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Static photos, floor plans and physical tours have worked well for many years – and will continue to do so! However, in this day and age, with the speed in which tech is advancing, more accessible and immersive property viewing options are coming out.
3D Scanning is one of the standout tools that is hugely beneficial for both buyers and sellers (or estate agents). We’re going to be looking at what 3D scanning is, how it works, and the benefits it brings for buyers and sellers in the Real Estate Market.
What is 3D Scanning?
Not to be confused with 3D printing, 3D scanning is a technology that creates detailed, three-dimensional images of real-world spaces. It uses special cameras or scanners that measure the area and capture the shape and size of the property using a laser. This data is then used to create an accurate 3D model of the space on a computer.
Think of it like a digital floor plan, but much more detailed. With 3D scanning, you can see the exact layout of a property, including the dimensions of rooms, doors, and windows, giving a true sense of the space.
How Does it Benefit Buyers and Sellers?
Being able to virtually scan a space makes it far more accessible for both buyers and agents.
For buyers, Virtual Tours allow them to view properties remotely. Whether it’s on their phone on their commute to work, or browsing on their desktop or laptop at home. The main benefit here is they save time and effort (as they’d usually have to book a physical viewing).
Whether they’re across town or on the other side of the world, they can explore homes at their convenience, anytime. Plus, this flexibility means they can focus only on the properties that actually interest them.
Sellers also gain a few benefits. 3D Scanning allows them to create and upload virtual tours on their websites. This helps reduce the need for in-person viewings, which in turn helps target serious buyers or renters.
It’s a win-win that streamlines the process and saves time for everyone involved!
Let’s look at a few more reasons on how 3D scanning is revolutionising real estate marketing.
Accurate Property Measurements
Arguably one of the standout features of 3D scanning is its ability to capture precise property measurements.
The first and most obvious benefit is the removal of human error. Traditional methods, like hand-measuring or relying on outdated floor plans, often leave room for error. With 3D scanning, every detail is measured with pinpoint accuracy, from the dimensions of each room to the exact positioning of doors and windows.
For example, a family considering a new home can use a 3D Virtual Tour to check if their dining table fits in the living area or if there’s enough room in the kids’ bedrooms. Knowing whether their belongings will fit in the place they’re buying or renting is a common and huge pain point for most people. 3D scanning alleviates this worry and makes decisions easier for buyers and helps properties move off the market faster.
Being able to accurately measure properties also saves time, effort and money – considering real estate companies would have to hire carpenters and tradesmen to measure everything.
3D Scanning Puts You Ahead of Your Competitors
From a marketing perspective, 3D scanning is a great USP to bring to the table. Simply put, a buyer will always want the most information as quickly as possible, as accurately as possible and as easily as possible.
If your company offers 3D scanning and your competitors don’t, you’re at an immediate automatic advantage.
A listing with a 3D Virtual Tours stands out immediately. Instead of just photos or basic floor plans, buyers can explore a property in detail, walking through each room and seeing how it all connects.
The whole experience becomes far more immersive. It should come as no surprise that people are more likely to spend time on a listing with a 3D Virtual Tours, which helps them feel more connected to the property, then those swiping through a few photos (and sometimes there aren’t any!).
Plus, virtual tours are perfect for sharing on social media or property websites, helping listings reach more people. Instead of competing with countless similar posts, a property with a 3D Virtual Tours catches the eye and invites clicks.
Highlight Key Features with Annotations
A slightly lesser but no less crucial aspect of 3D scanning is its ability to highlight key features of a property using annotations and links. These features allow estate agents to add context and detail to a virtual tour to highlight all the best bits so buyers don’t miss them.
But how does it work? Well, all programmes work slightly differently, but generally, annotations are like virtual sticky notes placed within the 3D space. They can highlight important details, such as newly renovated areas, high-end appliances, or unique architectural features. For example, an annotation in the kitchen might point out premium fittings, while another in the garden could mention recent landscaping work.
