How 3D Scanning is Revolutionising Real Estate Marketing

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 Traditional methods, like hand-measuring or relying on outdated floor plans, often leave room for error.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