Posting before-and-after pictures of home renovations on social media sites like TikTok can invalidate home insurance cover, MoneySuperMarket has warned.
By using old property listing photos as ‘before’ shots people can give away their address.
Kara Gammell, insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, said: “Many people don’t realise that using screenshots or screengrabs from their property’s original listing on sites like Rightmove or Zoopla can put them at risk.
“These images can stay online for years and be easily found through a simple reverse image search – meaning anyone, including opportunist thieves, could work out where you live.”
She added: “if your content reveals where you live or showcases valuable possessions, your insurer may argue that you haven’t taken reasonable care to protect your property. Therefore, if your home was targeted by thieves as a result, your claim could be denied – leaving you to cover the replacement costs yourself.
“It’s not that you can’t share your home online, but thinking twice before posting anything that reveals your location or valuables can make a big difference.”
4 top tips to post safely without revealing your location
- Use your own “before” photos Always avoid using old listing images from sites like Rightmove or Zoopla for the “before” shots – they can remain online for years and make your home easy to find. Taking your own photos means you control what’s shared.
- Blur or crop identifiable details Edit out or crop anything that could reveal your address, such as house numbers, street signs, or car registration plates.
- Keep valuables out of shot Be mindful of how much you’re sharing when posting your home online. Make sure expensive items like tech, jewellery or artwork aren’t visible to avoid unwanted attention from opportunistic thieves.
- Check your privacy settings Where possible, set your online accounts to private so you can control who views your content. While going viral for your renovation might sound fun, leaving your home identifiable to strangers just isn’t worth the risk.