Renter views a 3D apartment tour online.

Filling a vacancy can be one of the biggest challenges of property management. However, with the advancement of technology and the rise of virtual tours, this challenge is no longer as daunting as it once was.

Adding a 3D tour to your listing takes things to another level. Rather than settling for stagnant photos or videos, a 3D tour allows renters to explore your property in-depth, anytime and from anywhere. This improved accessibility and listing quality can really set your listing apart from others, and, in turn, increase your chances of successfully filling a vacancy.

In this article, we’ll explore how 3D tours help fill vacancies faster and improve your rental business. If you're struggling to secure tenants and are unsure about investing in 3D models, here are some compelling ways virtual tours can make a difference:

Expands Reach to Remote Renters

One reason you may be struggling to fill a vacancy is limited reach. However, with 3D tours, this problem becomes a thing of the past. By including a 3D tour on your listing, you can attract renters from cities and states away --- maybe even other countries too!

Remote renters are often met with the obstacle of inconvenience. If they’re making a long-distance move, for example, they must carve out time to travel to a property and take a tour. Or, if they’re willing to take a leap of faith, they can commit to a home, sight unseen. 3D tours eliminate this inconvenience and allow remote renters to explore properties from the comfort of their home.

For property owners, this means a dramatically larger pool of prospective tenants. For remote renters, it offers the confidence to make informed decisions without the stress and disruption of travel. It’s a win for everyone involved.

Offers 24/7 Availability

Scheduling conflicts can often stand in the way of securing a tenant. Though you might be available for an in-person showing, your prospective tenants could have other obligations. This constant cycle of frustrating delays can often result in losing out on quality tenants. Enter 3D virtual tours.

With virtual tours, prospective tenants can access your property anytime, anywhere. Whether they’re checking out your place right before bed or first thing in the morning, 3D tours ensure they can explore your listing at a time that works for them. These flexible viewing options really make a difference when it comes to attracting tenants, particularly those who are busy or have a tight schedule.

Creates a Competitive Advantage

Sometimes, a prolonged vacancy can be chalked up to being in a competitive, oversaturated market. Perhaps you're leasing out a property in a dense metro like New York or Chicago. In this case, your listing is a lot more likely to fall through the cracks. That is, unless you make it stand out with a 3D home tour.

A 3D tour gives your listing a crucial competitive edge that sets it apart from other options. A virtual walkthrough, particularly an immersive 3D model, allows prospective tenants to explore and experience the space in a more engaging way. When renters compare your 3D tour to another property featuring only standard photos, your listing is far more likely to leave a lasting impression and win their favor.

Reduces Time to Lease

Renting out a property can take longer than expected. From the moment you upload your online listing to when your tenant signs on the dotted line, this process can take days, weeks, or even months. However, 3D tour components can expedite these steps, particularly when it comes to the renter’s decision-making process.

Prospective tenants can make quicker and more confident decisions when they have access to 3D tours. Even if they’ve had the chance to see your place in person, a 3D tour allows them to revisit areas they may have overlooked during their showing. This ultimately expedites the deliberation process altogether and increases the chances of filling your vacancy faster.

Increases Property Appeal

Visuals play a huge part in your listing’s appeal. And while photos and videos are needed, they don’t always do the property complete justice.

Implementing a 3D tour is the best way to maximize your property’s appeal and paint a full picture for prospective renters. Rather than reading a listing description or making judgments based on stagnant photos, renters can truly immerse themselves in the space and discover more about its layout, design, and special features. This is especially beneficial for properties that have unique layouts or amenities, as it allows potential renters to fully understand and appreciate the space.

Create a Matterport 3D Tour on Apartments.com

Ready to discover the benefits of 3D tours? Create one right here on Apartments.com. Our platform offers 3D tour capabilities through Matterport, an all-in-one spatial data platform that captures real-world spaces and transforms them into immersive digital replicas.

With Matterport, you can create a captivating 3D model of your home and give renters the ability to virtually walk through your listing. Simply grab your phone, download the Matterport app, and follow a few simple steps to bring your 3D tour to life. Then, link your tour to your Premium listing on Apartments.com, and voila! Potential renters can now experience your property in a whole new way.

FAQs

What is a 3D home tour?

A 3D home tour is a virtual experience that allows users to explore a property online as if they were walking through it. Using advanced imaging technology, these tours provide a realistic and immersive view of the home.

How much does a 3D tour cost?

The cost of creating a 3D tour varies based on the platform and tools you choose. Some platforms provide free or budget-friendly options, while others charge for premium features such as hosting or advanced editing capabilities. With Apartments.com’s affordable premium listing feature, 3D tours are included, allowing you to showcase your property effectively and attract more renters.

What are the advantages of virtual tours?

Virtual tours save time by allowing potential buyers to view properties remotely, narrowing down choices before scheduling in-person visits. They also provide greater convenience and accessibility for out-of-town buyers.

Are virtual house tours worth it?

Yes, virtual house tours are worth it as they offer a cost-effective way to showcase properties to a wider audience.

A professional headshot image of Emma Robinson.

Emma Robinson

Hi, I’m Emma! I’m a seasoned marketing professional with over two years of content writing experience. Over the course of my career, I’ve written for various industry pioneers in the real estate space. This experience has qualified me to educate Apartments.com’s audience on how to succeed as a landlord, property manager, or property owner in competitive rental markets.