A decent drone photo can sell a home’s story faster than a thousand words or a dodgy write-up about “potential.” But it’s not always the right move for every listing.
So — when does drone photography actually help sell property? And when is it just an expensive gimmick?
Let’s break it down.
Done properly, drone photography makes a listing look more complete, more professional, and in some cases, more expensive.
Here’s when aerial photography actually pulls its weight:
Some things just don’t photograph well from six feet off the ground. Think:
Tennis courts, pools, or sprawling gardens
Long driveways or circular access roads
Rooftop solar setups or water tanks
Large-scale landscaping work
Detached studios, granny flats, or sheds
Aerial photos help paint the full picture of what buyers are getting — without relying on them to read the fine print.
If a listing says “over an acre” but looks like a suburban block in the photos, people scroll past.
Drone shots can outline boundary lines to show just how much space is actually up for grabs — especially useful for:
Acreage listings
Split blocks or development sites
Properties with awkward shapes
This works well alongside mapping overlays or AI-staged images — check out this Adelaide real estate shoot guide to see it in action.
Even a modest home looks impressive with a well-framed overhead shot. That small backyard feels bigger. The location seems more valuable. The whole place looks more “put together.”
That’s the psychology of height. It’s the same reason tall blokes seem confident even when they’ve got the personality of a folding chair.
Not every listing needs aerials — but there are times when it’s a no-brainer.
Large Properties – Farms, acreages, lifestyle blocks
Rural Listings – Where location and land matter more than granite benchtops
Coastal Homes – Especially in places like Victor Harbour or Kangaroo Island
Properties Near Landmarks – Parks, beaches, schools – drone shots show proximity
New Developments – To give buyers context about the area
Holiday Rentals – Especially if they’ve got outdoor entertaining areas or water views
For more, check out Adelaide real estate photography services — it breaks down packages that include aerials, AI staging, and walkthroughs.
It’s not always the right fit. Save your budget if:
The block is tiny and surrounded by fences or sheds
It’s in a dense area where drone flights are restricted (like parts of the CBD)
There’s nothing interesting to show from above (just a roof and a yard)
The weather’s average and the sky looks like porridge
In those cases, strong ground-level shots — or even a short real estate video — will do more for the listing.
Got a property with a view, space, or features worth showing off from above? Drop your details here and get a quick quote for drone photos or full real estate coverage across Adelaide and South Australia.
Aerial video is great for:
Panning across a block to show scale
Flying over a coastal cliff to showcase views
Starting high, then swooping down to the front door for that “grand entrance” feel
It’s especially effective when paired with interior video or voiceover. But again — it only works if the home actually has something to show off.
You can’t just buy a drone from JB Hi-Fi and start buzzing over people’s homes like it’s a Top Gun sequel.
A CASA certified drone pilot is required for any commercial real estate work — which includes marketing listings for sale or rent. That means:
Operating within approved flight zones
Sticking to legal height and distance limits
Respecting privacy and avoiding public roads
Keeping flight logs and safety protocols
If you’re hiring a photographer, ask if they’re CASA certified. If they say “nah but I’ve never been caught,” find someone else.
It typically ranges between $200–$500, depending on location, time, and specific needs. If booked as part of a full real estate shoot, it’s often discounted in the bundle.
You can, but you probably shouldn’t. Wind messes with stability and rain risks frying the gear. If the forecast’s rough, it’ll be rescheduled.
Legally, up to 120 metres. But for real estate, most of the useful shots happen between 10–60 metres above ground level.
Yep — places near airports, the CBD, and military zones are often restricted. A CASA certified drone pilot will know how to work around these legally.
Usually within 24–72 hours. If it’s part of a package, delivery happens alongside the main real estate gallery.
Yes — through editing overlays or mapped flight paths. It’s great for acreages, subdivisions, and development blocks.
Yes — drone pilots need to respect privacy laws. A pro won’t just launch without checking flight paths and permissions first.
Absolutely. Most real estate drone shoots include both, unless you're after something super specific.
Only if there's something worth showing — like skyline views, rooftop spaces, or standout location. Otherwise, ground shots do the job.
Not sure if drone photography is worth it for your listing? Use the form below to ask anything — or lock in a shoot. No pressure, no upsell, just straight answers and fast delivery.
Written by Corey from Shameless Visuals, based in Adelaide, but looking after clients nationally. Most days he’s either editing with a coffee that went cold an hour ago, or he’s driving between shoots with gear rattling in the back. Outside of work he’s parenting, hiking, travelling, and trying to squeeze in actual sleep between deadlines.
Corey shoots because he enjoys the mix of people, places, and the occasional chaos. One day it’s a headshot session, the next it’s a conference, a factory floor, a wedding, or a late-night real estate job. When video is needed, he’s usually running two bodies, a gimbal, and pretending cables magically untangle themselves.
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