Adoption of Virtual Reality and 3D Visualization in Lagos Real Estate Agencies: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

The adoption of Virtual Reality (VR) and 3D visualization tools has transformed real estate practices in developed countries, enabling remote property tours, immersive design visualization, faster decision-making, and improved client engagement. In Nigeria, particularly Lagos State, these technologies remain underutilized, creating inefficiencies and contributing to negative perceptions of the profession. Hence, this study investigated the adoption, benefits, and challenges of VR and 3D visualization tools among Estate Surveying and Valuation firms in Lagos. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 120 practitioners drawn from a sampling frame of 460 firms listed in the 2025 NIESV Directory through stratified random sampling. Findings revealed that key benefits include improved property marketing, enhanced client engagement, reduced site visits and costs, accelerated decision-making and strengthened professional reputation. Major challenges hindering adoption include high software and hardware costs, lack of technical expertise, resistance to technology, limited awareness, inadequate internet infrastructure, and low policy support. The results of the Binary Logistic Regression analysis indicates that the current level of VR and 3D tool usage does not significantly influence real estate agency practice, reflecting low adoption rate (p > 0.05). These findings underscore the urgent need for strategic adoption to reduce operational costs, minimize time and resource wastage, and counteract negative perceptions of the real estate profession in Nigeria. Recommendations include targeted training, awareness campaigns, financial incentives, policy support, and integration of VR and 3D tools into routine agency operations to enhance efficiency, competitiveness, and professional standards.