The Best Real Estate Drones for Increased Property Sales

Last updated: 1st May 2020
DJI Mavic 2 Pro

DJI Mavic 2 Pro

DJI Mavic Mini

DJI Mavic Mini

Contixo F18

Contixo F18

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There is never a second chance to make a first impression, and that is especially the case with real estate. You need drones for real estate photography to show your clients the best features of the property in the first few seconds.

These types of drones are used for the same reason why every realtor needs to have their winning smile and sharp suits. Presentation matters, and it is much easier to showcase a house with a full aerial view.

Additionally, there are some drones that will be capable of giving and subjective view to the buyer from all the angles. This will cut down on costs as only already hyped people willing to make a deal will ever come to the open house.

The Best Real Estate Drones

Drones are not toys anymore, and there are a lot of businesses that have already started to use them for all types of marketing.

But, you don’t need to hire a professional drone photographer if you want to have amazing pictures of your property. Best drones for real estate photography are now affordable, durable, and very easy to fly.

Any realtor, property management form, or landlord will benefit immensely from having drone photos and videos on their website. Not to mention that the fun involved might make it one of the favorite parts of your job.

Finally, the drones listed below will have both good software and a good app to install on your phone. This will make any photo and video extraction much easier when it comes to uploading all of the content online to show to your clients.

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This luxury drone is one of the best in the market and comes with a 4-figure price tag.

DJI Mavic 2 Pro
  • Flight Time: 30 minutes
  • Range: 7 kilometers
  • Camera: 4K resolution at 30 fps; 20 MP stills
  • Weight: 1.64 pounds
  • Gimbal: 3 Axis

One of the best things when being a realtor or a property manager is that you don’t need to carry a lot of tools with you. All you need is a smartphone and a clip for all that cash and checks.

Your real estate drone should not add to that burden, and that is precisely where the Mavic 2 Pro comes in. This drone is light and compact, and can easily be carried in your briefcase, or stored in the glove compartment of your car.

Additionally, you won’t be needing courses on how to fly the drone either. The Mavic Pro comes with a full GPS capability, letting the AI do most of the flying.

Once you are in front of the property, connect the drone to your smartphone, and command it to lift with a single button. Then you can adjust altitude and position, seeing what the drone sees at all times through your phone.

You will even be able to select a single point on the house and let the drone make a 360 view around it. Once recorded, it will be a simple matter of placing that image on your website offer.

With one of the best cameras on the market, you are sure to get bright and crisp images of the property. And, with the easy DJI Fly app, it will be easy to transfer that to your computer and post online.

+ Pros

+ Incredible photo and video quality that has to be seen to be believed
+ Tight controls and intelligent flight modes make it a breeze to fly
+ Robust obstacle avoidance system makes it one of the safest drones to fly even for inexperienced pilots

The Mavic Mini has replaced the hugely popular Spark model and will become one of the most popular drones of all time.

DJI Mavic Mini
  • Flight Time: ~28 minutes
  • Charge Time: ~90 minutes
  • Range: 3000m / 9842ft
  • Remote Controller: WiFi 5.4GHz & 2.4Ghz (included in the set)
  • Camera: 3-axis gimbal 2K Camera with 12MP
  • Live Video Transmission Range: 2500m / 8200ft
  • Weight: 249g / 8.78oz
  • Working Temperature: 0°C ~ 40°C
  • Rated for indoor and outdoor use

The DJI Mavic Mini is the dream of any person who wants to take shots of all parts of any house or property. The quadcopter combines incredible features with an excellent camera over a vast range. This pocket-sized drone will do everything.

Whenever you get a new property on your list, take the Mini with you, and you can film a whole house tour with this drone alone. And, unlike a smartphone, you don’t need to crouch around to get a full view.

Also, with a range of over two miles, the Mavic Mini can pass around the neighborhood as well as the house. Multiple images from various angles will surely entice your future buyers.

Additionally, the fantastic photography will give you an upper hand on the market, as this drone can turn any moment into a work of art. Letting your buyers see the roof as much as the inside corridors will shot that you have nothing to hide.

If the controller is too much for you to carry around, you can control the drone only using your smartphone. The controller will allow slightly more grip when searching for just the right position, but it is not necessary.

The DJI Fly app, used for all DJI drone models, allows for easy autonomous filming. As with the larger Mavic 2, the Mini can focus on a single point and give a 360 view around it.

Finally, all of the images you record will be in stable and clear 2K resolution. This can be automatically improved even inside the app but is just as comfortable moving to the computer and editing there.

+ Pros

+ Amazing portability
+ Excellent autonomous options
+ Long battery
+ Excellent camera
+ Long range

- Cons

- Narrow field of view
- Low wind resistance

Inspired by a combat jet of the same name, the F18 from Contixo provides more than just speed.

