Using Your House as a Film Location

Allowing your home to be used as a film location can be a unique and rewarding experience. Whether it is for a feature film, drama series or commercial project, your property could provide the perfect backdrop for the story being told. With the right approach, filming can take place smoothly and professionally, with minimal disruption to your everyday life.

At The Location Guys, we work closely with both homeowners and production teams to ensure every shoot runs smoothly. If you are considering listing your house for filming, this guide will help you understand what to expect and how to prepare.

What Film Crews Look For

Every production is different, but some standard features make a property appealing as a filming location. You do not need a show home or architectural masterpiece – crews are looking for spaces that feel real, with enough flexibility to dress and shoot as needed.

Things that often make a property stand out include:

Natural light, particularly in living spaces and kitchens
Open layouts or rooms that are easy to move around in
Interesting interiors, from period features to contemporary styling
A clean and neutral décor that can work for various briefs
Good access for unloading equipment
Driveways or nearby parking, where possible

We represent a wide range of homes, including city flats, family houses, country properties and everything in between. What matters most is the layout, the light, and the usability of the space.

Making Your Home Film Ready

Once your home is booked for filming, you will need to prepare the space before the crew arrives. Presentation is key, and your house should look as it does in the photos on your listing.

This involves:

Giving the house a thorough clean
Tidying away everyday clutter or excess furniture
Removing valuables or anything particularly fragile
Ensuring all rooms are accessible and safe to work in
Checking heating, electricity, and Wi-Fi are all functioning
Having clear instructions ready for any alarms, entry gates or unusual systems

It can also be helpful to leave a note with key information such as the fuse box location, the water stopcock, and any access codes. Though this information is usually passed on in advance through your location agency, highlighting it on the day is appreciated by the crew.

What To Expect On Filming Days

Film shoots are often fast-moving, with early starts and busy schedules. A crew may arrive in the morning with several vehicles, bringing lighting, camera equipment, props and wardrobe. Production teams are very experienced in working in private homes and will treat your property with care and professionalism.

You should expect some movement of furniture or styling changes to suit the brief. Industry standard is to lift, rather than drag, and clients are constantly reminded to be respectful of the space.

Many owners choose to leave the property during the shoot, returning at the agreed time for the wrap-up. This gives the crew freedom to work without interruption and can make the day less stressful for the homeowner.

Using Your Home for Multiple Shoot Days

If a shoot is booked across more than one day, the crew may need to leave equipment or sets in place overnight. This is entirely normal, but should be discussed beforehand so that clear boundaries are agreed upon.

Often, a spare room or designated area can be used to store items. You will still need access to essential areas such as the kitchen and bathroom. If you are staying in the property overnight, we recommend talking through arrangements with the production team at the start of the booking.

Looking After Personal Belongings

While most filming projects are carried out without incident, it is important to take sensible precautions to protect your belongings. We recommend:

Moving anything of financial or sentimental value into a private room
Locking rooms that are not needed for the shoot
Letting the crew know if any furniture or fittings are especially delicate

This helps set expectations and ensures peace of mind throughout the booking.

Wrapping Up After the Shoot

At the end of the shoot, you will be asked to return to the property for a walkaround with the client. This is your chance to check that everything has been returned to its place and that the space has been left in good order.

If something has been damaged or left out of place, report it straight away. Most issues are minor and can be sorted quickly, but it is much harder to resolve anything once the crew has left the site.

The crew is responsible for returning the home to its original condition. We always advise clients to leave enough time at the end of the day to reset the space.

Handling Overtime and Late Wraps

While most shoots finish on time, some do overrun slightly. A short grace period of 15 to 20 minutes is usually acceptable. After that, overtime charges may apply based on the booking agreement.

If you believe the crew is working overtime, let them know politely. Make a note of the time and the name of the last person to leave. Our team is happy to support with any questions about fees or follow-up after the shoot.

The Location Guys

Working with The Location Guys means having a knowledgeable and responsive team behind you. We have years of experience representing residential properties for film, television and photography, and understand both the creative and logistical sides of a shoot.

We manage the booking process, communicate with the client on your behalf and ensure that your expectations are respected at every stage. Our portfolio is carefully curated, and we only take on properties that we believe are suitable for professional production use.

From townhouses and terraces to rural retreats and contemporary homes, we welcome a wide range of location houses. If your property is well-maintained, has good natural light and a sense of character, it may be a great fit.