With a physical building yet to be built, off-the-plan property developments traditionally produce a display suite to showcase the property and engage with potential buyers. Increasingly, virtual reality experiences are being used by sales agents within showrooms to highlight the new development to a greater, more exacting level, further improving trust and engagement.
Ophira, a new Palm Beach, Queensland development by multi-award-winning commercial builder 5Point and marketed by ARC Project Marketing, has gone one step further by replacing a traditional showroom with an Interactive Display from augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) proptech company EnvisionVR, which has brought the boutique project to life long before it’s built.
“EnvisionVR has created a completely mobile sales platform allowing property developers, sales agents, and buyers to engage on-site or off-site, in-person or remotely, in real time,” said EnvisionVR CEO Michael Shaw. “The Interactive Display includes virtual property experiences, floorplans, and other digital assets, with stock management and CRM functionality for applications such as multi-level residential developments or project home design options.”
Ophira’s Interactive Display from EnvisionVR is used as a remote, off-the-plan sales kit, and not investing in a traditional showroom has not impacted sales, with over 50 per cent of the $7 million+ apartments already sold.
“Ophira is a boutique, beachfront development and the time and cost of a display suite were too onerous for the project,” said Chris Wayman, 5Point’s Development and Design Manager. “A high-end product requires a high-end experience to present to well-placed buyers and EnvisionVR’s Ophira Virtual Experience takes them through the project perfectly.”
Interestingly, EnvisionVR’s Interactive Display has also been used by 5Point to inform their design team and educate sub-contractors on the project. “Using EnvisionVR’s Virtual Experience internally, contractors have been able to quote on the project more accurately,” said Wayman. “Better interpretation of the project has helped communicate expectations on things like joinery, kitchen, painting, and tiling.”
EnvisionVR’s Ophira Virtual Experience has allowed potential buyers to understand every aspect of the project, according to Dylan Molloy, Director of Arc Project Marketing. “Our discerning buyers get the complete picture; they can advise what they like and identify aspects of the finishes they would like to upgrade or change to meet their specific requirements,” said Molloy.
The versatility of EnvisionVR’s platform is its greatest asset and allows us to connect with buyers no matter where they are, notes Molloy. “Being a small boutique development, we didn’t need a traditional display suite, instead meeting with buyers on-site, at coffee shops, at their homes, and online. EnvisionVR elevates the experience for buyers, allowing them to walk through the entire apartment and out to the balcony in real scale, appreciate the spectacular ocean and hinterland views they will have from each window, and review finishes throughout. The experience leaves them confident in the project and the product that is going to be delivered,” said Molloy.
