Property video tours surged in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, but they’re no passing trend. Now a key feature in modern property marketing, video tours, 3D walkthroughs and interactive floor plans have transformed how people buy and sell homes.
If you’re currently house hunting, chances are you’ve come across a virtual tour—or, if you’re selling, your estate agent has suggested filming one. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are filled with these videos too. In fact, one blog found that property videos on social platforms generate 1,200% more shares than text and image posts combined.
But what exactly makes property video tours so popular – and how do they benefit buyers and sellers alike? Let’s take a closer look.
An immersive experience
Unlike static images, a video tour offers a more realistic and engaging way to explore a home. Viewers can see how the space flows, take in the layout and get a true sense of scale, all helping them imagine living there.
Video also captures the unique atmosphere of a property. From the way natural light floods in, to architectural features, garden views and character details, it all comes to life on screen.
For sellers, it’s a powerful tool to highlight key selling points. For buyers, it’s a chance to make more informed decisions without even stepping through the door.
A recent study found that 48% of consumers spend more time on listings with video content. That boost in engagement shows just how effective video can be in helping a property stand out.
Attracts serious buyers
That same study revealed that listings with video receive 403% more enquiries than those without. What’s more, a property video tour can increase the likelihood of a sale by as much as 60%.
By giving potential buyers a true-to-life view of the property, including its layout, flow and features, video tours help them decide whether it’s right before they book an in-person visit. This filters out casual interest and helps prioritise serious buyers from the start.
It means sellers waste less time on viewings that go nowhere, and buyers arrive already informed and invested, leading to faster, more focused decision-making.
Expands your reach
As well as performing well on listings, video tours thrive on social media, bringing your property to a much wider audience. A strong-performing video post can generate greater interest, helping sellers stand out in a crowded market.
In fact, 49% of homebuyers say that virtual walkthroughs are a key part of their decision-making process.
Property video tours are also ideal for buyers searching from a distance. They allow people to explore properties without the time, cost or hassle of travelling, enabling them to shortlist favourites long before arranging any visits. It’s no surprise that 73% of buyers watch a video before booking a physical viewing.
Supports shared decision-making
Virtual tours have proven particularly valuable when buyers want input from family members before progressing with a purchase. It’s common for parents to seek their children’s approval – and vice versa – before making such an important commitment.
When family members live far away or can’t attend in-person viewings, a virtual tour offers a quick and convenient solution. Sharing a link lets others explore the property in their own time, helping to speed up decisions and reduce the need for repeat viewings.
Flexibility and convenience
Anyone who has sold a property will know viewings can be a little disruptive to day-to-day life, from last-minute cancellations to ensuring you’re available and the house is viewing ready.
It can also be a logistical consideration for buyers, who have to juggle travel, appointments and viewings that aren’t quite right for them.
Video tours eliminate these frustrations. They make the whole process more efficient and less stressful, giving buyers and sellers the flexibility to explore or showcase a property on their own schedule.
The smarter way to view and sell homes
It’s easy to see why more buyers and sellers are embracing property video tours. At Gascoines, we use state-of-the-art Matterport cameras to create professional-quality virtual tours and 3D floor plans that help homes stand out from the crowd.
Want to see the difference for yourself? Explore our online virtual tours, or get in touch to feature your property with a high-impact video tour, we’ll take care of everything.