Taking your first virtual steps in your next home: The rise of virtual tours in estate agency

Introduction: The Impact of Technology on the Property Industry

The world of property has undergone some pretty major transformations in recent years, thanks to advancements in technology. One such innovation is virtual tours, which has grown in popularity since the Covid pandemic in 2020. With virtual tour technology, potential buyers and tenants can now take their first virtual footsteps through a property from the comfort of their living rooms, regardless of location and immerse themselves in a virtual environment that is almost as good as an on-site visit to a property.

Hi, I’m Donovan Bell, the Online Services Manager here at Tortoise Property, and I want to talk to you today about how virtual tour technologies are used to show your property to potential buyers / tenants looking for their next property to call home and how it plays a major role when showcasing your property online and also what you should be expecting in terms of a professional standard from your agent.

The Rise of Virtual Tours: A Response to the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of virtual tour technologies among agents in the UK and if you’re looking to sell or let your property, you want to qualify your buyer / tenant as early as possible before they put their physical feet on the floor of your property. With restrictions on in-person viewings and the need for social distancing during the pandemic, virtual tours became a powerful tool. Even as the world recovered, the convenience and efficiency of virtual tours continues to resonate with buyers and tenants with 1 in 2 buyers believing they are an important part of a property’s presentation.

Enhancing Buyer/Tenant Experience with Interactive Features

Virtual tours offer a level of personal experience that traditional property listings cannot match. Through interactive features, potential buyers and tenants can customise their experience by selecting specific rooms, zooming in on details and getting a virtual sense of “space”. This interactivity empowers buyers to assess how a property fits their unique needs and preferences. We can also use virtual tours to highlight specific features, such as high-end finishes or spacious outdoor areas, further catering to the interests of potential buyers and increasing engagement.

Breaking Down Geographical Barriers

Virtual tours have also effectively broken down geographical barriers for prospective buyers and tenants. With the ability to explore properties remotely, potential buyers and tenants can now consider properties in a greater level of detail that are located in different cities, counties, or even countries. Additionally, international buyers can view properties without the need for extensive travel, making virtual tours a convenient and cost-effective solution for cross-border transactions.

Tortoise Property: Leaders in Virtual Tour Technology

Here at Tortoise Property, we’re one of only a few agents here in the Peterborough that uses this technology to it’s fullest potential, which means we are able to to show people around your home even outside of our opening hours! As you can see below prospective buyers are using this technology through us in high numbers, below is showing from the months of 1st March – 26th May in 2023 with a total of 1,931 virtual tours conducted in just under three months!

Virtual tours can also be used with services like Zoom we can offer remote guided viewings with a member of the team if they’re unable to make it on the day, offering fully remote viewings to buyers / tenants from across the country and even internationally! Be sure to give us a call to find out more about this service.

 

Remote Guided Viewings: Bringing Properties to Buyers/Tenants

After all, we know how important it is to ensure your property is seen by the widest and most pre-qualified of buyers / tenants as possible we want them to fall in love with your property before they step through the front door through our Race to Sold methodology.

Take a look at my colleague Sam’s blog on the subject here: Race To Sold with Sam

Why not take a tour for yourself? Just follow the link below of one of our virtual tours:
Take a tour of Milton Road

If you would like more information on our Virtual Tour services and how we can start your Race To Sold give us a call on 01733 592020 today and experience #OurDifference.

Looking For Some Next Steps?