Firm launches 360 degree property-viewing technology to boost trust in Africa’s rental market

Nigerian geo-hospitality startup, Virety, has unveiled a new immersive 360-degree property-viewing technology aimed at restoring trust and transparency in Africa’s online real estate and short-let markets. The innovation comes as the country faces a widening housing deficit and increasing digital property listings, many of which have been plagued by scams and misrepresentation. According to recent […]

Nigerian geo-hospitality startup, Virety, has unveiled a new immersive 360-degree property-viewing technology aimed at restoring trust and transparency in Africa’s online real estate and short-let markets.

The innovation comes as the country faces a widening housing deficit and increasing digital property listings, many of which have been plagued by scams and misrepresentation. According to recent studies, about 61 percent of Nigerian renters reported that the properties they were shown differed from what was advertised online.

Virety’s new platform introduces what it describes as an “experience-before-you-reserve” model, allowing users to virtually explore properties in full 360-degree detail—walking through rooms, viewing layouts, and inspecting amenities before reservation.

The platform also features a secure dashboard for hosts to upload listings, manage reservations, and set custom cancellation policies. A two-point verification system authenticates the identities of both hosts and guests, while an additional property verification process ensures the accuracy and credibility of listings.

“Trust is central to service delivery in today’s market,” said Virety’s founder and chief executive officer, Olayinka Olamilehin. “We built Virety to give users confidence in what they see online and to eliminate the ‘what you ordered versus what you got’ experience.”

Industry research supports the growing role of visual technology in real estate. A study by the African Journal of Business & Technology found that Lagos-based agencies using 3D or virtual tours close deals faster and with fewer physical site visits.

Beyond real estate, Virety’s 360-degree technology is being applied in hospitality, tourism, and education to help businesses showcase their spaces accurately online. The company also trains aspiring 360-degree photographers to enhance digital skills and transparency within Africa’s property ecosystem.

In one recent case, Virety’s 360-degree imagery helped boost the Google visibility of Bracha Restaurant in Abuja from zero to more than 18,000 views.

Analysts say such innovations are becoming increasingly vital as Nigeria’s rental and hospitality sectors expand, with Lagos short-let revenues projected to continue rising in 2025.