Virtual apartment tours can be reliable, and can be a huge asset to many renters, especially in a post-COVID world, where many people moved apartments “sight unseen.” Virtual tours, in one way or another, have changed the way many renters search for housing, whether it’s for relocation purposes or to gather details before committing to an in-person viewing. A 3D tour or video walkthrough can be hugely beneficial.
But how much can you trust what you’re seeing online? Are virtual tours truly reliable, or are they just polished marketing tools?
In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of virtual apartment tours, explain what to watch out for, and help you feel confident renting virtually or in person.
What is a virtual apartment tour?
A virtual apartment tour is a digital tool that allows renters to explore a rental unit online. If an apartment listing says it offers a “virtual” tour, it means it provides one of the following formats:
- 3D interactive tours, where you can let yourself “walk through” a space online
- Video tours, which are a recorded video or a live FaceTime call with a leasing agent
- 360-degree panoramic images, where you can pan across the room
Many platforms, including Zumper, now offer filters that enable you to find listings that include virtual or 3D tours easily.
Are virtual tours reliable?
Yes, in most cases virtual tours are reliable. Virtual tours can be extremely helpful in providing potential renters with a comprehensive overview of an apartment’s layout, lighting, and size.
The reliability of a virtual tour often depends on how recent the video, walkthrough, or panoramic images appear to be, whether it shows the actual unit, and how responsive the property manager is to follow-up questions.
There are some aspects you can’t capture in a virtual tour, like the area’s noise levels, any odors, or details of the condition of the space (you might be able to see hardwood floors in the virtual tour, but you might not be able to determine if they are scratched up, etc.), but armed with the right questions, you can navigate finding out more about the atmosphere.
Pros and cons of virtual apartment tours
Like most aspects of apartment searching, there are pros and cons to video tours. Here’s what to consider to help you decide when to trust a virtual tour—and when to dig deeper.
✅ Pros of virtual tours
- Convenient: Tour from anywhere, any time
- Time-saving: Quickly narrow down your shortlist
- Travel-friendly: Great for long-distance
- Layout Context: Better sense of the apartment size, flow, and light exposure than regular photos
⚠️ Cons of virtual tours
- Can be edited or outdated: May not show wear and tear
- No sensory feedback: You can’t hear traffic or smell the hallway
- Limited perspective: Angles and lenses may distort size, and strategic lighting can mislead
- May not show the exact unit: Some use model apartments or similar apartments with the same layout, versus the actual apartment for rent
Signs to look for in a virtual tour
When viewing a virtual tour, keep an eye out for these signs that the listing may be hiding something:
- Tight or cropped angles that only show a small part of the room
- No bathroom or closet footage
- Wide-angle lenses that exaggerate room size
- Heavily edited videos or overly bright lighting
- Vague labeling (e.g., “similar unit shown”)
Always ask whether the tour represents the actual unit or just a model.
When to trust a virtual tour, and when to be cautious
Virtual apartment tour green flags
- It shows the entire apartment, including kitchen, bath, and common areas
- The property manager clearly states it’s the actual unit
- The listing has updated photos and a live walkthrough
- You’re able to ask questions and get prompt answers
Virtual apartment tour red flags (be cautious if):
- The unit isn’t clearly labeled
- The person who listed the apartment is pressuring you to sign or pay quickly
- You can’t get a clear view of key rooms
- You’re asked to wire money before a showing
Scammers often use vague or recycled content to rush renters into decisions. A legitimate listing will always allow you time and transparency.
Tips to make the most of a virtual tour
To get the most value out of a virtual viewing:
- Ask for a live virtual tour so you can ask questions in real time
- Confirm if the tour is for the exact unit you’re applying for
- Use Google Maps or Street View to explore the neighborhood
- Screenshot anything unclear and follow up with the leasing agent
- Double-check room dimensions or request a floor plan
Platforms like Zumper allow you to message landlords directly and request additional information if something seems unclear.
So, are virtual apartment tours worth it?
Yes—with the right expectations. Virtual tours are a valuable starting point and a smart way to narrow your options. Just remember they’re only part of the whole picture.
If you’re moving from a distance or working with a tight schedule, virtual tours—especially when paired with live video or follow-up questions—can be a reliable way to choose your next home.
Looking for apartments with virtual tours? Zumper makes it easy to filter for listings that offer 3D or video tours, and most property managers are happy to schedule live walkthroughs or send additional details upon request.
EDITED BY: Hannah Schaffer
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