A HAMPSHIRE business, which specialises in virtual property viewings, has been named as a finalist for a start-up award.

Virtualoom, which is based in Eastleigh, was started by Olivia Harris and has been supported by X-Forces Enterprise because of her grandfather's involvement with the parachute regiment.

X-Forces Enterprise provides business training, funding and support for ex-military, veterans, service leavers and their families.

Now the business is one of three finalist for the best start-up at the ‘Soldiering On Awards’.

Olivia began Virtualoom in November 2019 after spotting a gap in the market for virtual property viewings. She ordered a 360 camera and taught herself how to produce virtual tours.

Sending a few marketing emails, she quickly welcomed her first customer.

Virtualoom thrived throughout the pandemic because its 3D virtual tour services ensured that the housing market remained open and made the public feel comfortable selling their homes.

With support from X-Forces Enterprise, the business expanded to offer other services including floor plans, professional photography, videography and aerial photography to make life easier for estate and letting agents.

Now the firm has branched out into the education, retail and medical sectors.

As the digital world develops, the need for virtual viewings is growing.

Virtualoom is in the process of adding marketing services to its portfolio, for example digital property pages and web brochures, as a new alternative to a standard printed brochure.