The real estate industry has recently begun to embrace the world of XR and it’s easy to see why.
Extended reality (XR) is an umbrella term that includes virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). Combined, these immersive technologies provide great opportunities to revolutionise how properties are showcased, designed, and experienced.
Architects and developers alike are using XR to create lifelike 3D models of buildings and home interiors, allowing for better visualisation, planning, and collaboration.
Before we look at how the XR revolution is transforming the home and design industry in Australia, let’s define what XR is and how it works.
Understanding XR in Architecture and Construction
As we previously mentioned, XR covers a range of immersive technologies, including augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR), that blend real-world and virtual environments.
In the real estate industry, XR allows architects to visualise their home designs and building projects in real-world settings, making it easier to spot potential issues and make adjustments before construction begins.
For example, in residential home design, XR allows architects to create immersive virtual tours that allow clients to explore every corner of their future homes before construction commences.
Similarly, in building practices, XR can help construction managers conduct virtual walkthroughs of construction sites, allowing them to identify and address potential safety hazards and logistical challenges before workers are on-site. This proactive approach not only improves safety but also streamlines project timelines and reduces costs associated with rework.
Whether it’s designing a new kitchen or planning an entirely new building, XR offers a more accurate and immersive portrayal of real estate projects than traditional methods, leading to better decisions and happier clients.
Let’s look at how the XR revolution is changing the way project managers approach home design.
XR’s Impact on Modern Home Design
As briefly discussed, one of the stand-out benefits of using XR in real estate home design is its ability to enhance visualisation.
Australian home designers can now step into virtual environments where they can explore and interact with their designs at a scale and level of detail that was previously unimaginable.
This not only allows for a deeper understanding of how the space will eventually look and feel but also facilitates more informed decision-making throughout the design and construction process – a feat that 2D drawings and physical models simply cannot replicate.
Whether it’s walking through a virtual rendering of their dream kitchen or experimenting with different furniture layouts in augmented reality, XR gives homeowners the ability to actively participate in the design process and make decisions that truly reflect their preferences and lifestyles.
Some examples of XR tools and applications in home design include:
- AR apps for visualising furniture and decor in real-time
- VR platforms for immersive virtual walkthroughs of architectural designs
- MR tools for collaborative design sessions where multiple stakeholders can interact with a shared virtual environment
Ultimately, the process of building a house is made easier, more efficient and far more immersive with XR.
How XR is Being Used to Improve Building Practices
In the same way that XR is used in home design, XR allows construction and project managers to visualise real estate construction projects in three-dimensional virtual environments.
The key difference between XR building practices and XR home design is the focus on different stages of the construction process. While XR in home design mainly centres on visualising and planning the design before construction starts, XR in building practices is more focused on enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of the actual construction process itself.
Traditional building practices often rely on 2D plans and blueprints, and while they can provide a good baseline for building projects, they simply cannot match up to XR’s virtual designs.
Plus, a traditional approach leaves room for subjective interpretation, meaning that stakeholders may have different interpretations of the plans, which could lead to miscommunication and errors during construction.
With XR, everyone is on the same page because everyone is literally seeing the same thing. They see a three-dimensional representation of the building project and are therefore able to eliminate any guesswork that can creep in with traditional 2D designs and blueprints.
Why Real Estate Agencies in Australia Should Invest in XR Technology
A recent survey positioned Real Estate fourth in a list of sectors expected to attract the most VR/AR-related investment over the next 12 months, and it’s no surprise given the benefits XR brings to the table.
Let’s dive a little deeper into the reasons why XR paving the way for home and building innovations in Australia:
- Enhanced Property Visualisation: XR technology allows potential buyers to explore properties in immersive 3D environments, providing a realistic and detailed representation of the space. This allows buyers to visualise themselves living or working in the property, leading to increased engagement and interest.
- Remote Property Tours: With XR technology, real estate agencies can offer virtual property tours, allowing buyers to view properties from the comfort of their own homes. This capability is particularly valuable for out-of-town buyers or those unable to attend in-person viewings.
- Competitive Advantage: Let’s be honest, real estate agencies who are embracing XR technology can provide a far more immersive and unique experience, allowing them to position themselves as innovative leaders in the industry. If you’re looking to stand out from your competition, XR technology is a great area to invest in.
- Time and Cost Savings: Virtual property tours powered by XR technology can save both time and money for real estate agencies and their clients. Instead of scheduling multiple in-person viewings, agents can conduct virtual tours efficiently, reducing travel expenses and minimising disruptions to their schedules.
- Increased Sales Conversion: XR technology has been shown to increase sales conversion rates for real estate listings. In fact, 82% of buyers’ agents said staging made it easier for a buyer to visualise the property as a future home.
- Expanded Reach: Virtual property tours can reach a broader audience, including international buyers and investors who may have yet to have the opportunity to visit properties in person. This expanded reach can attract new clients and drive interest in listings from around the world.
Could XR Technology Promote Eco-Friendly Building Practices?
XR technology is poised to play a key role in promoting sustainable development by facilitating the incorporation of innovative construction materials into home and building designs.
Through XR tools, architects and developers can visualise the use of sustainable materials like recycled steel, reclaimed wood, bamboo, and eco-friendly composites in their projects. They can then use VR simulations to assess how these materials perform and look within their designs.
Additionally, AR overlays can provide on-the-spot information on the environmental impact and energy efficiency of different building materials. This means that real estate professionals can use more sustainable materials in their designs, reducing carbon footprints, minimising waste, and promoting eco-friendly construction innovation practices.
We can say with some confidence that the future looks environmentally friendly with XR, as innovative sustainable building materials are effortlessly integrated into designs with the help of XR technology.
This partnership between XR and sustainability promises a more eco-conscious and resilient built environment, leading to a greener future in real estate development.
Conclusion
While XR is still in its adolescence in the real estate industry, this type of technology is growing incredibly quickly. It won’t be long before XR is adopted into more and more estate agencies’ project planning and marketing strategies.
With more and more people looking for cost-effective, efficient and immersive ways to design their homes and building projects, the future looks bright for XR building innovations in Australia.
