Virtual Reality is changing the game in real estate: from viewings to digital renovations

How VR is transforming the experience of buyers and investors

In recent years, Virtual Reality (VR) has evolved from being a “futuristic technology” to a practical and highly valuable tool across various industries. Real estate is among the fields that have embraced these solutions the fastest, as they address a real need: viewing spaces quickly, conveniently, and realistically—without the traditional limitations of scheduling, travel, or geography.

But perhaps the most significant change brought by VR to real estate is not just about technology—it’s about the direct involvement of interior designers. They become the essential link that turns a simple 3D model into a captivating and meaningful experience for the buyer or investor. In other words, without the designer’s vision and creativity, VR would be just a cold mockup; with their expertise, however, the space becomes a living scenario—a projection of a “home” or a “functional office” that feels real even in the presentation stage.

For buyers and investors, this means a completely different experience. Instead of walking through an empty room with white walls and cold lighting, they can enter a virtually staged apartment or office designed intelligently. The designer can create multiple versions of the same space—a minimalist home, a luxurious alternative, or an open-space office transformed into a coworking area. The visitor can instantly test how their future space might look, making the purchase decision faster and more confident.

360° presentations, interactive tours, virtual renovations directly in the headset

A simple photo or even a presentation video is no longer enough to convince today’s discerning buyers. The public has grown accustomed to interactivity, and in real estate, that means 360° tours and VR experiences.

Here, the interior designer plays a crucial role: they don’t just arrange objects in a digital model but carefully plan how the visitor interacts with the space. How does a virtual tour begin? What’s the logical path through the apartment or office? Where are the points of interest located—the dining area, the workspace, the terrace with a view? None of these details are random; they’re part of a strategic presentation designed to highlight the property’s strengths.

Examples of Concrete Applications:

360° Presentations: The visitor can rotate in any direction, experiencing the feeling of being in the middle of the room. The designer decides which design elements draw attention and where to create “focal points.”

Interactive Tours: The buyer can freely navigate from one room to another, open virtual doors, and discover details such as the materials used or possible furnishing options.

Virtual Renovations: Before an old space is renovated, it can be recreated in VR with brand-new finishes and furniture. This way, an apparently ordinary apartment can be perceived as a modern, bright home—thanks to the vision of the interior designer.

This combination of technology and creativity transforms the viewing experience into an exploratory and captivating process. Instead of a passive visit, the client enjoys an interactive journey that engages them emotionally and stimulates their imagination.

Benefits for Agents/Developers: Remote Viewings, Faster Decisions, Global Client Access

Although VR primarily delights buyers and investors, the true value is felt by real estate agents and developers. They gain a range of benefits that simplify their work and amplify their results.

1. Remote Viewings
   An apartment or office can be viewed from anywhere using a simple VR headset—or even a smartphone. This means a client from another city or even another country can “step into” the property instantly, without traveling. For agents, this translates into eliminating dozens of physical visits that might never have materialized. Moreover, the interior designer can personalize tours to suit the preferences of each market segment.
2. Faster Decisions
   Buyers often hesitate because they cannot visualize the potential of an empty or deteriorated space. A well-crafted VR tour with thoughtful interior design removes this barrier. The client immediately sees what the space could become, and in many cases, the decision is made after the first virtual viewing. For agents, this means faster and more efficient transactions.
3. Global Client Access
   In a digitally connected world, physical borders no longer limit the real estate market. An apartment in Bucharest can be presented just as easily to a client in London, Dubai, or New York. VR enables this global access—but what truly convinces the client is how the interior designer has envisioned and presented the space. The visual experience must be powerful enough to transcend the screen and inspire trust.