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IS 3D VISUALIZATION FOR SMALL PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT - A MUST?
What makes 3D Visualization so effective as a marketing tool because it allows you to present the project from all sides, especially for those without spatial imagination.

By George Nicola (Expert Stager)
According to Statista, 6.1 million houses were sold in the United States in 2021, which is about 0.5 million more than the previous year. Undoubtedly, the property development industry is booming, but the competition is intense. And it is expected to become even more competitive in the future.
Key Takeaways
3D Visualization is critical to understanding and appreciating the potential of decision-making sides.
In addition, it allows small property developers to showcase how their project is better than the rest of the competitors in a hyper-realistic manner that is prone to attract better clients.
What does a property developer do?
To become a property developer, you do not need any qualifications. Indeed comprehending construction and building methods, real estate economy, design, and planning will make you more successful.
A person who makes a living by building or renovating a property is a developer.
Small developers often stay small not because they can’t scale up operations but because they operate within a specific niche or prefer to deliver quality than quantity.
Essential aspects of the small property developers
In small developments, the relationship between project finding, construction activity, general economy, property investment and development, and decision-making is shorter and more complex compared to larger ones.
Partnerships in small property development are the key to success. This type of business requires a specialized team or collaborators with heavy knowledge of the property market, understanding the essential mechanisms and processes by which development projects take place and are implemented.

The nature of supply and demand determines the direction of the outcome. Marketing has the role of interplay between investors, developers, financiers, and buyers would seem essential to success if such partnerships are to benefit all participants.
What makes 3D Visualization so effective as a marketing tool is to allow you to present the project from all sides in a glorified campaign, especially for those buyers without spatial imagination.
Often small developments start their advertisement campaigns right after the drawings board, even before being constructed.
In this article, we will delve into the world of 3D Visualization and what makes it useful for property development.
Moreover, we will also cover whether 3D Visualization is better than watercolor renderings.
What Is 3D Visualization?
In architecture, the word visualization refers to creating models and structures that people without strong spatial perception can easily understand.
3D Visualization, also known as “3D rendering”, allows you to make an idea more digestible by balancing an architect’s skills and the client’s vision.
Instead of using 2D drawings, architects and designers implement 3D visuals to add life-like aesthetics and comfort to a project.
Moreover, what makes these visuals exceptional is the ability to make any desired changes conveniently. With sketches, a client’s imagination is limited to a piece of paper with little to no room for improvement.
What Is 3D Visualization for property development?
Visualizations for small developments are different and consist of multiple components tweaked for the purpose. Most people think that these are a few images with a 3D perspective showing the property’s colors, textures, and light setup; that is wrong.
Due to the nature of the new property business, the operations revolve around two primary parts: funding (investors) and new leads (clients); the two are interlocked and self-balancing.

That makes marketing a key component, as a company with a weak advertisement will throw off balance, and either new funding or leads will not enter the cycle.
Why Is 3D Visualization Useful for Small Property Development?
Now that we’ve established what 3D visualization is, let’s talk about the five significant benefits of implementing this technique.
It Attracts More Clients
A large percentage of people can’t comprehend 2D drawings and schematics with lines and numbers. A good 3D visualization helps present and attract potential buyers by “translating” architectural and interior features into a visual language.
If your property advertisement campaign doesn’t utilize 3D visualizations, it’s time to get the right people on board to enhance marketing campaigns.
It’s almost impossible for buyers to visualize the full potential of their new kitchen dinner solely on a 2D floor plan. Especially if it’s a part of a larger open space that has unusual shapes.
Experiencing a structure through different variations and styles that feel peculiar drives customer engagement.
With the freedom to experience a design from every angle and dimension, 3D Visualization gives a comprehensive look into your project. With 2D designs, this can’t be achieved as they don’t provide the complete picture.
So if you are looking for future homeowners or investors, 3D rendering can help you get more leads. The state-of-the-art technology allows you to reach more people and spark greater interest.
Helps You Stay Relevant and Competitive
Memorable customer experience is something that can’t be over-emphasized. If a buyer comes at your door asking for an idea that has the potential to explode, a bundle of papers and sketches doesn’t sound great.
Nowadays, 3D Visualization has become a trend. And as time passes, its users are going to increase. As a result, you can present ideas in a modern and high-tech way, proving you know something the competition doesn’t.
Allows For Early Changes

