Drone Services and Costs

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the average services offered and their associated costs.

Part 1: Common Real Estate Drone Services

Most professional drone service providers offer packages that bundle the following services:

1. Still Photography (Aerial Photos):

  • What it is: High-resolution, edited photos of the property from various angles and elevations. This includes sweeping wide shots, direct overheads (bird’s-eye view), and artistic angled shots that show the property in the context of its neighborhood.

  • Purpose: To showcase the lot size, roof condition, landscaping, and the overall property footprint.

2. Video Production (Aerial Videography):

  • What it is: Smooth, cinematic video clips. This can range from a simple 60-90 second highlight reel to a full 3-5 minute video.

  • Common Techniques:

    • Reveal Shots: Starting on a nearby feature (e.g., a lake or park) and smoothly flying back to reveal the property.

    • Orbit Shots: Circling the property to give a 360-degree perspective.

    • Fly-overs: Smoothly passing over the property.

    • Dolly Shots: Lateral movements that track alongside the property.

  • Purpose: To create an emotional connection and a dynamic sense of space and location.

3. Interactive Tours (360° Virtual Tours / Matterport):

  • What it is: Using a drone to create a seamless, interactive 3D model of the property. This is often an add-on service and requires specialized drones and software.

  • Purpose: Allows potential buyers to “walk through” the property and the grounds virtually from anywhere. This is a premium feature for high-end listings.

4. Floor Plan Mapping:

  • What it is: Using drone-captured data with photogrammetry software to generate a highly accurate 2D or 3D floor plan and site plan of the property.

  • Purpose: Provides precise measurements and a clear layout of the property, which is valuable for both marketing and renovation planning.

Part 2: Average Cost Breakdown

Costs are influenced by the property’s value, location, complexity, and the pilot’s experience. A pilot in a major metro area will charge more than one in a rural town.

Here is a general cost structure:

A. Basic Package (Photos Only)

  • Average Cost: $150 – $300

  • What’s Included: 10-20 professionally edited, high-resolution aerial photos. This is ideal for standard residential listings where you just need to show the roof and lot.

B. Standard Package (Photos + Basic Video)

  • Average Cost: $300 – $500

  • What’s Included: 15-25 edited photos + a 60-90 second professionally edited highlight video, set to music. This is the most popular package for mid-to-high-end residential properties.

C. Premium Package (Extended Video + More)

  • Average Cost: $500 – $1,000+

  • What’s Included: A larger number of photos (25+) and a longer, more cinematic video (2-3 minutes). May include more complex flight maneuvers, multiple locations (e.g., a nearby beach or park), or a second video cut for social media.

D. A La Carte & Add-On Services

  • Virtual Tour (Matterport): $200 – $500+ as an add-on to a base package.

  • Floor Plan Mapping: $100 – $300 as an add-on.

  • Twilight/Sunset Shots: $75 – $150 extra. Dramatic lighting at “golden hour” can significantly increase a property’s appeal.

  • Raw Footage: $50 – $150 if you want the unedited video files.

  • Travel Fee: Often included, but for properties far from the pilot’s base, a fee of $0.50 – $2.00 per mile may apply.

Part 3: Key Factors That Influence the Price

  1. Pilot’s Certification & Insurance: In the US, a pilot must have a Part 107 license from the FAA. A licensed and insured pilot will cost more but is non-negotiable for legal and safety reasons.

  2. Property Location & Complexity: A simple suburban house is cheaper than a large, complex rural estate or a property in a restricted airspace (near an airport) that requires special FAA authorization.

  3. Editing & Production Time: High-end color grading, custom music licensing, and complex video editing take time and skill, which increases the cost.

  4. Equipment: Pilots using professional-grade drones (like DJI Inspire or Mavic 3 series) with high-quality cameras (like a Hasselblad) will charge more than those with entry-level models.

Summary Table: At a Glance

Service Type Average Cost Best For
Basic Photo Package $150 – $300 Standard listings needing to show lot size and roof.
Standard Photo + Video $300 – $500 Most residential listings; the industry standard.
Premium Video Package $500 – $1,000+ Luxury homes, commercial properties, large estates.
Virtual Tour (Add-on) $200 – $500+ High-end listings where an immersive experience is key.
Floor Plan (Add-on) $100 – $300 Properties where precise layout and measurements are a selling point.

Final Recommendation

When hiring a drone pilot, always:

  • Verify their FAA Part 107 Certification.

  • Ask for proof of insurance.

  • Review their portfolio to ensure their style matches your needs.

  • Get a detailed quote in writing that outlines exactly what deliverables you will receive.

For the average real estate agent, the $300-$500 Standard Photo + Video Package offers the best return on investment, dramatically increasing online engagement and helping a property stand out in a competitive market.