Show me, don’t tell me – 3D modelling boosts remote house buying

As we continue into the UK’s COVID-19 lockdown, the Evening Standard reported on a growing number of new home reservations being made by first time buyers, all achieved via virtual walk-throughs and without the buyers ever having set foot in the property. Meanwhile, during the first two weeks of March, property search site Zoopla recorded a 215 percent increase in visitors who viewed new-build homes virtually.

Whilst social distancing rules have all but halted the sale of second-hand homes, they cannot prevent the sale of new build homes where there are no occupants and information and keys can be handed over remotely. For homebuilders – and potentially other property developers – 3D and virtual technology offers huge potential, enabling continued interaction with prospective buyers and the enticing prospect of reservations and sales despite ongoing social distancing measures.

Furthermore, as buyers and agents become more comfortable with the process of virtual viewings, these new technologies may well change how homes are sold long after lockdown has been lifted. Early adopters will be well positioned to get their companies back into business as quickly and effectively as possible, once the virus has been beaten.

With the improved technology around virtual reality and 3D modelling, here at Stephen George + Partners (SGP) we have already taken the opportunity to expand our existing expertise in Revit to support our clients by creating detailed, engaging and easily adaptable 3D models as marketing materials for their projects.

SGP has used Revit in designing award-winning residential developments for many years, applying the strong 3D modelling and rendering functions to produce images and plans for planning submissions and site drawings, as well as to help developers visualise how the individual homes fit together on the scheme. More recently, we have been asked by developer clients to expand the use of Revit models into producing detailed and accurate virtual reality marketing materials to show to potential purchasers. Our introduction of business cards with a QR code specific to each house type allows potential customers to take away links to the 3D models, to consider at their leisure or show friends and family from the luxury of their own sofa.

Because of our use of Revit modelling at the design stage, it is straightforward for us to create renders of yet-to-be built homes or 360-degree photo views of show homes, in any type or scale of development.

Peter Brown, Studio Director , SGP says: “At SGP, we use Revit as architects and designers to communicate and collaborate with our clients in 3D. In this increasingly digital age, it’s a natural progression to use the inherent capability of drawing programmes and the skills needed to use them fully to step beyond the traditional finish to the architect’s role and embrace the opportunities these 3D visuals offer for the agent and ultimately the end buyer.”

You can read more about SGP’s virtual reality and 3D modelling capability, as well as how it can help developers market their properties and expand dwell times via the following link: SGP Blog

If you would like to speak to SGP about their digital marketing services and how they can help your business, please contact: Peter Brown