Then there are links, which can also be embedded within the tour to provide more information. Clicking a link might take the buyer to a spec sheet for the appliances, a guide to local schools, or even a video showcasing the neighbourhood. This keeps buyers engaged and informed, all without leaving the tour.
For sellers, these tools make it easier to showcase the property’s value. Buyers, in turn, feel more confident and well-informed, as they can see not just the layout but also the finer details that make the property special.
What We Can Expect in the Future?
3D scanning has already changed how properties are marketed, but it’s just the beginning. As this technology continues to evolve, we’re bound to see some more exciting developments.
One of which is the growing use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). With VR headsets, buyers could immerse themselves fully in a property, walking through rooms and experiencing the space as if they were physically there. AR, on the other hand, could let buyers overlay furniture or decor onto a virtual model, helping them visualise how the property could look once they move in.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is also making strides in real estate. Combined with 3D scanning, AI could do things like analyse a property’s layout and suggest design improvements or even predict how much interest a listing might generate based on its features.
The future is looking very exciting for the real estate market, and 3D scanning might just be the beginning.
Take a look below at a recent Matterport 3D virtual tour that our team captured.
3D scanning provides virtual tours, allowing buyers to view properties anytime, anywhere, saving time and effort
Accurate dimensions help buyers assess space suitability, making decisions faster and easier
Listings with 3D tours stand out, offering a more engaging experience than traditional photos or floor plans
Annotations and links highlight key property details, building buyer confidence and demonstrating value
Innovations like VR, AR, and AI promise to further transform real estate marketing
Do I need to own a camera, or can you capture the property for me?
Both options are available. You can capture the space yourself using a supported device, or book one of our certified technicians to scan the property on your behalf. Our technicians are based in every major Australian city and can deliver a completed virtual tour within two business days.
Are shareable links available for property portals and listing sites?
Yes. Tours can be published to major real estate and rental portals, embedded on your own website, or distributed via private links for controlled access. Property reports can also be exported for direct MLS import.
Can I add branding to a tour while staying MLS-compliant?
Yes. You can add branding elements such as agent contact details and quick links while also generating MLS-ready property reports for compatible plan tiers. Both are supported without compromising listing compliance.
What happens to a virtual tour after a property sells?
You can archive a tour to free up your active space count while retaining all the captured data. Archived tours cannot be viewed, shared, or edited until reactivated, giving you a flexible way to manage your portfolio without losing any assets.
What hosting plan do I need to keep a tour live during a listing?
You need a plan that provides enough active spaces for your current inventory. Entry-level plans include a limited number of active spaces, while higher-tier plans unlock more capacity and additional export options. See our pricing page for a full breakdown.
Can buyers take measurements inside a tour on their own device?
Yes. Automated measuring is available publicly, so buyers and other stakeholders can check dimensions from both desktop and smartphone without visiting the property in person.
How accurate are the measurements and floor plans?
Tours are dimensionally accurate and include automated measurements for walls, ceiling heights, and room dimensions. Exportable floor plans and measurement files are produced as standard, making them suitable for listing, planning, and facilities workflows.
How long does it take to scan a property and publish the tour?
Scan and publish times vary based on property size, complexity, and whether the space is furnished or vacant. For properties between 93 and 372 square metres, estimated capture time is one to three hours. Contact us to discuss turnaround for your specific property.
Do virtual tours help listings get more engagement and better-qualified showings?
Yes. Properties listed with immersive virtual tours attract more serious buyers by allowing remote exploration that builds confidence before a showing. The result is higher engagement, stronger listing performance, and enquiries from buyers who have already decided the property is worth their time.
What marketing assets can I generate from a single capture?
A single capture produces a complete set of listing assets, including an immersive 3D virtual tour, high-resolution 2D photos, schematic floor plans, dimensionally accurate measurements, and spatial data insights. Everything you need for marketing, leasing, and documentation comes from one visit.
