Property virtual tours are immersive digital experiences that allow potential buyers to explore properties online. Utilising 360-degree photography and 3D scanning technology, these 360 virtual tours provide a realistic, interactive view of the property, enabling users to navigate through rooms and see details from various angles.

Virtual tours offer several advantages for property marketing. They attract more potential buyers, notably the student rental market in recent years, by providing an engaging, immersive experience. Additionally, they save time and effort for both buyers and developers by reducing the need for multiple physical viewings. By keeping potential buyers engaged longer, virtual tours can increase the likelihood of a sale.

Virtual tours of a property, also allow buyers to pre-screen a property ahead of an open house they are interested in attending. Pre-screening will help to separate time-wasting viewers from viewers with real intent of purchasing. It can be viewed as a lead qualification tool. If all viewers have watched the virtual tour, then estate agents will feel confident that those who attend in-person open houses are highly likely to be interested in purchasing.

Virtual tours serve as an excellent complementary tool to traditional open houses. They act as a pre-screening method, allowing serious buyers to explore the property beforehand. This not only expands the reach to out-of-town or international buyers but also offers convenience by enabling buyers to revisit the property virtually after attending an open house.

Virtual tours also act as a marketing tool. They help drum up interest and exposure by showcasing a listing in a tangible and immersive way without the need for the prospects to leave their own home.

While traditional open houses offer a personal touch and the opportunity to experience the property firsthand, virtual tours provide unmatched convenience and accessibility.

Virtual tours allow potential buyers to explore properties at their own pace and time, making them an ideal solution in today's fast-paced world. Combining both methods can provide a comprehensive marketing strategy, appealing to a broader audience. Potential buyers can view the property as many times as they want for as long as they want, and easily show other potential stakeholders, allowing them to build a strong connection with the property without even viewing it in person.

For developers, creating an effective virtual tour involves choosing the right technology and provider. Make sure you invest in high-quality visuals and create an accurate and detailed floor plan. Additionally, you can enhance the tour with supplementary information about neighbourhood amenities and school ratings to provide a more comprehensive view of the property.

○ What is a virtual open house? A virtual open house allows potential buyers to view a property online in real time, often with the agent available to answer questions and provide additional information.

○ How successful are virtual tours in selling properties? Virtual tours have proven to be highly successful, with many developers reporting increased engagement and faster sales. According to industry data, properties with virtual tours receive more views and higher buyer interest.

○ What equipment and expertise are needed to create a virtual tour? Creating a high-quality virtual tour requires specialised 3D cameras, software for stitching images together, and expertise in digital imaging and real estate marketing. Work with a company like Made Snappy to create a fully branded 4K virtual tour.

Emerging technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are set to further enhance the property viewing experience. These technologies offer even more immersive and interactive experiences, allowing buyers to visualise themselves in the space more effectively.

This technology will help buyers to physically see themselves in the space, and to play around with furniture arrangements and potential renovations that they may struggle to envisage with imagination alone.

With VR, potential buyers could put on a headset and be physically transported to the property they are viewing, without actually having to physically be there. This would be of tremendous value to international buyers who need to know that they are making a sound investment but may not be able to fly back and forth for traditional in-person viewings.

Integrating virtual tours with traditional open houses offers numerous benefits for both developers and buyers. Embracing this technology can enhance the property viewing experience, making it more engaging, convenient, and effective.

With cutting-edge technology providing a comprehensive viewing experience, virtual tours are becoming an essential tool to have alongside a robust digital marketing plan for real estate.