Contixo F18
  • Flight Time: ~20 minutes
  • Charge Time: ~240 minutes
  • Range: 600m / 2000ft
  • Remote Controller: WiFi 2.4GHz with 5.4Ghz video transmission (included in the set)
  • Camera: FPV 2K Camera with 12MP
  • Live Video Transmission Range: 460m / 1500ft
  • Weight: 453g / 16oz
  • Working Temperature: 5°C to ~35°C
  • Rated for indoor and outdoor use

Those who want to take some good images of the properties they are managing, selling, or renting, but have no experience in flying, the F18 is a solid choice.

It has a secure connection with a GPS, and even if that connection, or the one with the controller, is lost, the drone will fly exactly to the place it took off from.

Additionally, there are six gyroscopes inside the drone that will regulate the height and balance of the F18. The internal instruments might even come on handy if you are trying to make some in-house shots, such as rotating on a spiral staircase.

When outside, realtors turned drone pilots will find out that this drone keeps steady even in strong winds. Durability especially comes into play with any waterfront property that gets windier conditions than inner-city dwellings.

This quadcopter has a 2K camera that can be scaled down to FullHD if you want even more stability. For any real estate related purposes that will be wise to do, because you will not want too heavy videos on your website regardless.

While not as compact as some other models, the tradeoff in durability will give you more confidence in your investment and push you to use the drone more often.

+ Pros

+ Very fast and strong
+ Amazing autopilot
+ Good camera
+ Visible LED nightlights
+ Great battery life

- Cons

- Quite bulky
- Fixed camera

GPS, 4K video and a staggering 21 MP camera allows for some of the most beautiful drone shots imaginable.

Parrot Anafi Base
  • Flight Time: ~25 minutes
  • Charge Time: ~240 minutes
  • Range: 4000m / 2.5mi
  • Remote Controller: WiFi 5.4GHz & 2.4Ghz (included in the set)
  • Camera: 180° adjustable f/2.4 ASPH lens 4K Camera with 21MP
  • Live Video Transmission Range: 4000m / 2.5mi
  • Weight: 320g / 11.28oz
  • Working Temperature: -10°C to 40°C
  • Rated for indoor and outdoor use

While pricing slightly above the other competitors, the Anafi can be a true eye in the sky for ambitious videographers.

In the body, it is a fully developed GPS drone with everything you would want from autopilot. It can follow waypoints, focus on the drone pilot, or circle around for a 360 shot.

It can also land and take off with a press of a button, returning in the exact place as where it left. And because it weighs only 320 grams, that place could even be your hand (though watch out for the propellers).

But, the real centerpiece of this drone is the camera.

With the HDR f/2.4 lens, it will take professional photography to the air. The image resolution is a whopping 21 megapixels, and the fact it can take bursts of up to 10 pictures a second means you can do wonders in post-production.

Even in 4K, there is minimal wobbling, keeping the video steady even in turns. If needed for any reason, you can bring the resolution down to 2k or 1080p full HD. 

Even casual videos with the Anafi Base PF728000 become amazing, while travel vlogs become a true piece of art.

To top things off, the camera can also swivel a full 180 degrees in flight to get or maintain the perfect shots.

Anyone in the market for a great GPS drone who is willing to spend a bit more for a better camera will be impressed by the Anafi.

It’s worth noting that the drone has quite a few negative reviews on Amazon, though most of these are actually aimed at the customer service of the company rather than the product itself.

+ Pros

+ Very portable
+ Excellent GPS features
+ Superb camera
+ Very long range

- Cons

- Somewhat delicate — we recommend that you have some prior drone flying experience
- Reports of customer service related issues

Arguably the best drone around with these specs. A true competitor to the DJI Spark in this price bracket.

Ruko F11 Pro
  • Flight Time: ~28 minutes
  • Charge Time: ~210 minutes
  • Range: 1219m / 4000ft
  • Remote Controller: WiFi 5GHz (included in the set)
  • Camera: 90°Adjustable 4K Camera with 13MP
  • Live Video Transmission Range: 500m / 1640.4ft
  • Weight: 520 g / 18.34 oz
  • Rated for indoor and outdoor use

Ruko F11 Pro is quickly rising up the ranks when it comes to mid-range drones, and there is a good reason for that. There are only a few drones in this price range that have all of the features the F11 Pro has, and in such small a size.

Additionally, the GPS features and competent AI will help every beginner make excellent photos and videos with ease. Most of the commands are made with a push of a single button, and there is plenty of time to find your perfect real estate shot.

