Revolutionising Real Estate: The Impact of Virtual Tours on the Property Development Industry

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James Bastable

Photographer, Drone Pilot & Editor - Director at Photos.co.uk

Whether it’s a logistics park, new housing or land development, Photos.co.uk have been creating marketing materials for the construction industry for over 10  years and we’re always looking for new ways we can help our clients advertise their sites. In this post, we’re talking about virtual tours; what they are and how they are changing the game for the property development industry.

The Big Question; What is a Virtual Tour?

A virtual tour is a digital, interactive representation of a physical space or environment, created using a combination of photographs, videos, and 3D rendering technology. It offers a 360-degree view and allows users to explore and navigate through the space as if they were physically present. They offer a dynamic and immersive experience that enhances understanding, engagement, and decision-making without the need for in-person visits.

How do they help the Property and Land Development Industry?

Enhanced Property Showcasing:
Virtual tours allow potential buyers, renters, and investors to explore properties from the comfort of their own homes. They offer a comprehensive and detailed view of a space, providing a more realistic sense of its layout and design compared to static images or floor plans. This means a more efficient and engaging way to showcase properties, enabling a wider audience to consider listings without the need for in-person visits.

Global Reach:
Virtual tours break down geographical barriers. Buyers and investors can now explore properties from anywhere in the world. This expanded reach not only attracts a more diverse audience but also encourages international investment in various property markets.

Time and Cost Savings:
For property agents and potential buyers, virtual tours offer substantial time and cost savings. Buyers can rule out properties that don’t meet their requirements after a virtual tour, reducing the need for multiple in-person visits. Agents can showcase properties to a broader audience without the need for constant on-site presentations. Additionally, virtual tours can significantly decrease the cost of marketing materials like brochures and travel expenses associated with property visits.

24/7 Availability:
Virtual tours are always available, allowing interested parties to view properties at their convenience. This round-the-clock accessibility is a game-changer, especially for international buyers in different time zones. Agents don’t have to coordinate schedules for property showings, making the process more efficient.

Increased Buyer Confidence:
Virtual tours help build trust and confidence in potential buyers. The immersive experience lets them examine every nook and cranny of a property, reducing the uncertainty and doubt that can often arise from static images. As a result, serious buyers are more likely to take the next steps, such as making an offer or scheduling an in-person visit.

Competitive Advantage:
Property and land development are highly competitive industries and virtual tours help you stand out in the crowd. When buyers or renters are presented with the option of an immersive virtual tour, they are more likely to engage with the listing and consider it seriously. This gives development professionals a significant advantage in a crowded market.

Adaptation to Pandemic Realities:
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of virtual tours in property development. Social distancing and lockdowns made traditional viewings more challenging, making virtual tours a crucial tool for continuing business operations. Did you know that this is how we came up with the idea? The restrictions put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic meant that clients, buyers and investors couldn’t go out and view any properties, but with the creation of virtual tours, this need could be met. Whilst all restrictions have been lifted, the convenience and safety of virtual tours remain a top requirement to both buyers and sellers.

Virtual tours have proven to be a game-changer for the property industry. They offer numerous benefits, from enhancing property showcasing and expanding the reach of listings to saving time and money for both agents and buyers. We create these tours completely bespoke to your business, with your own branding, colours and unique interface. The best way to get your head around a virtual tour is to get stuck into one. Click not the image below to explore one of our client’s logistics parks and have a look around a 184 SQ FT warehouse!

We can build a virtual tour from anywhere; inside, outside, from the ground and in the air. If you’d like to see any other examples and discuss your virtual tour needs, get in touch via the contact form at the bottom of the page.

We also create virtual tours for the engineering industry. Have a read through our other blog “Advancing Engineering with Virtual Tours” to see how we help this sector as well

You can also check out our YouTube video below, where James provides a live virtual tour walkthrough and answers all the questions that we frequently get asked…

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