Aerial photos sell property. Agents know it, vendors increasingly expect it, and on anything with land, position or outlook — acreage, corner blocks, new estates, anything near water or parkland — the drone shot is usually the hero image. This guide covers what real estate drone photography costs in Melbourne, what a good package includes, and what separates a professional job from a neighbour with a drone.

What does real estate drone photography cost in Melbourne?

Most Melbourne operators price a standard residential aerial package between $250 and $450 — typically 8–15 edited high-resolution images from several altitudes and angles. Add video (a 60–90 second edited aerial clip) and packages generally run $450–$800. Larger listings — acreage, commercial sites, development parcels — are usually quoted per job.

What moves the price: travel distance, airspace restrictions at the address (more on that below), video editing depth, turnaround time, and whether you need ground photography bundled in.

What should be included

  • Edited stills at listing resolution — colour-corrected, straightened horizons, delivered ready for the portals.
  • Multiple altitudes — low-level eaves-height shots for context, mid-level for the block, high-level for position and lifestyle (schools, transport, water).
  • Boundary-highlight versions if requested — indicative outlines for marketing. These are illustrative only; they are not a survey and no professional operator will present them as one.
  • Fast turnaround — 24–48 hours is the market standard for listings.

The part most people skip: is your address even flyable?

Large parts of Melbourne sit inside controlled airspace around Moorabbin, Essendon, Melbourne and Avalon airports. A licensed operator checks this before quoting and either obtains the required approvals or tells you honestly what altitude limits apply. An unlicensed operator often just… flies. If your photographer can’t explain the airspace at your address, that’s your cue to keep looking.

Licensed vs unlicensed — why it matters for agents

Commercial drone work in Australia is regulated by CASA. Using an unlicensed operator on a paid shoot exposes the agency, not just the pilot. Ask for an operator’s accreditation or licence details and evidence of insurance — any professional will have both ready before you finish asking.

Where we fit

Aerial Imaging Australia is a CASA-licensed operator based in Melbourne’s south-east. Our core work is precision aerial data capture — mapping, inspection and site documentation — which means real estate shoots get the same flight planning, airspace compliance and image discipline we bring to industrial clients. If you’re an agent who wants reliable, compliant aerial imagery on call, get in touch.