And the resolution of this shot will be more than enough for any buyer to know exactly what you are presenting. With the 4K camera and a very wide field of view, it is possible to catch the whole house from a dozen feet or so, and in Ultra HD.

While you are flying, you will have a full view of what you are filming on your smartphone. Using your experience and the accessible in-app features, you are certain to find just the angle you need.

The Ruko F11 Pro can fly for half an hour on a single battery, and you will get two batteries in the bag.

Finally, provided that you are in an area where that is legal, you will be able to make wide panning shots of the property area and the neighborhood. With the range of almost 4000 feet, you can show your clients exactly where their next home is situated.

+ Pros

+ Full GPS automation
+ Extreme controller range
+ 4K video
+ Excellent 28-minute flight time

- Cons

- Mediocre app

Immerse yourself in your photos and videos thanks to the Anafi FPV’s included Cockpitglasses.

Parrot Anafi FPV
  • Flight Time: ~27 minutes
  • Charge Time: ~360 minutes
  • Range: 4000m / 2.48mi
  • Remote Controller: WiFi 5.4GHz & 2.4Ghz (included in the set)
  • Camera: 90° adjustable lens 2K Camera with 12MP
  • Live Video Transmission Range: 3500m / 2.17mi
  • Weight: 315g / 11.11oz
  • Working Temperature: 0°C to ~ 40°C
  • Rated for indoor and outdoor use

While at first glance the Anafi base model and the FPV look very similar, they have a few interesting differences that will push realtors to one side or the other. Primarily, you can use the FPV kit to enter the drone’s point of view, and thus your client’s.

This larger model is specially designed for allowing others to see exactly where you have gone and experience the same things as the pilot. When it comes to large and exclusive properties, this can be your key to the sale.

Basically, the Anafi FPV will allow you to survey the property remotely and transfer your experience to the screen directly. This will give your audience a more intimate feeling when watching the footage.

By using the FPV goggles, you can virtually enter the drone and slowly make a tour of the property in question. By calmly talking about what you see, you can give an online tour that will be as specific as the one you can give in person.

And the battery time of roughly 27 minutes (~4% more than the base model) you can give a detailed count of everything you see. This will save you loads of time and attract only the customers that are willing to close immediately.

The lens and the camera are the same as the base model. Because of the wider wing-span, this does make the FPV model more stable than the base one, which improves your first-person experience, and that of your customers. 

+ Pros

+ High-res FPV goggles
+ Good portability
+ Excellent autonomous options
+ Superb camera

- Cons

- Low ISO range
- Long charge time

A safe, easy-to-fly racing drone with a hugely immersive FPV flight experience.

Parrot Mambo FPV
  • Flight Time: ~10 minutes
  • Charge Time: ~45 minutes
  • Range: 100m / 330ft
  • Remote Controller: WiFi 5GHz (included in the set)
  • Camera: FPV 1080p Camera
  • Live Video Transmission Range: 100m / 320ft
  • Weight: 62 g / 2.2 oz
  • Rated for indoor and outdoor use

While it is good to plan for the future when every one of us will be selling multi-million dollar homes in Beverly Hills, the truth is that the apartment complex in Eugene, Oregon, needs selling just as much.

Not investing too much in your drone will give you the general idea if that is something you would like to incorporate in your public offer. The Parrot Mambo is just there to provide an amazing photo for an affordable price.

The full set that comes with the drone also comes with a pair of goggles that will show you precisely what the drone is seeing, which you can record to your phone.

The controller is very responsive, and the internal gyros of the Mambo will keep the drone stable while you figure out where you want to go next.

By slowly starting in front of the house, you can film a whole tour as if you were walking, recording as you go. This will not only allow you to see your property from an unfamiliar perspective but to feel like you are flying yourself.

The drone can be controlled via the smartphone as well, but it is not as easy as using the controller.

If you are a realtor that is not yet sure about using drone photography to their advantage, the Parrot Mambo FPV is an excellent way to test this theory without overspending on your budget.

Finally, the Mambo is so fun to fly that even if you reach the point of selling Malibu mansions, you will probably keep flying drones yourself.

+ Pros

+ Stabilization sensors
+ Swappable attachments
+ Good app
+ Very maneuverable
+ Immersive FPV goggles

- Cons

- Poor camera quality
- Some connection issues at longer ranges

Buyer’s Guide: Real Estate Drones

The first rule of good business is always going one step further than the competition. In real estate, where the stakes are high, the difference is going home with a large commission or wasting your time on another house-surfer.

For the same reason, you always need to look presentable, to have all the information at hand, and your clothes tailored, you want to have the best marketing possible.

Online is the only way today how people browse for homes, and you want someone to fall in love with the house way before they ever hear your voice over the phone. And this is done with photos.

