360 Real Estate Photography Pricing in 2025: The Expert Guide
Real estate has changed a lot in just a few years. Not too long ago, 360° virtual tours were treated as a fancy extra. In 2025, they’re closer to a necessity. Buyers are glued to their phones and laptops, scrolling through listings before they ever set foot inside a property. Add AI-driven search results into the mix, and suddenly, visuals aren’t just “helpful” they’re the difference between a showing and a scroll-by.
So what should you actually expect to pay for 360 real estate photography this year? The truth is, it depends on the property, the platform, and who you hire. Let’s walk through the numbers and the details, without the hidden costs catching you off guard.
What Exactly Is 360 Real Estate Photography?
Think of it as a digital open house. Instead of clicking through still photos, buyers get to spin around, zoom in, and virtually walk from the kitchen into the living room, down the hall, and even out to the backyard.
This works especially well for luxury homes, new developments, and remote clients who simply can’t hop on a plane for every showing.
The big players in 2025? Matterport, CloudPano, Zillow 3D, and Kuula. Each comes with its own features, pricing quirks, and hosting setups.
Average Cost Breakdown in 2025
Here’s what agents and sellers are paying right now:
- Basic 360° Photo Tour: $150 – $300
- Interactive Virtual Tour (CloudPano): $200 – $450
- Full Matterport 3D Scan: $300 – $700+
- Drone + 360 Combo: $400 – $900
- Monthly Hosting (if not included): $9 – $69
Now, don’t just glance at the numbers. Costs swing based on things like property size, the number of panoramas, whether you add extras like floor plans, and of course, the photographer’s experience and location.
The Five Things That Drive Pricing
1. Square Footage & Layout
More space means more scan points. A small condo can be shot in under an hour, while a 3,000 sq. ft. home may run you $0.10 to $0.25 per square foot.
2. Complexity of the Tour
A simple photo-based 360 is cheaper. A Matterport tour with dollhouse views, measurements, and floor plans? That’s top-tier pricing.
3. Hosting Fees
This is the sneaky one. Matterport charges monthly, while CloudPano lets you buy lifetime hosting. Always ask what’s included.
4. Turnaround Time
In hot markets like Miami or LA, a rush job can add $50–$150.
5. Your Market
Pricing is higher in places like New York or San Francisco than in small-town Midwest.
Platform Face-Off: Matterport vs. CloudPano vs. Kuula
- Matterport → Best for big, luxury, or commercial properties. It’s detailed but pricey, and you’ll keep paying monthly.
- CloudPano → Popular with solo agents and Airbnb hosts. More budget-friendly, plus lifetime hosting options.
- Kuula → Entry-level, good for agents who just need something quick and social-media friendly.
How to Get the Most Value Out of 360 Tours
- Bundle your services (photos + drone + floor plans). It’s cheaper than buying each one separately.
- Ask about hosting some photographers throw in 3-6 months free.
- Don’t just upload once. Use your tours on MLS, your website, Google Street View, and even social platforms.
- Track analytics. Both CloudPano and Matterport let you see which rooms buyers linger on the most.
Why 360° Tours Are Practically a Must in 2025
- According to NAR, 61% of buyers expect virtual tours right from the start.
- Listings with them get 87% more views on Zillow and Realtor.com.
- Homes with immersive tours sell 31% faster on average.
In short: if you’re not offering them, your competition probably is.
Who Should Be Investing in 360 Photography?
- Luxury real estate professionals
- Short-term rental owners (Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.)
- Developers selling pre-construction
- Agents who work with international or out-of-state buyers
- Realtors trying to stand out in crowded metro markets
FAQs
1. How much does it cost in 2025?
Anywhere from $150 to $500 per property. High-end Matterport packages with extras can cross $700.
2. What’s the biggest factor in pricing?
Square footage and complexity of the tour. Add-ons like drones or floor plans also move the needle.
3. Is it worth it?
Yes. Data shows listings with tours generate 49% more qualified leads and close 31% faster.
4. Matterport or CloudPano?
Matterport = enterprise-level, ongoing costs. CloudPano = flexible and affordable for smaller projects.
5. Who usually pays the seller or the agent?
Most often, the agent. In some luxury cases, sellers or brokerages will cover it.
6. Are hosting fees always included?
Not always. Matterport charges separately. CloudPano often includes limited hosting in the package.
7. Can I upload to both MLS and Zillow?
Yes, but check MLS rules first. Matterport and CloudPano provide MLS-ready links.
8. How long does a shoot take?
About 45–90 minutes for a 2,000 sq. ft. home. Add a day or two for editing.
9. Does it help with vacation rentals?
Absolutely Airbnb hosts report conversion boosts of up to 60%.
10. DIY or hire a pro?
DIY cameras exist, but buyers notice quality. A pro brings better lighting, angles, and editing.
Final Thoughts
By now, it’s clear: 360° tours aren’t a bonus in 2025 they’re expected. Buyers are savvier, competition is fierce, and listings with immersive tours get better engagement. Whether you go with Matterport, CloudPano, or a simple 360 setup, treat it as an investment. Done right, it pays off in more leads, quicker closings, and stronger ROI on your marketing.
Blog Comments (0)