Virtual home inspections – whether live, pre-recorded, or interactive 3D models – rose to popularity out of necessity during the pandemic and show no signs of fading. Whether you’re buying property from interstate or overseas, you’re time poor, or you’re simply unable to attend dozens of inspections every weekend, virtual inspections offer plenty of advantages for home buyers. 

Virtual inspections can save the travel time required to view homes and help screen out properties that don’t suit your needs upon closer inspection. However, they aren’t a perfect solution. There are important considerations homebuyers relying on virtual inspections must bear in mind.

Let’s dive into the ins and outs, tips and tricks, and dos and don’ts of attending virtual inspections as a buyer.

What is a virtual inspection?

A virtual inspection might sound self-explanatory, but it’s an umbrella term encompassing several methods. Whether live or pre-recorded, each type of virtual inspection offers unique features and limitations. Common methods include:

1. Live virtual inspections 

Live virtual inspections are conducted in real time via platforms like FaceTime, Zoom, WhatsApp, or other video conferencing tools. These inspections allow buyers to:

  • Ask questions

  • Request closer looks at specific rooms or features

  • Get a sense of the space in real time

While they’re interactive and tailored to a buyer’s needs, live virtual inspections depend on the estate agent’s schedule. Once finished, they may not be able to be revisited, unlike pre-recorded alternatives.

2. Pre-recorded virtual inspections 

Pre-recorded inspections are typically less personalised but offer the convenience of on-demand access. Buyers can view these:

  • Anytime and as many times as needed

  • Through online listings, video-sharing platforms, or social media channels

Although pre-recorded tours lack interactivity, they might be ideal for buyers needing flexibility.

3. 3D and interactive tours 

3D or interactive tours provide buyers with the option to ‘walk’ through a property virtually, inspecting each room as if attending an in-person inspection. Some even support virtual reality (VR) headsets for a fully immersive experience.

However, these tours can feel impersonal and may not be available for every property. While these may be helpful, they can also be soulless and sellers mightn't have the budget (or the will) to offer them.

What to look for during a virtual inspection

If you’re inspecting a property virtually, look for many of the same factors you would in a physical home inspection. Take note of things like layout, room sizes, and natural light. 

Many wish-list items you might have will be accessible virtually, so make sure you look to tick them off too.

See also: Crucial things to check when buying a house

LYNC Buyer’s Agents founder and principal buyer’s agent Tracy Leske uses walk-through videos to show properties to clients who are unable to attend in-person inspections.

“The benefits of a walk-through video include highlighting a location, street, street appeal, quality of finishes, floorplan, size, and suitability of the property,” she told Your Mortgage.

“A comprehensive walk-through video can be sent instantaneously providing the immediate ability for my clients to assess a property and make an informed decision.”

However, bear in mind the benefits of a virtual inspection must be weighed against multiple drawbacks. 

Limitations of virtual inspections when buying a home

Video content showcasing a property should be approached with caution, Ms Leske warns, particularly if it’s prepared by the seller’s representatives.

“Sales agents represent the seller in a legal capacity, and their videos are often crafted to highlight the property’s best features while omitting any negatives,” she said. 

That means they’re unlikely to showcase factors that might turn a buyer away, such as:

  • Buildings and infrastructure surrounding the property

  • Utility connections and the condition of essential services

  • Any defects that may require costly repairs

  • Drainage problems, roofing issues, or structural concerns

  • Any issues with boundaries or fencing that could impact privacy or security 

Virtual inspections also don’t allow a buyer to truly understand how a home stacks up when it comes to space, size, light, noise, odors, or neighbours. 

“Virtual inspections often miss critical details, particularly when it comes to identifying defects or areas of concern,” Ms Leske said. 

“Buyers without extensive property knowledge overlook issues like structural faults, water damage, pest infestations, or inadequate drainage – all of which are much easier to detect during a physical inspection.”

How to minimise risk when buying via virtual property inspection

As with all things, however, sometimes purchasing a home that you physically haven’t seen is almost unavoidable. Particularly if you live interstate or overseas or have a packaged schedule. 

In such cases, Ms Leske advises would-be home buyers to supplement virtual inspections with guidance and support from independent professionals or those working alongside them, such as a buyer’s agent, who can assess a property without bias. 

Other ways you might minimise risks associated with buying a property virtually include:

Do your research

While it’s difficult to gauge the quality of individual properties virtually, there’s a plethora of information on suburbs and townships online. Make sure to research local amenities, infrastructure, planned projects, and crime rates in any area you’re considering. You might also turn to forums to discuss the pros and cons of a particular neighbourhood or street. 

Get a building and pest inspection

A building and pest inspection is a necessity for anyone purchasing a property, whether via virtual inspection or not. These inspections result in a report that details any structural issues or pest infestations present in a property – things that are often hard to spot virtually. 

Consider renting first 

Finally, it might be a smart idea to move to your desired location before buying. Renting in an area will quickly open your eyes to its benefits and drawbacks, and you’ll be able to physically inspect any properties that pop up while you’re there. Not to mention, if the location isn’t for you, you can simply pack up and leave.

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