How virtual tours are transforming real estate marketing in 2025
Elevating buyer engagement and redefining property presentation in the digital age.
The real estate industry has experienced a digital revolution over the last decade, with technology now playing a crucial role in how properties are marketed and sold. Among these technological advancements in video property tours, virtual tours have emerged as very effective tools in modern real estate marketing. By providing an immersive, interactive experience, virtual tours allow potential buyers to explore properties remotely, saving time and helping to facilitate the decision-making process.
Recent studies indicate that virtual tours are significantly enhancing engagement and capturing greater interest among potential buyers. Leading real estate technology company Diakrit has observed that over the past 12 months, buyers spent an average of 1 minute and 17 seconds longer on listings featuring virtual tours, compared to listings with only photos and floorplans, which averaged only 44 seconds.*
In an independent study in 2018 undertaken by New Zealand Real Estate Company Barfoot & Thompson, after using Diakrit’s Virtual Tour it was found that buyers were 71% more likely to contact an agent, 77% more likely to attend an open home and 78% more interested in the property for sale.
What are property virtual tours and how do they work?
Virtual tours are digital simulations of properties that allow users to navigate through a space using their computer or smartphone. These virtual tours can be in the form of 360-degree panoramic images, video walkthroughs, or 3D floor plans. Unlike traditional photos or videos, virtual tours provide a dynamic 360-degree property experience, enabling users to move through different rooms and view details from multiple angles, delivering a better feeling and scope of the property than traditional static images.
A virtual tour offers a virtual inspection that is open 24/7 from anywhere in the world.
The Benefits of Virtual Tours in Real Estate
- Increased Engagement and Reach
Virtual tours captivate potential buyers by offering an engaging experience that static images cannot. Additionally, virtual tours allow real estate agents to reach a global audience, attracting out-of-town buyers who may not be able to visit the property in person. Virtual tours enable buyers to view homes from anywhere, making it super convenient.
- Time-Saving for Buyers and Sellers
House hunting can be a time-consuming process, often requiring multiple in-person visits before making a decision. Virtual property walkthrough tours streamline this process by allowing buyers to get a better feel for the property and pre-screen properties online. This means that only genuinely interested buyers will schedule physical visits, reducing unnecessary showings and saving time for both buyers and sellers.
- Better Visualisation and Decision-Making
Traditional photos can sometimes be misleading, making rooms appear larger or more appealing than they are in reality. Virtual tours provide a more accurate representation of the property, helping buyers get a realistic sense of the space. This improved visualisation helps in decision-making, as buyers can more realistically assess factors like layout, lighting, and flow before scheduling an in-person visit.
- Competitive Advantage for Real Estate Agents
In a highly competitive market, real estate agents who utilise virtual tours can stand out from the competition. Offering a high-tech, interactive experience demonstrates professionalism and a commitment to leveraging modern marketing strategies, which may be appealing to clients and lead to faster sales.
“Agents can use a virtual tour as a lead-generation tool by sending it to their database via SMS or email when they have a new listing go live, as well as sending it to those who have attended the viewing in a post-open for inspection SMS,” says Diakrit account manager, Victoria Kelso.
- Enhanced Remote Buying Experience
With the rise of remote work and relocation trends, many buyers are purchasing homes without ever stepping foot inside. Virtual tours enable remote buyers, both nationally and internationally, to confidently explore and evaluate properties, making them more likely to proceed with an offer even without an in-person visit.
“Virtual tours are a great way to generate interest with out-of-area buyers, including interstate and overseas buyers. With the cost-of-living crisis and many people working remotely, there have been influxes of people moving interstate and to more regional areas. Virtual video property tours are a great way to attract those types of buyers,” Diakrit’s Kelso adds.
Why virtual tours are the future of real estate marketing?
Virtual tours have revolutionised real estate marketing by providing an immersive, convenient, and highly effective way to showcase properties. As technology continues to evolve, virtual tours will likely become an industry standard, benefiting buyers, sellers, and agents alike. For those looking to stay ahead in the real estate market, embracing virtual tour technology is no longer optional, it is essential. For further tips on how to add value when selling your home, read our latest blog here.
* (Diakrit Google Analytics Australia April 2023 – April 2024).