Real estate portal SRX Property has started using aerial video and photography to better showcase homes to potential buyers.
Its new feature, dubbed X-Drone, will allow home seekers, especially those overseas, to visualise the surrounding neighbourhood, the type of views on offer and nearby amenities of properties on the market.
SRX Property said yesterday that it is the first digital property platform in Singapore to make use of drone footage. The firm is operated by StreetSine Technology Group, a subsidiary of Singapore Press Holdings.
In the United States and some other countries, drone photography, videos and sophisticated software programs are increasingly used by real estate agents for eye-catching visuals of homes.
StreetSine chief technology officer Jeremy Lee said: "Many overseas consumers are buying and renting properties without physically visiting the premises.
"We already offer 360 (degrees) virtual tours of the interior and valuer-backed pricing. X-Drone is the next step. Our goal is for buyers and renters to know exactly what they are getting."
SRX Property said X-Drone will be especially useful for new developments.
"The challenges buyers of new projects face are threefold.
"First, the building does not exist. Second, it is more difficult to price a property that has no track record. Third, most buyers of new projects are overseas or too busy to visit a show-flat," the firm said.
X-Drone allows potential buyers to assess the location from anywhere in the world, it added.
The drone service is the latest tool for SRX Property's listings, which already use virtual tours.
Listings with the most comprehensive information are ranked higher - which means they will turn up at the start of a search.
SRX Property is debuting the new drone video and photography feature with 10 projects, including the high-end Martin Modern in Martin Place and Leonie Hill Residences, under its X-Drone listings at srx.com.sg/condo
Mr Lee, who is also a licensed drone pilot, said the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore requires firms to license drone pilots with the agency and to file flight plans.
Real estate agents and developers interested in X-Drone may send an e-mail to xdrone@srx.com.sg