What is an as-built survey and how does 3D laser scanning help?
An as-built survey documents the exact dimensions and layout of an existing building or structure. Using 3D laser scanning, millions of measurement points are captured to create an accurate digital representation of the space. This data can then be used to produce BIM models, CAD drawings, floor plans and point cloud datasets, helping architects and engineers design renovations or new works with confidence.
What is the difference between LiDAR scanning and photogrammetry?
LiDAR scanning uses laser sensors to measure distances and capture millions of highly accurate spatial points, creating a precise 3D point cloud of a building or environment. Photogrammetry uses overlapping photographs to reconstruct 3D models, which can be useful for visualisation but is generally less accurate for measurement. For architectural surveys, construction planning and Scan-to-BIM projects, LiDAR scanning is typically preferred because it delivers higher accuracy and more reliable spatial data.
How much does a 3D laser scanning project cost?
The cost of a 3D scanning project depends on several factors including site size, building complexity, deliverables required and the type of scanner used. Smaller projects may be completed for a few thousand dollars, while larger commercial or infrastructure projects require more extensive capture and modelling work. A tailored quote is typically provided after reviewing the project scope.
Can 3D scanning be used for renovations and refurbishment projects?
Yes. Laser scanning is widely used to create accurate existing-conditions documentation before renovation or refurbishment work begins. By capturing the building geometry in detail, designers and contractors can reduce measurement errors, improve coordination and avoid costly rework during construction.
Do you provide 3D laser scanning services across Australia?
Yes. 3D Walkabout operates scanning teams across major Australian cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, and can deploy to regional and remote locations nationwide. Our team regularly works on projects ranging from single buildings to large industrial and infrastructure sites.
What is Scan-to-BIM modelling?
Scan-to-BIM is the process of converting laser scanning data into a Building Information Model (BIM). Using the captured point cloud, specialists create detailed digital models of the building in software such as Autodesk Revit. These models can include architectural, structural and MEP elements depending on the required Level of Development (LOD).
What is a point cloud and how is it used?
A point cloud is a digital dataset made up of millions of measured points that represent the exact geometry of a building or environment. These datasets allow architects, engineers and contractors to analyse existing conditions and create accurate models. Point clouds are commonly used as the foundation for Scan-to-BIM and as-built documentation.
What deliverables do you receive after a 3D scanning project?
Typical deliverables include registered 3D point cloud datasets, BIM models, CAD drawings, panoramic imagery and digital walkthroughs. Files can be provided in formats such as RCS/RCP, E57, Revit models and DWG drawings so they integrate easily into common design and construction software.
How long does a 3D laser scanning project take?
The time required depends on the size and complexity of the site. Smaller buildings can often be captured in a few hours, while larger commercial or industrial sites may take one or more days of scanning. Once the data is captured, processing and deliverables such as point clouds or BIM models are typically delivered within several business days.
What types of buildings and spaces can be scanned?
3D laser scanning can be used on almost any built environment including residential buildings, commercial offices, retail centres, industrial warehouses, hospitals, schools, infrastructure sites and heritage buildings. Large facilities such as campuses, factories and shopping centres can also be scanned using mobile LiDAR technology.
How accurate is LiDAR scanning for construction projects?
Modern terrestrial laser scanners can capture measurements with millimetre-level accuracy, depending on the equipment used. Survey-grade scanners such as the Leica RTC360 can achieve accuracy of around ±1.9 mm at 10 metres. This level of precision makes laser scanning suitable for architectural surveys, construction verification, and detailed BIM modelling.
What is 3D laser scanning for buildings?
3D laser scanning is a reality capture technology that uses LiDAR sensors to measure buildings and environments with millions of precise data points. The result is a highly detailed 3D point cloud that represents the exact geometry of the space. This data can then be used for Scan-to-BIM modelling, CAD drawings, digital twins, and building documentation.
