Samsung’s Gear VR headsets are finding a novel use: selling houses. Estate agent Sherry FitzGerald New Homes is to launch Ireland’s first virtual reality platform for viewing properties – even ones that aren’t built yet.
The two companies have developed a virtual reality platform so buyers can have a virtual walkthrough of an unbuilt property simply by wearing the headset which transports them inside to conduct a viewing.
The platform has been tested on two fully functioning walktroughs of a new client home schemes and completed extensive user testing and feedback. One test was part of the marketing campaign for a fourthcoming Rokeby Park housing development in Lucan Village, West Dublin. Working with an environment artist, they created a virtual reality walkthrough of one of the properties letting potential purchasers experience a more lifelike view of the properties in the development than could be offered by simple floor plans or small scale models.
“We are hugely excited to be leading the field in this exciting cutting edge technology,” said Ivan Gaine, head of new homes at Sherry FitzGerald. “The freedom it gives our viewers to go on a virtual walk through of an unbuilt property and appreciate the proportions of the rooms, see the views from the window and experience the expected finish of a show house all by simply putting on a headset, is very futuristic. The Samsung VR walkthrough is now one of the suite of marketing tools available to our developer clients and initial reaction from our clients and our ultimate buyer customers is overwhelmingly positive. We have also developed 3D printed models and touch screen technology at many of our launches and marketing suites.”
Adrian McInerney, general manager, Samsung Business Ireland, said: “Buying a new home is one of the biggest purchases you will ever make so we’re really excited to be able to bring this to life for people who are hoping to buy a property off plan. We are already working with a number of companies in other regions and industries to create similar user experiences. For example, Audi used the Gear VR headset to create the first digital car showroom and offer customers the ability to test drive new cars. “
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