The benefits of offering virtual property viewings

Ron Hastings, Director of Hastings Legal, discusses the importance of virtual reality in property marketing. 

The strange new world during lockdown highlighted virtual reality’s (VR) pivotal role within the property sector. For many, with the prolonged stint at home and real-time viewing out of the question, VR technology substituted by giving viewers a 360-degree tour of the inside and outside of a property. 

Used in conjunction with drone footage, which gives an aerial perspective of a property within its setting, this can be very effective in the marketing of a property.  

Search all properties for sale with virtual tours

Virtual first approach in the Scottish property market

As the property market and viewings in Scotland started back up at the end of June after months of inactivity, the moving house guidelines from the Scottish Government placed great value on virtual tours as the preferred first option before a physical viewing. 

Going forward, VR will continue to be of benefit particularly for people with limited mobility for whom travelling is difficult, as well as those planning a move to a different region or country.

Why photography and virtual reality are important in property marketing

Most prospective buyers start their property search online. Beautifully-presented properties that stand out from the rest, and incorporate top quality photography and video technology, will be more memorable, attract more hits, and maximise a home’s desirability and ultimately, its sale outcome.

Good photography and VR are essential tools in the armoury, particularly for properties with an outstanding location and fantastic surroundings. Drone footage allows interested buyers able to see the location and gardens, while a virtual tour round the property allows them to see the layout and interiors. 

Virtual reality and the property market

While it’s extremely unlikely the virtual world will ever truly rival the real experience, VR has proved its place within the property profession. Including a virtual tour makes sense to viewers used to viewing online and helps encourage serious buyers while limiting physical contact and movement around the country. This can also help reduce the risk of viewing in the “new normal”. 

Hastings Legal 

Find out more about Hastings Legal by contacting the team on 01573 225999.

ESPC magazine

This article appeared in the October 2020 issue of the ESPC magazine. Find out more about the ESPC magazine and read the latest issue.