Augmented Reality vs. Virtual Reality- What’s Best for Real Estate Marketing?

In the present day, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are reshaping the whole idea of the process of viewing real estate properties by making notable developments in the real estate segment, thereby seeing an excellent increase in the rate of engagement of customers.

A large number of real estate developers/builders are making use of these tools because they offer themselves a powerful, innovative way to view properties to their customers, especially in a time when visiting different locations in person is not always possible.

But, the most important question lies in how to differentiate the technologies of AR and VR from each other when it comes to real estate marketing, and which one of these technologies seems to be the most suitable tool for the industry?

First let us explain the difference between AR and VR

Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality (AR) is a highly innovative technology that allows you to add digital elements to a live view, thereby making your surroundings more intense. It is done with the simple use of the camera on your smartphone.

Virtual Reality

The main feature of Virtual Reality includes its offering of a highly immersive experience for users in the sense that it works towards replacing a real-life environment with a simulated one, thereby making the users feel like they are in a different world. The users require a VR headset in order to experience the features of this technology completely.

The Essential Role of Augmented Reality (AR) in Real Estate

AR in real estate offers the most notable feature which is that of overlaying digital information on various physical spaces in terms of dimensions, furniture, and structural details. This high-fidelity 3D representation allows customers to view possible modifications and styles within the property space.

For instance, buyers can use AR on a smartphone to view possible layouts or remodels, seeing how elements like furniture and appliances would fit in a specific location.

AR bridges the gap between imagination and reality, allowing customers to see their future home’s layout or style in real time without extensive rework. Besides making the whole experience visually engaging, the technology also keeps sales representatives from the developers and customers actively involved in the decision-making process.

Exploring Virtual Reality (VR) for Real Estate

A tough choice indeed but there are points that make it easier to choose between AR and VR for real estate marketing. So in this case, the decision majorly depends upon the target customer persona or location, the real estate developer is aiming to acquire.

While VR requires a headset for the experience of full immersion, AR allows customers to view properties with only a smartphone or tablet, making it more accessible without additional equipment. AR-based property walkthroughs are ideal for customers looking for interactive and convenient virtual views without needing VR headsets, as they can examine and customize property features easily from their devices.

Augmented Reality is highly beneficial when it comes to on-site customization, thereby giving buyers the opportunity to see the designs as per their preference in a real-world context. On the other hand, Virtual real estate tours, however, allow exploration of a property entirely, thereby appealing as a useful feature to customers specifically when site visits are tedious, at the same time there is nothing much to explore except for model showcases. AR is also useful technology when for international customers.

AR based projection of the appartment plan at the site is also becoming a norm with placement of furniture, so customers can visualize the actual size of the built up area with furniture placement. Since it’s a projection, different layout types can be projected, so the builder needn’t spend lot of money creating model apartments / villas.

4D and 5D experience theatres onsite are also getting popular while presenting the projects to the customers and potential buyers.

Both the technologies of Augmented Reality as well as Virtual Reality come with high advantages in the real estate sector. But, having said so, the decision again rests ultimately on the experience that the real estate developers look for. AR for interactive enhancements and VR for immersive explorations, both of which work massively in giving a boost to the confidence of a client and connection to their future home.