According to buyers, virtual visits are a key element in the acquisition process.
The real estate sector is experiencing a swift digital revolution, with virtual tours emerging as a key component. More and more buyers are seeing these technological tools as essential to their property search and purchase process. According to a recent study by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 97% of buyers use the Internet to search for properties, highlighting the growing popularity of digital tools.
1. A decisive first impression
In the world of property, first impressions are often decisive. Virtual tours offer potential buyers an immersive experience that goes far beyond simple static photos.
- Realistic viewing: A study conducted by Matterport showed that 95% of people surveyed were more likely to contact an agent after viewing a virtual tour.
- Saves time: According to a Redfin report, buyers who used virtual tours were 25% more likely to make an offer without physically seeing the property.
- 24/7 accessibility: A Zillow survey found that 79% of buyers conduct online searches outside of traditional office hours.
2. A powerful decision-making tool
Virtual visits are not just a technological gadget; they have become a real decision-making tool for buyers.
- Easier to compare: A study by RealtyBizNews shows that buyers who use virtual visits consult an average of 20% more properties than those who do not.
- Sharing with friends and family: According to a survey by realtor.com, 44% of buyers share virtual visits with family and friends to get their opinions.
- Reduced stress: An NAR study found that 58% of buyers felt more confident in their buying decision after taking a virtual tour.
3. An effective response to geographical and time constraints
- Remote purchase: According to Zillow, 36% of buyers are open to buying a home entirely online without a physical visit.
- Time optimisation: A study by HomeJab showed that buyers spend an average of 60% less time on physical visits when they have first completed virtual visits.
- Efficient pre-selection: Redfin reports that buyers who use virtual tours make an average of 30% fewer physical visits before making an offer.
4. An engaging and interactive experience
- 360° Visits: According to Matterport, property listings with 360° virtual tours receive 49% more visits than those without.
- Virtual Reality: A study by Goldman Sachs predicts that the virtual reality real estate market will reach $2.6 billion by 2025.
- Customization: According to a survey by realtor.com, 62% of buyers appreciate the ability to see different design options during virtual visits.
5. A tool for transparency and trust
- Accurate representation: An NAR study showed that 83% of buyers consider virtual tours to be an accurate representation of properties.
- Detailed information: According to Zillow, listings with detailed virtual tours receive an average of 87% more views than those without.
- Fewer unexpected surprises: A RealtyBizNews survey found that 71% of buyers who used virtual tours said the property matched their expectations during the physical visit.
6. An adaptation to new consumer trends
- Digital experience: According to a study by Realtor.com, 91% of millennials prefer to start their property search online.
- Independence: An NAR survey shows that 44% of buyers prefer to research properties on their own before contacting an agent.
- Ecology: According to a study by the National Association of Home Builders, 61% of buyers would pay more for a home with eco-friendly features.
7. An essential tool in times of crisis
- Business resilience: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of virtual visits increased by 750% according to Zillow.
- Health safety: An NAR study found that 35% of agents continued to use virtual tours as their primary property presentation tool after the restrictions were lifted.
- Sustainable adaptation: According to a survey by realtor.com, 65% of buyers expect to continue using virtual tours after the pandemic is over.
8. The use of virtual tours by property buyers
Property buyers use virtual visits at various steps in the buying process, including :
- Initial search: 90% of buyers use virtual visits to search for properties online (Propriétés Privées).
- Pre-selection of properties: 75% of buyers use virtual visits to pre-select properties they want visit in person (Guy Hoquet).
- Complementing physical visits: 68% of buyers use virtual visits to review property details and get a better idea of the space after a physical visit (La Fourchette Immobilière).
- Decision making: 54% of buyers say that virtual visits played an important role in their final purchase decision (Century 21).
Conclusion
These statistics confirm that virtual visits have become an essential tool in the property buying process. They meet the needs of today’s buyers in terms of convenience, efficiency and transparency. A growing number of professionals who fully integrate virtual visits into their sales strategy are well placed to meet the expectations of today’s and tomorrow’s buyers.
As technology continues to evolve, we can expect virtual visits to become even more sophisticated and interactive, further enhancing their role in the property purchase decision. For buyers, these tools are no longer a luxury but a necessity, fundamentally changing the way we search for, evaluate and purchase property.
Keep in mind, VR360 Studio is your best bet for jaw-dropping virtual tours.
