For over two hundred years, we’ve built strong towers that weather anything from harsh winds to storms. The first-ever skyscraper was built in the late 1800s, standing at just 10 stories tall; the 40-story mammoths of today put it to shame.
The construction of these high-rises has been facilitated by high demand for them, and with hundreds of realtors and developers building thousands of towers, it’s hard to stand out. This is where leveraging technology like digital twins comes into play. Globally, an estimated 13,000 buildings are constructed every day. Using technology that allows you to help buyers visualise your projects before the foundation has even been laid can help you get a leg up on the competition. The digital twin market for buildings is projected to reach $20.2 billion by 2032.
What are digital twins?
As the name suggests, they are digital twins, but they aren’t just hollow husks with a facade that looks like what your tower will look like once constructed; they are fully detailed digital replicas that possess everything a building will have, from the exteriors to the interiors and even the amenities it will have to offer. Digital twins give buyers a better idea of what they’re investing in. These twins are significantly better than the traditional methods of selling under-construction properties, enabling the gathering of funds, which leads to ease of construction.
Benefits of digital twins
Cost reduction
Not only do digital twins give buyers a better idea of what they’re purchasing, but they also allow real estate firms to advertise their properties more efficiently. The investment into a digital twin may be higher than most other forms of traditional advertising in real estate, but the ROI is significantly higher. Instead of constructing a show flat that only one client at a time can view, you can instead have a whole experience centre with multiple TVs that many clients can interact with. Data shows that buyers are 95% more inclined to enquire about listings with virtual tours. This stat shows that digital twins aren’t just a fun gimmick but a serious element of property sales that drives clients to make more informed and confident decisions and will soon evolve into a staple of any property sale.
Sustainability
Traditional high-rise projects often include building physical show flats or sample apartments to showcase the design and quality of the final product. These show flats can generate significant waste during construction, modification, and eventual demolition. With digital twins, developers can create fully immersive, highly detailed virtual representations of the flats, eliminating the need for physical models. Buyers, tenants, and investors are increasingly prioritising sustainable and eco-friendly developments. High-rise projects leveraging digital twins can showcase their commitment to sustainability through reduced construction waste.
Improved decision-making
Digital twins provide an incredibly detailed, accurate, and immersive representation of a property. Buyers and investors can virtually explore every corner of a high-rise property and examine layouts, finishes, and even how lighting changes throughout the day. This level of transparency gives stakeholders the confidence to make informed decisions, reducing uncertainty and mitigating the risk of buyer's remorse. The immersive nature of digital twins fosters a stronger emotional connection to the property. Prospective buyers can personalise their virtual experience by exploring how their furniture might fit, testing colour schemes, or envisioning daily life within the space. This ability to visualise their future home or workspace makes the property feel more tangible and relatable, increasing their attachment and likelihood of committing to a purchase.
Use Cases of Digital Twins
Digital twins are particularly valuable in creating immersive virtual tours, where their full potential can be leveraged to enhance property sales. For example, V-Estate software offers real-time interactions with a digital twin of a property, featuring dynamic lighting and hyperrealistic visuals. Additionally, IoT integration enriches the experience—for instance, a physical model of the property can light up in response to interactions with specific areas of the 3D model. This creates an engaging and intuitive way for potential buyers to explore a property. When showcased in an experience centre, with multiple screens providing unique perspectives, digital twins deliver a comprehensive, interactive, and visually stunning presentation that elevates property marketing to a new level.
If you want to learn more about the untapped potential of digital twins or want to develop one of your own, you can contact us at +91 022 6849 3501 or vestate@inkincaps.com
