those with fewer than ten. It also cites a 73% influence for the cover image on clicks in Idealista.
1. Technical specifications by portal
Check the portal’s current upload limits before exporting images. The table below combines published limits with the practical settings used in the original guide.
| Parameter | Idealista | Fotocasa |
|---|---|---|
| Accepted format | JPG, JPEG, GIF, PNG | JPG, JPEG, PNG |
| Recommended format | JPG / JPEG | JPG / JPEG |
| Maximum file size | 32 MB | Not confirmed publicly (practical target: under 10 MB) |
| Published minimum resolution | Not specified | 1,400 × 900 px |
| Suggested working resolution | 3,000–4,000 px on the long edge | 2,400 × 1,600 px |
| Orientation | Landscape (16:9 or 4:3) | Landscape recommended |
| Maximum number of photos | 180 photos | Not confirmed publicly (practical guide: 50+) |
| Minimum for a promoted listing | Not specified | Five photos cited in the original guide |
| Suggested number | 20–30 for an apartment · 40–60 for a villa | 20 photos |
| Logos or watermarks | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Portrait photos | Accepted, but often less effective | Use less of the available display area |
| Colour profile | sRGB | sRGB |
Technical note: PNG may produce a larger file than JPEG for photographs. JPEG at around 85%–92% quality can balance detail and file size. Export in sRGB to keep colour consistent across common browsers and devices.
2. Choosing the number of photographs
For a more detailed breakdown, see my guide on how many photographs you need to sell a property based on its size and layout.
Gallery length should reflect the property. Too few images leave buyers with questions; too many near-duplicates make the listing tiring to browse. As a practical rule, allow one to four photographs per room, plus the outdoor views needed to explain the property.
- One- or two-bedroom apartment: 15–20 photographs, covering every room without repetition.
- Three- or four-bedroom apartment: 20–30 photographs, with enough views to explain each bedroom.
- Villa or detached house: 35–50 photographs for rooms, outdoor areas, pool, garden and views.
- Marbella luxury villa above €1 million: 50–60 photographs, including finishes, bedrooms and aerial or twilight views when relevant.
Common mistake: Uploading 50 images when 20 show the living room from nearly identical angles. Choose meaningful variety so buyers keep exploring the home.
3. Put the photographs in an order buyers can follow
The first few photographs deserve special care because they are the first part of the listing buyers see in search and preview views. They can influence whether a buyer opens the full listing.
4. Technical mistakes that weaken a listing
Many Costa del Sol listings contain strong photographs but lose impact through avoidable presentation mistakes:
- Portrait images used throughout. Portrait images can use less of the available gallery space or be cropped awkwardly. Provide landscape views for the main listing sequence.
- Watermarks or agency logos. They distract from the property; Idealista’s publishing terms also prohibit watermarks and logos on listing images.
- Unusual colour profiles. Use sRGB for consistent colour across browsers and devices.
- Duplicate or near-identical photographs. Three almost identical living-room views add little for buyers. Show a meaningful change of angle or move to another space.
- A floor plan or document as the cover. Open with a strong photograph of the property. Keep plans and certificates later in the gallery or their designated section.
- Low-resolution files. Very small images may look soft on large screens. The original guide uses 1,400 pixels as a lower threshold.
- Exteriors photographed in harsh light. Strong midday shadows can hide garden and facade detail. Softer morning or evening light may suit the property better.
5. Idealista and Fotocasa: practical differences
Both portals rely on clear, relevant images, but their listing layouts differ.
Idealista offers photographs alongside video and virtual-tour options in its professional tools. Prepare a strong cover and a coherent opening sequence.
Fotocasa also benefits from a clear landscape-first sequence. The original guide cites five photographs for a promoted listing and recommends varied early images rather than three views of the same room. Verify current product conditions directly with Fotocasa.
For the Costa del Sol: The original guide suggests giving particular attention to Idealista for homes above €600,000, while presenting lower-priced homes carefully on both portals. In every case, adapt the gallery to the audience and property.
6. Checklist before uploading your photographs
Before publishing, check the files and the gallery order:
- JPEG files in sRGB, with export quality around 85%–92%.
- At least 2,400 pixels on the long edge as a working target; 3,000–4,000 pixels when useful.
- A landscape-first gallery; use portrait images only where the layout supports them.
- No logos, watermarks or overlaid text.
- Choose the strongest relevant cover image, not simply the first one taken.
- Remove duplicates and near-identical angles.
- Show three different parts of the home in the opening sequence.
- Match the gallery length to the property type.
- Photograph outdoor spaces in flattering light where possible.
- Remove visible personal items and documents.
Need photographs ready for Idealista and Fotocasa?
I provide high-resolution files and web-ready JPEG versions in sRGB, prepared for property portals without watermarks.
Photographs ready to publish within 48 hours
Shoots across Marbella, Estepona, Fuengirola, Sotogrande and the Costa del Sol. Portal-ready versions are included.
Request a quoteFAQs
How many photographs can you upload to Idealista?
Idealista’s professional tools currently state a maximum of 180 photographs, up to 32 MB each, in JPEG, GIF or PNG format. As a working guide, use 20–30 strong images for a standard apartment and 40–60 for a larger villa.
What image resolution should I prepare?
The original guide cites 1,400 × 900 pixels for Fotocasa. For modern screens, I generally prepare files around 2,400 × 1,600 pixels or more, and often 3,000 pixels on the long edge for Idealista. Check each portal’s current upload guidance.
Which image format should I use?
JPEG is a practical choice for photographs because it balances image quality and file size. Export in sRGB for predictable colour. Idealista also accepts GIF and PNG.
Which photograph should be the Idealista cover?
Choose the strongest truthful view of the home: often the living area, terrace or a villa exterior with its garden and pool. If the property has a real sea view, the original guide cites 30%–40% more clicks for a view-led cover.
Published May 2026. Portal requirements can change; check the current help pages before uploading.
