360° Tours for Real Estate Sales: Benefits and ROI

The Swiss real estate market is becoming increasingly digital. Buyers and tenants now expect to explore properties online — not just through static images, but interactively and immersively. 360-degree tours (also known as virtual tours or virtual walkthroughs) meet exactly this demand. In this article, we explain what 360° tours are, how they are used in real estate sales, and why the investment delivers measurable returns.

A 360-degree tour is an interactive virtual walkthrough of a building or apartment. The viewer can freely look around, navigate from room to room, and examine details from different angles. Unlike traditional renderings or photos, a 360° tour offers an immersive experience that closely resembles actually visiting a property. Technically, 360° tours are based on panoramic images that are either rendered from 3D models or captured on-site with specialized cameras. For new-build projects — where the property does not yet exist — we create the tours entirely from the 3D model.

The advantages of 360° tours in real estate sales are numerous and measurable. First, they increase reach: prospective buyers from across Switzerland — or internationally — can view the property without traveling. This is particularly relevant for the Swiss market, where buyers frequently come from other cantons or abroad. Second, they reduce wasted viewings: someone who has virtually toured a property comes better prepared to the on-site visit. Unsuitable prospects filter themselves out. Third, they accelerate the sales process: studies show that properties with 360° tours sell up to 31% faster than those with conventional photos.

The cost of a 360° tour ranges from CHF 800 to CHF 3,500 for a typical Swiss real estate project, depending on scope. Against this stand measurable benefits: fewer physical viewings (time savings for brokers and owners), shorter marketing periods (reduced vacancy costs), higher closing rates (better-informed buyers), and a more professional market presence. For a new-build project with multiple units, the investment typically pays for itself with just one apartment sold faster. The ROI is particularly high for premium properties and projects targeting international buyers.

In Switzerland, 360° tours are used in various contexts. New-build projects benefit most, since apartments must be marketed before construction begins and no on-site visits are possible. Existing properties use 360° tours to reduce the number of physical viewings and invite only genuinely interested parties. Luxury properties reach international buyers through virtual tours, enabling pre-selection without travel. Commercial properties such as office spaces and retail units can also be presented convincingly with 360° tours.

A 360° tour delivers its full impact when seamlessly integrated into the overall marketing strategy. The tour should be embedded on the project website, linked on real estate portals like Homegate and ImmoScout24, shared on social media, and made accessible via QR code in print materials. At Mirae, we deliver 360° tours in all common formats and support technical integration. The tours are responsive and work on desktop, tablet, and smartphone — as well as on VR headsets for an even more immersive experience.

Not all 360° tours are created equal. Quality depends on the resolution of panoramic images, the realistic depiction of materials and lighting, smooth navigation, and loading speed. Low-quality tours with blurry images or choppy navigation can have the opposite effect and deter prospective buyers. At Mirae, we render 360° tours in 8K resolution with physically accurate materials and optimize tours for fast loading — even on mobile devices.

360-degree tours are no longer a luxury but an essential marketing tool for Swiss real estate projects. The investment pays off through shorter marketing periods, better buyer qualification, and a more professional presentation. For new-build projects marketed before completion, virtual walkthroughs are indispensable. Contact us for a no-obligation quote — or use our cost calculator for an initial estimate.