Over 63% of home buyers in 2020 bought a property without seeing it in person.
Technological advancements have revolutionised the property market, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual property tours have enabled the real estate industry to continue functioning, allowing buyers to explore homes without physically visiting them.
While initially seen as a temporary alternative, virtual property tours have proven to be an effective solution for meeting the evolving needs of home buyers. To facilitate remote house viewings, many real estate agents are now using interactive 3D models to showcase properties. These models have become essential tools in helping buyers make informed decisions and play a critical role in pre-sale efforts.
In this article, we explore three types of 3D models and services that best serve the real estate market and enhance the property virtual tour experience.
What Is an Interactive 3D Model?
An interactive 3D model is a digital representation of a space or product that can be viewed and manipulated in real time. Users can rotate, zoom in, zoom out, and navigate through the model, giving them a detailed and dynamic view of the space.
Interactive 3D models are highly responsive to user input, utilising specialised software to create realistic details such as lighting, geometry, and textures. These elements enhance the accuracy of the model, providing potential buyers with a comprehensive understanding of the property.
Once created, 3D models can be easily exported and viewed on any device, from smartphones to tablets, making it possible for buyers to explore properties on the go with just a few clicks.
Types of Interactive 3D Models for Property Virtual Tours
Different types of interactive 3D models are used in property virtual tours depending on the target audience and marketing objectives. These models not only highlight the layout of a property but can also depict furnished interiors, giving buyers a clearer picture of the space’s potential.
Here are some of the most popular interactive 3D models in the real estate industry:
Virtual Staging
In real estate, the need for space is a key consideration for buyers. Virtual staging helps potential buyers envision how a property can be used by showcasing fully furnished spaces. Given that 97% of buyers cite visual images as a key factor in their decision-making process, virtual staging has become an indispensable tool in property virtual tours.
Who Needs It?
Real estate agents, home builders, and developers all benefit from virtual staging. By presenting a fully furnished version of a property, they can help buyers visualise how the space might look as a home or office.
How Does It Work?
Virtual staging involves adding furniture, fittings, and decor to an empty space using 3D modelling software. The result is a lifelike representation of the property’s potential, which can be customised to suit different styles and preferences. Buyers are presented with a cosy, well-decorated home that feels more inviting than an empty shell.
Benefits of Virtual Staging
- Cost-Effective: There is no need to purchase or rent furniture for staging. All that’s required are digital images of the space, which are then transformed into staged rooms by designers.
- Convenient: Virtual staging saves time and effort by eliminating the need for physical staging. Agents and buyers can view staged properties without the hassle of organising in-person visits.
- Improves Service & Safety: By removing personal belongings and photos from the images of a property, virtual staging protects the privacy of the current occupants, enhancing the professionalism of the real estate agent.
Interactive Walkthrough
An interactive walkthrough allows potential buyers to explore a property virtually as if they were physically present. With this feature, users can navigate through the space, interacting with various elements like lighting and furniture.
This type of property virtual tour is enhanced with 3D animation and virtual reality (VR) technology, allowing buyers to customise the interior by changing colours, rearranging furniture, or removing items in real-time.
Who Needs It?
Property virtual viewings are considered the gold standard for buying property online. Interactive walkthroughs are particularly valuable for real estate agents and clients who are unable to visit a property in person. This form of property virtual tour provides an immersive experience, helping buyers visualise the property’s potential.
How Does It Work?
Interactive walkthroughs work by offering buyers full control over the design and layout of the property. By integrating 3D animation and VR, users can explore the property from a 360-degree perspective, making adjustments to the interior design as they go.
One of its key features is interior visualisation. This level of interactivity helps buyers feel more engaged with the property, allowing them to envision how they would personalise the space to suit their tastes.
Benefits of Interactive Walkthroughs
- High Return on Investment (ROI): Once the initial investment is made in creating an interactive walkthrough, the technology can be reused for multiple properties. This is particularly useful for developers with similar floor plans.
- Saves Time and Money: Interactive walkthroughs reduce the need for in-person tours, saving both buyers and agents time and travel expenses. There’s also no need to purchase furniture or decor, further reducing costs.
- Enhances Brand Image: By offering high-tech, interactive experiences, real estate agents can set themselves apart from competitors and present a modern, customer-focused approach to property marketing.
Interactive Floor Plans
Interactive floor plans allow buyers to customise the layout of a property to suit their needs. This feature goes beyond a standard property virtual tour by allowing users to reposition furniture, adjust walls, and explore various design possibilities.
Who Needs It?
Interactive floor plans are highly beneficial for buyers who are interested in tailoring a property to their specific preferences. Real estate agents and developers can use this feature to showcase the flexibility of a space and attract buyers who value customisation.
How Does It Work?
Interactive floor plans enable buyers to change the layout of a space, move furniture, and even adjust the structural elements of a property. This type of property virtual tour provides detailed representations of textures, colours, and finishes, giving buyers a clear idea of what the space could look like once it’s customised to their liking.
Benefits of Interactive Floor Plans
- Reduces Stress: Buyers can easily experiment with different layouts and designs, reducing the uncertainty that often comes with choosing a property.
- Establishes Emotional Connection: Giving buyers the ability to personalise a space helps them form an emotional bond with the property, increasing the likelihood of a sale.
- Attracts More Buyers: Interactive floor plans appeal to buyers who want more control over the design of their future home. By offering this feature, real estate agents can attract a wider range of clients.
In Summary
As technology continues to advance, it is becoming increasingly important for the real estate industry to keep up. Interactive 3D models and property virtual tours have become vital tools for estate agents looking to provide a more immersive and convenient experience for potential buyers.
From virtual staging and interactive walkthroughs to customisable floor plans, these tools allow buyers to explore properties in detail and make informed decisions without leaving their homes. By incorporating these technologies, estate agents can save time, money, and energy, allowing them to focus on other important aspects of their business.
At 3D Lines, we offer a range of 3D services, including interior and exterior rendering, architectural rendering, and conceptual 3D design. Whether you’re looking to create a property virtual tour or bring your architectural vision to life, we can help you achieve the perfect result.