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Virtual Tours and AI in Real Estate: Passing Trend or the New Normal?
The Nigerian real estate sector, like many others across the globe, is experiencing a digital shift. Technologies such as virtual tours and artificial intelligence (AI) are beginning to redefine how properties are marketed, bought, and sold. What was once considered futuristic is gradually becoming part of the everyday real estate conversation. The question now is whether these technologies are passing trends or if they represent a new normal for the industry.
Virtual tours allow prospective buyers or tenants to explore properties online through immersive 360-degree videos or interactive walkthroughs. This eliminates the need for physical visits in the early stages of property search, saving time for both buyers and agents. For Nigerians living abroad who want to invest in property back home, virtual tours are game-changing. They can inspect properties from thousands of miles away, make informed decisions, and even close deals without stepping foot in the country.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual tours gained traction as physical distancing became necessary. Real estate companies turned to virtual tools to keep the market moving. While many expected this trend to fade as restrictions eased, the demand for digital convenience has only grown stronger. Buyers and renters have realized they prefer the ability to narrow down options online before making the effort to visit a property in person.
AI is also reshaping the industry in significant ways. From chatbots that respond to inquiries instantly, to recommendation algorithms that suggest properties based on a user’s search history, AI is enhancing customer experience and streamlining operations. Property management companies now use AI to predict maintenance needs, analyze market trends, and assess rental pricing. Some AI tools can even evaluate the investment potential of a property, helping buyers make data-driven decisions.
In Nigeria, where real estate often faces challenges such as lack of trust, inconsistent information, and limited transparency, AI and virtual tours can serve as tools for restoring confidence. A well-executed virtual tour shows the real condition of a property, reducing the chances of being scammed. AI-driven platforms can also help standardize property listings and reduce fake or duplicated adverts online.
However, the adoption of these technologies in Nigeria has not been uniform. Many real estate agents and developers still rely heavily on traditional methods—flyers, banners, site inspections, and word-of-mouth marketing. One major challenge is the digital divide. Not all agents have access to the tools or training needed to implement virtual tours or AI-based systems. Similarly, many potential buyers may lack the internet speed or tech-savvy needed to navigate these features seamlessly.
Cost is another factor. Producing a high-quality virtual tour requires cameras, editing software, and skilled professionals—resources that may be beyond the budget of small real estate businesses. For AI to be fully integrated, real estate platforms must invest in software development and data collection infrastructure.
Yet, despite these challenges, the shift toward digital real estate is inevitable. As Nigeria’s tech ecosystem grows and internet penetration deepens, more players in the property market will embrace these innovations. Forward-thinking real estate firms are already investing in these tools to stay competitive. Those who fail to adapt risk falling behind in a market that is gradually favoring speed, transparency, and convenience.
So, is the integration of virtual tours and AI in real estate a passing trend? The answer appears to be no. While full adoption may take time due to infrastructural and economic constraints, the direction is clear. These technologies are redefining what consumers expect from real estate services. In the long run, they are not just nice-to-haves—they are becoming essential.
For Nigerian real estate to remain relevant in a global and digitally connected economy, embracing these tools is not optional. It is the new normal.
Labbo, a registered Estate Surveyor and Valuer, sent in this piece from Abuja, Nigeria.
