New Build Project Visualization: The Complete Guide for Developers

Visualizing a new build project is far more than just a pretty picture. It is a strategic tool that accompanies the entire lifecycle of a project — from the initial concept phase through building permits to selling the last apartment. In this guide, we show real estate developers and builders in Switzerland how to optimally use visualizations to market projects faster and more successfully.

Even in the earliest project phase, visualizations can deliver enormous value. AI visualizations make it possible to explore different design variants within hours and discuss them with investors or partners. Typical uses: volume studies for neighborhood integration, facade variants, first impressions for investor meetings. Costs in this phase: from CHF 177 per AI visualization — a fraction of the cost of traditional renderings.

For the building application, many Swiss municipalities require visualizations. In this phase, we recommend high-quality exterior visualizations that show the building in the context of its surroundings. At least two perspectives are standard: a street view and another view showing integration into the neighborhood. These images become part of the official building application documents and should therefore be technically precise and true to scale.

The sales launch is the most important milestone in marketing. Visualizations should be commissioned four to six weeks before the planned sales start. A typical configuration includes: 2–3 exterior visualizations (street view, garden view, possibly aerial perspective), 3–5 interior visualizations (living area, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, balcony/terrace), optionally a 360° tour for interactive online marketing. These images form the centerpiece of the sales documentation and all subsequent marketing materials.

The visualizations flow into all sales channels: sales documentation (brochure), project website, real estate portals (Homegate, ImmoScout24, Comparis), social media campaigns, construction site signage with QR code. At Mirae, we offer custom project websites alongside visualizations — everything from a single source. This ensures consistent visual quality across all channels.

During the marketing phase, additional visualizations can be produced as content: social media posts with material studies, seasonal variants (summer/winter views), detail views of individual apartment types for targeted inquiries. AI visualizations are excellent for this ongoing content production, as they can be created quickly and cost-effectively.

A realistic visualization budget for a typical Swiss new build project (apartment building, 10–30 units): Concept phase CHF 500–1,500 (AI visualizations), Building application CHF 1,500–3,000 (2–3 exterior views), Sales launch CHF 3,000–8,000 (interior and exterior views), optional 360° tour CHF 800–3,500, optional project website CHF 3,000–8,000. Total budget: CHF 5,000–15,000. Relative to the project volume and the acceleration of the sales process, this is one of the most profitable investments in project development.

From our experience with hundreds of new build projects, we know the most common mistakes: Starting too late — plan visualizations early in the project schedule. Too few perspectives — a single image is rarely enough for convincing marketing. Inconsistent quality — all images should come from the same studio to ensure a unified look. No digital strategy — visualizations achieve their full impact only when embedded in a thoughtful online presence.

Visualizing a new build project is a strategic investment that accelerates and professionalizes the entire sales process. With the right timing, the right configuration, and an experienced partner, you get the maximum from your marketing budget. At Mirae, we accompany new build projects from the first concept sketch to the last unit sold — with visualizations, websites, and digital solutions from a single source. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation.