New Real Estate Trend: Home Buyers Want to Discover Homes Without Developer Representatives

Temporary solutions implemented during the global coronavirus pandemic, such as contactless model homes, virtual tours, and independent viewing options, have persisted and are becoming increasingly popular. More and more buyers prefer to view homes at their own pace and without intermediaries, using smart keys, video presentations, and other digital tools.

According to the 2024 consumer trends survey by Zillow, the USA's most popular real estate portal (https://www.zillow.com/research/buyers-housing-trends-report-2024-34383/), 67% of American homebuyers would be more likely to view a home if they could do so according to their own schedule and without the presence of a developer representative. Similar trends have also reached Estonia, where buyers increasingly value convenience, privacy, and the opportunity to make decisions independently and calmly, which is why local developers have also introduced virtual tours and self-service visits to the market.

"People increasingly want to make decisions at their own pace and without outside interference," says real estate developer Alina Kester, Creative Director at Liven. "Buying a home is an emotional and personal journey, and we see that clients appreciate the opportunity to experience it without outside pressure or expectations. For some homebuyers, it is important to discuss details calmly with their partner or interior architect, while others simply want to feel the space on their own."

Based on new client habits, Liven has created a model home in the Luuslang development in Tallinn that can be visited contactlessly and independently. Visitors can access the apartment equipped with a smart lock and security camera using a unique temporary digital key, which can be obtained via email or phone call. This allows clients to familiarize themselves with the home around the clock at a time convenient for them.

According to Liven, client feedback on the Luuslang model apartment has so far been positive, and the flexibility of visiting times has been particularly highlighted – this is confirmed by the fact that the model apartment has been visited even at night.

"As a developer, our goal is not to pressure the client or push them, but to create a safe and trustworthy environment where they can themselves feel whether this place could be their new home," describes Alina Kester.

In addition to independent visits, Liven also offers the opportunity to experience the future home using virtual reality (VR) in its showroom. Clients can put on VR glasses and take a tour of an apartment that is still under construction, familiarizing themselves with its interior design solutions and space planning as if they were physically on site. What makes the solution special is that in the virtual apartment, you can test different interior design choices in real time: change flooring and tiles, add wallpaper or wood cladding.

"The purpose of technology is not to reduce human contact, but to simplify the decision-making process," adds Alina Kester. "Our goal is to make it as easy and convenient as possible for people to start their home buying journey."

Liven AS is a residential real estate developer founded in 2014 and operating primarily in Tallinn. Over the company's more than ten years of operation, more than 800 homes have been created and over 1,400 homes are in preparation. According to Kantar Emor's real estate brand awareness and reputation studies, Liven is Estonia's most reputable real estate developer.