UNREAL ESTATE

Why more property agents in Singapore are using Al-generated images to sell homes

- Teo Kai Xiang

When Mr Szabolcs, 40, was browsing online directory Property-Guru for a new place to rent in Singapore, one listing captured his attention.

Describing it as “too good to be true”, he shared that listing in a Reddit post published in October, writing: “The angles are unreal and the walls’ surfaces are perfect, proportions are nonexistent.”

Netizens reacted to the images with criticism over the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in real estate. One user commented that it seemed “unethical”. Another poked fun at how a ceiling beam had apparently disappeared.

Alongside the AI-generated renderings in the property listing are images of what appear to be the same apartment in an unfurnished state, making the discrepancies easier to spot.

“I understand ‘concept art’ for purchases and I think it makes sense, if you are a potential buyer, to see the possibilities a unit has to offer,” the Hungarian software engineer, who declined to give his full name, tells The Straits Times.

“However, as someone looking to rent, it doesn’t make any sense,” he adds, noting that tenants often face strict restrictions around how they can change a space, and have little financial interest in renovating a rental unit.

As the listing did not disclose its use of AI, “it hit me more as a scammy tactic”, says Mr Szabolcs.

The property agent who created the listing that drew Mr Szabolcs’ attention declined to comment when contacted by ST.

This is no isolated incident.

Realtors and experts tell ST that it is reflective of how Singapore’s property landscape often affords agents little budget for sprucing up a home before selling it, creating a reliance on cheaper tools like generative AI.

WHY IS AI BEING USED?

What is behind the rise of Al-generated images in property listings?