But, as everyone has a camera phone today, you need to go a step further, with a drone.

Having a full view of any property, including both land and housing, will show your clients that you are a serious professional and that you have nothing to hide.

Additionally, drone footage will make every house preview look like an episode of MTV Cribs, even when being a 1200sqft suburban duplex.

How is a Drone Used for Real Estate Photography?

Whenever someone goes house-hunting, the first button they click on the website is ‘show with pictures only ‘. You will need to take this fact into account and place the best possible image first.

But, most homes don’t have an amazing central feature easily shot with a smartphone, leading to a series of bland front porch shots every agent will make when approaching.

With a drone, your first photo can be an aerial view of the property, including both the driveway and the backyard. You can select any angle that is most favorable for the sale. This will make that property stand out.

Additionally, you can use the drone to make a series of photos or videos from a different perspective, giving your future buyer a full sense of what they will be getting. It will look like a real-life 3D tour of the property.

There are four staple shots that every realtor/drone pilot needs to learn that will bring their properties to the top of everyone’s list.

 

Coming Up Shots

 

You are tired, coming from work, but there is your front porch, there is your driveway, this is home.

That is the feeling you want to transfer to the buyer with this shot.

You will start at the beginning of the street and order the drone to fly low and slow. Finishing with a full view of the front yard, the drone video will show that it is not just some house, but their future home.

It is easiest to do this with a wide-angle lens drone, but any with GPS stabilization will do the trick.

 

Panning Shots

 

Every buyer will check out the video of a flight over the house from the front yard to the back.

Additionally, you can make shots passing the neighborhood and the area from above if you want to show how nice it is.  Thankfully, all places look calm and inviting from a couple of hundred feet in the air.

 

360 View

 

Place the drone overlooking the property from above. Then rotate a full circle around the house, giving a beautiful view from what seems to be all angles.

Some drones will even have an app option to select the center point of the image and automatically circle around it.

Your clients will spend a lot of time looking, again and again, slowly investing themselves and imagining living in the property.

 

Inside Shots

 

Most real estate agents will take multiple shots from inside the house, as this has proven to be a necessary step if you want to make a sale.

With a drone, you can make even more shots from every corner.

If there is any part that you can’t reach on foot, you will quickly fly there with a drone. Also, you will not need to go up and down the stairs to do so, saving some precious energy for when you need it.

Calculate your ROI

Always make sure that the drone you are buying will stay inside your marketing budget or the projected marketing budget.

Having a real estate drone is an investment, and it should pay for itself.

With the rising prices of properties, you will want to have the best drones possible, which will make fantastic first impressions.

But, if you know that your clients are not as interested in the feel as much as the location, you will just need to stand out from the competition. This is easy as many suitable drones are quite affordable.

What to Look for in a Real Estate Drone

There are three things to look for when buying the best drones for real estate photography: high-quality camera, good stability, and a lot of AI functions.

The camera is the key because grainy pictures with low lighting make the property look ran down and uninviting. You will want a drone that will portray the listing in the best possible way.

Stability is vital for the quality of the picture, as it will keep the images crisp and clean. With a stable drone, you will be able to take more time finding that perfect shot that will be on the cover photo.

Finally, you don’t want to spend too much time learning how to fly the drone, and for that, you need assistance from artificial intelligence.

The best drones for real estate photography should have good apps that will allow you to focus more on finding the right angle and selling the property than flying around.

What are the Rules with Real Estate Drone Photography?

Take notice of your State and FAA regulation.

In most cases, you will be free to film any property, from sufficiently far away without breaching any privacy laws.

But, some counties, as well as certain gated communities, might have different rules that you will need to abide by.

Thankfully, as modern drones are quite silent, there is no chance to disturb anyone while filming.

Conclusion

For some people, drones are just toys; for others, they are a way to get Instagram likes. But, for anyone in real estate, they are probably the best way to boost your visibility and get good buyers quickly.

Having videos and photos from all angles will make the property stand out online and can be readily marketable in adds.

To get the best drones for real estate photography, it will be wise to do a bit of research and see how the specific drones will help your desired market make a faster decision on buying their new home.

When you get familiar with all of the possibilities that drones have, you will wonder how you ever sold anything without them. You will waste less time showing people around, and your primary job will be simply to close the deal and sign the papers.

DJI Mavic 2 Pro

DJI Mavic 2 Pro

This luxury drone is one of the best in the market and comes with a 4-figure price tag.

DJI Mavic Mini

DJI Mavic Mini

The Mavic Mini has replaced the hugely popular Spark model and will become one of the most popular drones of all time.

Contixo F18

Contixo F18

Inspired by a combat jet of the same name, the F18 from Contixo provides more than just speed.