In the era of rapid digital transformation, Ghana has taken a giant leap forward by embracing the fifth generation wireless network technology, 5G which was launched in Accra on the 1^st of November 2024. This ground breaking development promises to catapult the country into a new era of unprecedented connectivity, innovation and economic growth. Hence, Ghana’s real estate sector, a vital driver of the country’s economic growth and development is on the cusp of a technological revolution. As the country’s population continues to urbanize, the demand for efficient, sustainable and connected living spaces grows. 5G’s cutting-edge capabilities will play an instrumental role in enhancing the entire value chain from property development to sales and management.

As an entrepreneur in the real estate industry, I have always been interested in how technology can help drive our business forward. With the imminent rollout of 5G in Ghana, it is clear that this technology will significantly impact the way we market properties, particularly through the use of virtual property tours and augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Let us take a closer look at how this development has affected our business.

5G. A Big Deal?

5G represents a major leap forward from 4G, serving as a game changer in the world of communication. It boasts lightning-fast speeds up to 100 times faster and significantly reduced latency of just milliseconds, making it ideal for supporting real-time data transfers that require massive amounts of information. In the real estate industry, this means that clients will experience an almost physical presence even when they are located far away.

Although 5G has yet to be fully deployed in Ghana, it will not be long before it becomes widely available. This presents a tremendous opportunity for us to stay ahead of the curve and begin exploring ways in which we will harness this technology to further marketing efforts.

Revolutionizing Virtual Property Tours

Virtual property tours have become a standard promotional tool in the real estate industry, particularly since the pandemic. However, these tours often suffer from slow load times and low image quality owing to the limitations of 4G networks. Consequently, clients may feel disappointed. The introduction of 5G technology will overcome these limitations and provide high-resolution seamless virtual tours. With 5G, clients will virtually "walk" through a property, interact with different features, and even experience the space at different times of the day, all from the comfort of their home or office. This level of interactivity will significantly increase engagement and interest, making virtual tours not just a substitute for in-person visits, but a compelling experience in their own right.

In markets where 5G is already available, real estate companies use this technology to create more detailed, interactive, and personalized virtual tours. As 5G has become more accessible in Ghana, real estate firms have the opportunity to offer similar experiences to their clients, setting themselves apart in a competitive market.

The Power of AR and VR in Property Marketing

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are no longer merely futuristic concepts; they have become reality and are revolutionizing real estate marketing. The use of AR allows potential buyers to visualize the property's appearance with different interior designs, whereas VR offers an immersive experience that provides an opportunity to explore the property as if it were physically present.

The introduction of 5G will bring these technologies to the next level. The ultrafast speeds and low latency of 5G will enable AR and VR applications to function seamlessly, thereby providing a more realistic and engaging experience for clients. Imagine a client not only walking virtually through a property but also interacting with it in real time, such as changing the wall color, moving furniture around, or even simulating renovations. This type of experience has the potential to be a game changer that helps clients make more informed decisions.

Furthermore, 5G will allow the creation of virtual showrooms, where clients will explore multiple properties in a single digital environment. This feature will enable clients to compare different properties side-by-side, save time, and make the decision-making process more efficient and enjoyable.

Looking ahead, the potential of 5G in real estate marketing is vast. As this technology has become more widespread in Ghana, it presents an opportunity to deliver innovative, high-quality experiences that surpass traditional property tours. Ghana’s property market is poised to become more efficient, sustainable, customer-centric, data-driven and competitive. By harnessing the power of 5G and its possibilities, we will not only meet but also exceed client expectations and set new standards in the industry. 5G is not just a technological upgrade; it is a game changer for Ghana’s real estate sector because the future of real estate is digital and 5G is the key. It is therefore crucial for real estate companies to invest in 5G infrastructure and PropTech solutions, develop strategic partnership among stakeholders and foster a culture of innovation and digital transformation.

How do you think 5G will affect your industry and career?

The writer is Group CEO, Lead Project Consultant at WEL Group