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Houses on Funda unrecognizable due to AI photos: 'Didn't feel like viewing'

Houses on Funda unrecognizable due to AI photos: 'Didn't feel like viewing'

Dutch real estate agents are increasingly using AI-generated photos on Funda to showcase renovation possibilities, though some listings have faced criticism for misleadingly altering property features. Funda has implemented strict rules requiring AI labels and prohibiting deceptive representations, while experts urge buyers to verify all images against official floor plans.

Real estate agents in the Netherlands are increasingly utilizing artificial intelligence to enhance property listings on the platform Funda. While these tools can effectively show potential buyers the possibilities for renovation or interior design, some agents are using them to misrepresent properties by altering room dimensions or removing structural elements like doors and windows. This practice has led to concerns among house hunters, some of whom feel discouraged from scheduling viewings when they cannot see the actual condition of a home. Funda permits the use of AI to illustrate potential, provided that images are labeled clearly, do not depict structural impossibilities, and are not used as the primary photo for existing homes.

Industry experts and consumer advocates emphasize that such images should only serve as inspiration rather than a representation of a home's current state. They advise buyers to compare AI-generated visuals against floor plans, official living space measurements, and original photographs. If buyers encounter misleading advertisements, they are encouraged to report these to Funda for potential investigation.

Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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