Another thing that makes 3D rendering compelling is the ability to point out changes at the early stages of a project. In property development, your project has to be perfect in every aspect, as even the tiniest mistake can impact a buyer’s decision.
With 3D Visualization, clients don’t have to worry about the budget for multiple changes that might be needed. For example, your clients can immediately object if they don’t like the living room’s layout and style. Catching problems at the initial stage will save you trouble and additional costs in the long run.
Precise and Accurate

Before technological advancements, clients could only get a rough idea of their future home. This is because there’s a limit to what you can add with sketches and drawings. However, with 3D Visualization, clients can take a virtual tour of their future property even before it’s built.
When you design something without proper modeling, you can settle for imperfections – but with 3D Visualization, you don’t have to settle for less. What you see in the model is what you get in real life.
From a simple floor tile to a complex lighting scheme, 3D Visualization has the ability to showcase exterior and interior designs in the most photorealistic manner. The option to play with lighting, shadows, and structures around you, makes an idea impeccable.
Enhances Real Estate Marketing

According to a study, emotional advertisements boost sales by 23% more than conventional ads. And there’s nothing that can stir emotions better than 3D Visualization. When it comes to real estate marketing, customer experience is probably the key factor that builds a loyal relationship between a property developer and the client.
The numbers don’t lie, and according to experts, the real estate market is the direct beneficiary of 3D rendering. This is because, with 3D Visualization and animated walkthroughs, buyers experience how the final project would look and feel.
Is 3D Visualization Better Than Watercolor Renderings?
Watercolor rendering refers to using watercolors to enhance the overall aesthetics of 3D structures, furniture, appliances, etc.
Moreover, it provides an artistic ambiance while allowing a high level of customization and revision opportunities.
Now let’s discuss the critical factors of the two most used visualization methods in the field of property development and which one is best for you.
Flexibility
Changes and revisions are one of the most tiring factors for architects. With 3D Visualization, every nook and cranny can be worked on with just a few clicks. This means that you won’t have to spend hours fixing some minor changes.
The same goes for watercolor renderings.
With the ability to change colors and pallets by pressing a few buttons, it becomes hassle-free to work with watercolors. Whether you spend time changing colors or adjusting the lighting mood, both of these are pretty flexible in their own ways.
Turnaround Time
It takes a while for a masterpiece to become a reality, but do clients have that much time? 3D Visualization is reliable in producing accurate and detailed results in an adequate period. This is because it allows you to easily make changes, implement new stuff and convey ideas clearly and quickly.
However, some clients don’t want hyper-realistic visuals to convince them to purchase a property. Although watercolor renderings may not be as quick as 3D visualizations, the results are filled with enriching colors that create a sense of simplicity and naturally connect the client to their property.
Artistic Ambience
To impress a client, 3D Visualization aims to achieve even the tiniest details. From shadows, lighting, structures, and high-quality textures, 3D visuals are perfect from every angle and dimension. The idea of creating models that are close to real life is capable of leaving clients and people in a phase of astonishment.
Yet, everyone has an individual approach.
Hence, the soft touch of watercolor renderings leaves more stuff to the viewer’s imagination.
Not every detail has to be perfect. Sometimes the emphasis on harmony and fluidity in watercolor renderings can elicit a specific emotional reaction.
More accessible in Terms of Technology
Whether it is 3D Visualization or watercolor rendering, the process is quite similar. The only thing that separates the two is the extra step of filling the rendering with colors.
The field of working with 3D projects isn’t everyone’s cup of forte, or else everyone would be an expert. You need the right skills and creativity to work with either of these.
The choice between the two comes down to what your client prefers and what you are comfortable with.
- If your project focuses on intricate details and textures, 3D Visualization would be the better choice.
- If your project is in a very early stage and there are multiple unknowns, perhaps watercolor renderings are the better choice.
Can a property be presented as a form of art?
A 3D Visualization is a new form of art. It gives small developers tools to display their projects as never seen before in artistic depictions early in the process of construction, securing quality leads.