27 May 2016
Aberdein Considine launches 360-degree virtual tours
Techniques used by Google to produce its Street View maps are being deployed in the Scottish property market to help househunters 'walk around' homes using their computer or smartphone.
Special cameras offering 360-degree views of house interiors could transform the way people look for property.
Aberdein Considine has teamed-up with Scottish technology firm Eskimo Intelligent Solutions to offer the digital viewing experience across Scotland.
To view a demo of the 360-degree tour, click here.
How it works
The virtual tours are created using rapid 360-degree imaging iSTAR panoramic cameras, which precisely capture full spherical images of the property.
Individual panoramic images are ‘stitched’ together – similar to Google Street View – allowing the viewer to move through the property using their mouse or fingertips.
Since their introduction, Google’s 360-degree maps have become part of everyday life for most. Bob Fraser, Senior Property Partner at Aberdein Considine, believes they could have the same impact in the property market.
“It is unlikely that someone would buy a home without having at least one walk around,” he said.
“However, where this technology will bring enormous benefit is for more remote properties which might not get the footfall urban properties get.
“A virtual tour may catch the eye of a buyer who would otherwise have not seen the inside of the house.”
Mr Fraser, who has been buying and selling property in Scotland for 35 years, added: “I think the sector is now ready for this technology as it has dropped in price over the past 18-months, allowing it to become a feasible marketing tool for people selling their home.”
Continued expansion
The launch of the 360-degree tours comes as Aberdein Considine continues its expansion across Scotland.
On Friday (27th May) the firm officially completed its merger with Glasgow's A&S Ireland.
The combined businesses – which will trade under the Aberdein Considine brand from Monday – will together employ 360 staff.
The expansion adds two further estate agency and leasing branches to Aberdein Considine’s Glasgow property network, which will now span Byres Road in the west end, Kilmarnock Road in Shawlands and Ayr Road in Newton Mearns.
A&S Ireland’s legal office on Waterloo Street will now become Aberdein Considine’s new headquarters in the city, hosting its dispute resolution and employment law teams, as well as the firm’s national Corporate Real Estate department led by Partner Paul Jennings.
The deal gives Aberdein Considine 20 offices across Scotland.
Get in touch
If you would like to speak to us about a virtual tour for your property, call 0333 0066 333 or click here.