Virtual reality, such as 360 degree property tours, is just one of the new technologies Starr Partners has recently implemented. 

They've since rolled out other interactive online tools for property listings, including digital styling and furnishing tools. Buyers can now style a property to their tastes and visualize what a listing could potentially look like, with floorboards instead of carpet, or a glass splashback instead of tiles. 

With over 500 furnishings to choose from, buyers can use the furnishing tools to place furniture, plants and appliances on the floorplan. 

CEO of Starr Partners, Douglas Driscoll, told WILLIAMS MEDIA that this allows buyers to visualize how a property could look.

Pictured: The digital styling tools in action

"Everyone has individual tastes but not all buyers have the foresight to visualize how they would personalize a space when they walk through one of our open homes. Most of us are left brain thinkers and these tools have been very practical for buyers that struggle to mentally move into the property before purchasing it. We’ve found that buyers spend more time experiencing a listing when they have the ability to digitally style and furnish it, which can only make the purchase decision a lot easier," he said.

While virtual reality technology isn't new in the property industry, the digital furnishing and styling tools are a rarity, according to Mr Driscoll. 

"Digital furnishing and styling tools are being implemented across many industries, especially retail, but the pick-up in the real estate industry has been slow. While we are not the only agency to launch these tools, it is a rarity in our industry, even though the consumer demand is there. Real estate agents need to make the buying and selling process as hassle-free as possible, and these tools help people save time, including agents," he said.

The technology is especially useful for interstate or overseas buyers, who are able to really experience how it feels to stand inside the house and get a genuine feel for the space - far more than can be gained from just a series of images.

Mr Driscoll told WILLIAMS MEDIA the industry needs to start embracing these types of technologies more, or risk being left behind.

"As an industry, we should disrupt ourselves and find more efficient ways to deliver a better, faster, more engaging service to our time-poor customers. Consumers don’t just want these services, they expect them, and we need to listen to that demand and offer technologies such as virtual reality and digital styling tools," he said.

To test out the styling and furnishing tools, click through to the Starr Partners website.

See also:

Get to know 'thought leader' Douglas Driscoll, CEO of Starr Partners

New tool has agents creating virtual tours in 15 minutes

How virtual reality will change property marketing