How much does professional real estate photography cost in Melbourne 2026?

In the fast-paced Melbourne property market, your listing has about three seconds to capture a buyer’s attention. In 2026, that first impression is almost exclusively digital. Whether they are scrolling through https://www.google.com/search?q=realestate.com.au or Instagram, buyers stop for one reason: stunning visuals.

But for agents and vendors preparing a campaign, the question of budget is always front of mind. How much does professional real estate photography cost in Melbourne? Is it worth paying extra for twilight shots or drone footage?

At UberRE, we believe in transparency. Drawing on current industry data and 2026 market trends, we’ve broken down exactly what you can expect to pay for top-tier real estate photography services in Melbourne this year.

The Snapshot: Average Real Estate Photography Melbourne Price

If you are looking for a quick answer, here is the current market average for professional property photography costs in Melbourne:

• Standard Daytime Shoot (10-15 images): $160 – $300
• Twilight / Dusk Shoot (Premium): $250 – $450+
• Drone / Aerial Photography: $200 – $500 (often cheaper as an add-on)
• Video Walkthroughs: $300 – $800+

While you can find budget options around the $150 mark, these often lack the high-end editing and composition required to make a property truly stand out in a competitive suburb. On the other end, comprehensive real estate photography packages for luxury estates can range from $1,000 to over $2,000 when video and 3D tours are included.

Breakdown: What Are You Paying For?

Understanding real estate photography pricing requires looking at what goes into the shoot. It’s not just about clicking a button; it’s about lighting, composition, and hours of post-production.

1. Standard Daytime Photography

• Cost Estimate: $160 – $300
• Best For: Rental listings, apartments, and standard residential sales.

This is your baseline. A professional real estate photographer in Melbourne will typically spend 45–60 minutes on-site capturing the key rooms (kitchen, living, master bed, bathrooms) and the façade.

• Note: According to Expert Property Photography, basic packages often start at the lower end but may charge extra per additional image. Ensure your package includes enough photos to cover the whole home.

2. Twilight (Dusk) Photography

• Cost Estimate: $250 – $450+
• Best For: Hero shots, properties with pools, landscaped gardens, or modern lighting.

Twilight shoots are the "gold standard" of real estate photography services. Shot during the "golden hour" just after sunset, these images create an emotional connection with buyers. The warm glow of interior lights against a deep blue sky screams luxury.

• Industry Insight: Data suggests that Melbourne is a competitive market where twilight photography is increasingly becoming the standard, not just an upgrade.

3. Aerial & Drone Photography

• Cost Estimate: $200 – $500 (Stand-alone)
• Best For: Large blocks, properties near the beach/parks, and development sites.

A few years ago, drone shots were a novelty. In 2026, they are essential for showing context. If your property is walking distance to a train station or the bay, a ground-level photo can't prove it—but a drone can. Many agencies now bundle this into their real estate photography packages for a better rate.

Factors That Influence Property Photography Cost

Why does one quote say $200 and another says $600? Here are the variables that shift the dial:

• Property Size: A 4-bedroom home takes longer to shoot and edit than a 1-bedroom apartment. Expect to pay more for larger floor plans.
• Location: While most real estate photographers in Melbourne cover the metro area, properties on the Mornington Peninsula or outer fringes may incur travel fees.
• Add-Ons: Virtual staging (filling empty rooms with digital furniture) is a cost-effective alternative to physical staging but will add $30–$50 per photo to your final bill.
• Experience: As noted by our experts, experienced photographers charge for their "eye"—their ability to find the best angle that makes a room look spacious, not distorted.

Real Estate Photography Packages vs. A La Carte

The smartest way to manage your property photography cost is to book a package. Most agencies, including UberRE, offer tiered bundles.

Instead of paying $300 for photos + $300 for a floor plan + $400 for a drone, a combined "Marketing Suite" package might cost $600–$800 total. This ensures visual consistency across your campaign and saves significant admin time.

Is It Worth the Investment?

When you look at the real estate photography cost, view it as an investment, not an expense.

• Higher Sale Price: Listings with professional photos sell for more money.
• Faster Sales: Quality visuals generate more clicks and open home attendees.
• Brand Reputation: For agents, the quality of your marketing directly reflects your brand. High-end photography attracts high-end vendors.

Conclusion

In 2026, the real estate photography Melbourne market is more sophisticated than ever. While prices have adjusted slightly to reflect new technology like drones and AI editing, the core truth remains: quality sells.

Don't let a budget of $100 stand between you and a record-breaking sale price.

Ready to elevate your listing? At UberRE, we provide premium, all-inclusive photography solutions tailored to the Melbourne market. Contact us today to discuss a package that fits your property perfectly.

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