The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 unfair-commercial-practices provisions apply UK-wide to practices from April 6, 2025. A misleading action or omission is generally unlawful when it is likely to cause the average consumer to take a transactional decision they would not otherwise take. The Act does not prescribe a universal virtual-staging watermark or original-photo format; the advertisement's overall impression must not mislead. The CAP Code and applicable professional or redress-scheme rules may add further requirements. Residential estate agents throughout the UK must join an approved redress scheme. The statutory redress requirement for letting agents and property managers applies in England and Wales; Scotland has a separate statutory letting-agent framework, while Northern Ireland letting agents are not subject to the same mandatory scheme rule.
Informational guidance only. Requirements and MLS rules change; confirm the current rule with the regulator, board, or qualified legal counsel before publishing.
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“Images have been virtually staged to illustrate the property's potential. Furniture and décor shown are digitally rendered and are not included with the property. Please refer to the original photographs for an accurate representation of the property's current condition.”
“This property features virtual staging to help you visualise its potential. The furniture shown is digitally added and not physically present. Book a viewing to see the actual space. #VirtualStaging #PropertyMarketing”
“This listing includes virtually staged photographs. Digital furniture and décor have been added to help you visualise the space. These items are not present in the physical property. Unstaged photographs are available upon request.”
“VIRTUALLY STAGED – Furniture shown is digitally rendered”
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