Should you use 2D or 3D floor plans for apartments?

Unit-level floor plans play a crucial role in virtual leasing. In fact, according to a RentCafe.com study, 83% of renters say viewing individual units online is either important or very important.

The question is, which is better for your community — 2D or 3D floor plans for apartments?

See below for the pros and cons for each type of floor plan, then find out how to make an informed decision about your future investments.

2D floor plans

2D floor plans are basic blueprints. They offer a simple, top-down view of a unit’s layout.

These floor plans show prospects what a unit looks like, including size, shape and how spaces connect. They’re informative — and a standard for many property websites — but their function is starkly different than 3D floor plans.

Pros:

1. Budget-friendly

2D floor plans stand out for affordability. They’re a cost-effective way to display unit layouts, especially for communities with multiple floor plan variations.

2. Quick turnaround

Since they offer basic outlines, 2D floor plans are quicker to produce than 3D renderings. Delivery time is usually one week or less (but it varies based on quantity).

3. Straightforward layouts

You can think of 2D floor plans as no-fluff. They lack colors and textures, but some renters appreciate the quick, straightforward view. It can drive faster decisions, depending on your audience.

Cons:

1. Difficult to understand

2D floor plans can appear architectural or technical. For some renters (especially those who are visually impaired), this makes it difficult to visualize the space. Quick tip: It’s always best practice to ensure accessibility in virtual leasing.

2. Limited promotional use

Since 2D floor plans are straightforward, they don’t make great promotional material. They aren’t super exciting to look at … and they lack the visual appeal needed to drive engagement across digital channels.

3. No emotional connection

An important part of displaying floor plans is triggering emotions, such as excitement or curiosity. Renters can’t always envision themselves in the space with a 2D view, which reduces emotional connection and impact.

3D floor plans

3D floor plans for apartments are virtually staged images of a unit, scaled to proportion.

These elaborate floor plans are great for advertising. They incorporate textures, furnishings and lighting to show real scale and livability. When used alongside virtual tours, 3D floor plans create an immersive experience.

Pros:

1. Customizable staging

3D floor plans can include furniture, finishes and color palettes that reflect your brand. Media solutions usually offer a virtual staging library with general options to choose from, but at LCP Media, we provide the option to fully customize your 3D floor plans.

2. Real proportions

With 2D floor plans, you receive unit dimensions with no additional features. With 3D floor plans, virtual staging is proportionate to real dimensions, making it easier for prospects to visualize themselves in the space.

3. They’re perfect for promotional use

3D floor plans are fun to look at. They’re colorful and detailed, which makes them perfect for promotional marketing. They can increase engagement across websites, apartment listings and social media.

Cons:

1. Higher costs

On average, 3D floor plans for apartments are more expensive than 2D, so they might not work for every brand’s budget. That said, the marketing ROI can offset the higher cost.

2. Slower production 

With the work required to build custom 3D renderings, the production time can take over a week. If you’re looking for quick results, 2D floor plans might be a better option.

3. Busier visuals

Some renters prefer simple visuals. Fully staged 3D renderings can still be helpful, depending on how you structure furnishings and decor. Another quick tip: Don’t overdo it!

Include floor plans in your virtual tours

With TourBuilder Go unit-level tours and TourBuilder Pro model units, renters can explore 2D and 3D floor plans directly within their virtual tours. It’s an interactive, captivating experience with options to navigate between rooms and explore specific areas.

Get a closer look at how TourBuilder Go works.

Final thoughts

Floor plans for apartments are a necessity. Both options have pros and cons, so it’s up to you to determine what’s best for your community.

Most marketers find that combining both formats works best. 2D is great for clarity, and 3D is best for engagement. 

Ready to dive deeper into what’s possible with LCP Media? Complete the form below to get started.