Is Drone Footage Now Essential for Property Listings?

In recent years, drone footage has swept through real estate marketing, capturing imaginations with its sweeping aerial perspectives and often breathtaking visuals. However, as drones have become nearly ubiquitous, real estate experts are beginning to question whether drone footage has become more of a costly add-on than an essential marketing tool.

Aaron Scott, Co-Founder of bRight Agent, shares his opinion on the matter.

“There’s no doubt drone footage offers an exceptional view that traditional photography can’t,” Scott begins. “For properties with large blocks, waterfront views, or extensive gardens, aerial visuals can highlight the sheer scale and natural beauty of a property.

Drones enable buyers to understand how a property sits within its landscape—proximity to parks, beaches, and even a sneak peek at potential neighbours. It’s a shift from the days when a short description like ‘5km to the CBD’ was all we had to rely on.”

Drone footage undoubtedly adds a visual edge in real estate marketing, Scott acknowledges. “In today’s digital landscape, capturing attention online is paramount. Dynamic drone shots deliver the ‘wow’ factor that makes buyers pause and click, framing properties as premium listings from the get-go. Paired with professional styling, high-end photography, and virtual tours, drone footage can transform a listing, setting it apart in a saturated market.”

However, in luxury real estate, where aerial shots are now expected, drone footage has lost some of its novelty. Scott suggests the market may have reached a saturation point.

“With high-end and rural properties, aerial footage is now standard. It’s still valuable, but when every luxury listing has it, the ‘wow’ factor fades. In some cases, these shots may be appreciated but aren’t necessarily adding unique value as they once did.”

Moreover, Scott argues that drone footage isn’t always necessary, particularly for smaller properties. “If a suburban home doesn’t have significant external features or unique surroundings, the cost of drone footage may not yield a worthwhile return on investment.

Potential buyers may focus more on well-staged interior shots, layout, and curb appeal,” Scott advises.

“For apartments or compact homes, enhanced interior photography or virtual tours might be a more targeted and impactful investment.”

Ultimately, Scott underscores that while drone footage can elevate a property’s presentation, it’s essential for agents to discern when it truly adds value.

“Drone footage remains a powerful tool, but it’s not universally effective for every listing,” he says.

“Understanding a property’s unique features and strategically tailoring the marketing approach to spotlight those attributes—whether that includes aerial shots or not—is what makes the difference.”