Can I Tour Apartments Online?

You’ve found an apartment that looks perfect. The price is right, the amenities check all your boxes, and the location couldn’t be better. But before you can call it “home,” you’ll need to see the place for yourself.

The good news? You don’t have to shuffle your schedule or hop on a plane to tour an apartment. You can explore the layout, take a close look at finishes, and get a sense of the space without setting foot inside.

Touring apartments online offers a convenient, low-stress way to check out a potential new place. Whether you’re narrowing down a long list or moving from out of state, online tours help you save time, compare options side by side, and save your in-person visits for the ones that truly feel worth the trip.

Let’s break down the different types of online tours, when to use them, and how to get the most out of the experience.

Why Tour Apartments Online?

About 98% of renters search for their next home online, so it’s no surprise why touring apartments online is so common. It’s faster, more flexible, and easier to fit into your day—especially if you’re weighing multiple contenders.

Instead of driving across town, you can take a tour on your lunch break or check out a new listing after dinner. And if you’re moving from another state, virtual tours let you make confident choices before you even arrive in your new city.

When to Choose Online vs. In-Person Tours

Not every stage of your apartment search calls for the same approach. Online tours work well in some cases, while others call for an in-person visit.

When an Online Apartment Tour Makes Sense

Online tours are ideal in the early stages of your search, when you’re still narrowing your list. They’re extra helpful for long-distance moves, packed schedules, or getting familiar with a community’s amenities before committing to a visit. They’re also a great option if you want to limit in-person contact for health or safety reasons.

When You’ll Want to See It In Person

Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few finalists, nothing beats seeing a place in person. Walking the space lets you confirm what you saw online, get a true sense of the neighborhood’s atmosphere, and gauge the actual size and condition of the apartment. It’s also your chance to meet the property team face-to-face and ask more detailed questions.

For most renters, a mix works best: start with a virtual tour to save time, then follow up in person to make your final pick.

Types of Online Apartment Tours

Online apartment tours come in a few different formats, each offering a unique way to explore a property.

3D Interactive Tours

3D interactive tours let you “walk” through the apartment by clicking through rooms and viewing them from different angles. You set the pace, whether you want to study the kitchen layout, or check the view from the bedroom window. Some even let you measure wall space or test furniture placement, which can be a game-changer for planning your move.

Pre-Recorded Video Walkthroughs

Usually filmed by the leasing team or a professional, these videos give you a guided look at the apartment’s features. You can watch and rewatch at any time, which is helpful for comparing units side-by-side. While you can’t ask questions in real time, you can take notes and follow up later for more details.

Live Video Call Tours

Live video call tours, often done via FaceTime, Zoom, or similar platforms, are as close to an in-person visit as you can get without being there. You can ask the leasing agent to zoom in on finishes, open closets, or even test appliances while you watch. These usually run 30 to 60 minutes and give you the most interactive, personalized experience.

Pros and Cons of Touring Apartments Online

Online apartment tours can save you time, money, and effort—but they do come with some trade-offs.

The Advantages

• Convenience: Tour multiple apartments in a single day without leaving your couch.
• Long-distance vetting: Check out places before booking a trip.
• Easy comparisons: View apartments side by side to narrow down your list faster.
• Neighborhood discovery: Explore areas you may not have considered otherwise.

The Drawbacks

• Missed sensory details: You can’t tell if walls are thin, if there’s an odd smell, or if street noise is an issue.
• Distorted visuals: Wide-angle lenses can make rooms look larger than they actually are.
• Limited views: Some tours may avoid showing wear and tear.
• Tech issues: Live video calls can glitch, and not every detail will make it on screen.

For many renters—especially those relocating—online tours are the most practical option. But if you can, it’s always best to follow up with an in-person visit before signing a lease.

How to Make the Most of Your Virtual Tour

A virtual apartment tour can tell you a lot, but only if you know what to look for and what to ask. Treat it like an in-person visit: come prepared, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to ask for more details.

What to Look For During the Tour

Notice how the rooms connect and whether the layout works for your daily routine. Get a close-up look at storage in closets and cabinets. Pay attention to natural light, window placement, and appliance condition. Watch for red flags like skipped rooms, vague captions such as “similar unit shown,” or overly bright, heavily edited footage.

Come Prepared with Questions

Before your tour, review the floor plan if it’s available and jot down specific questions. Ask if you’re seeing the exact unit you’d be renting. Request to see inside closets, under sinks, and in the laundry area. You can also confirm things like water pressure, parking availability, and neighborhood noise levels.

Making Your Virtual Tour Experience Seamless

Test your internet connection and use a device with a good camera. Choose a quiet space so you can focus, especially for live calls. Take screenshots of anything important and ask for measurements to ensure your furniture will fit. If something isn’t shown, ask for additional photos or video.

Take the Next Step with Your Must-See Apartments

Touring apartments online offers flexibility, saves time, and can make long-distance moves way less stressful. While it’s not a complete replacement for an in-person visit, it’s a helpful step in the decision-making process.

The best approach is to use virtual tours to narrow your options, then confirm your top choice in person if you can. When you’re ready to start your apartment search, Apartment List makes it easy to find a place you’ll love. Our personalized quiz matches you with apartments based on your budget, lifestyle, and location—with tools like cost of living calculators and moving guides to make your move even smoother. Start searching today and find your next home from wherever you are.

FAQs About Touring Apartments Online

Are online apartment tours worth it?

Yes, but keep in mind they won’t catch every detail. Lighting, angles, and editing can influence how a space looks, so it’s best to confirm in person if possible.

How do I schedule an apartment tour online?

Most property websites or listing platforms offer a “schedule a tour” button. You can usually choose between a live virtual tour, a pre-recorded walkthrough, or an in-person visit.

Can I rent an apartment without touring in person?

Yes, many renters do—especially for long-distance moves. Just make sure to get all the details upfront, ask for extra photos, and prepare your questions ahead of time.

How can I prepare for an online apartment walkthrough?

Test your internet connection, choose a quiet spot, and have your questions ready to go. Review the floor plan before the tour so you can follow up on anything specific.

What if an online tour skips certain parts of the apartment?

Ask the leasing agent to show those areas in a follow-up video or live call. If they can’t or won’t, take that as a possible red flag.

Are live online tours better than pre-recorded video tours?

Live tours are more interactive, letting you ask questions in real time. Pre-recorded tours are great if you want to rewatch and compare options side-by-side.

Which is better: touring online or in person?

Both have their advantages, and the right choice depends on your situation. Touring online is convenient, but visiting in person gives you a fuller picture before making a decision.