If you’re a new real estate agent, standing out in the market can be tough. One smart way to impress clients and market your listings is by using drone photography. A drone allows you to take beautiful aerial shots and videos of properties — perfect for social media, listings, and virtual tours.
But if you’re just starting out, you may not want to spend thousands of dollars. Thankfully, there are excellent drones in 2025 that are affordable, easy to use, and still produce high-quality content.
In this article, we’ll cover the top 5 budget-friendly drones that are perfect for first-time real estate agents in 2025. All of these drones are beginner-friendly, cost under $1,000, and are great for taking real estate photos and videos.
1. DJI Mini 4K
Price: Around $299
Camera: 4K video at 30fps
Flight Time: Up to 30 minutes
Weight: Under 250 grams (no FAA registration needed in the US)
Why It’s Great for Real Estate
The DJI Mini 4K is one of the most affordable ways to start aerial photography. It’s light, easy to carry, and simple to fly — even if you’ve never used a drone before. Despite the low price, the camera quality is impressive and good enough for basic real estate videos and photos.
Key Features
- GPS-assisted flying
- Return-to-home function
- Beginner flight modes
- Great stabilization for smooth videos
This is the best entry-level option for agents who want to test out drone marketing without spending too much.
2. DJI Mini 4 Pro
Price: Around $759
Camera: 4K at 100fps, 48MP stills
Flight Time: Up to 34 minutes
Weight: 249 grams
Why It’s Great for Real Estate
The Mini 4 Pro is a powerful step up from the Mini 4K. It offers obstacle avoidance, better low-light performance, and a sharper camera. It’s perfect for agents who want professional-looking content on a budget. Since it weighs under 250g, it’s also less restricted by drone laws in many countries.
Key Features
- Omnidirectional obstacle sensors
- ActiveTrack for dynamic video shots
- Vertical video mode (ideal for Instagram & TikTok)
- Excellent image stabilization
This drone is a great long-term investment for real estate agents who want to build their brand online.
3. Autel EVO Nano+
Price: Around $659
Camera: 50MP photo, 4K/30fps video
Flight Time: Up to 28 minutes
Weight: 249 grams
Why It’s Great for Real Estate
Autel’s EVO Nano+ is a strong competitor to DJI’s Mini series. It offers a bigger camera sensor, which means better photos in cloudy or low-light conditions — common when shooting early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Key Features
- Advanced obstacle avoidance
- HDR video
- Great photo quality for its size
- Beginner-friendly flight modes
If you want something a little different from DJI with similar features, this is a fantastic pick.
4. Holy Stone HS720G
Price: Around $320
Camera: 4K EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization)
Flight Time: Up to 26 minutes
Weight: 377 grams
Why It’s Great for Real Estate
The Holy Stone HS720G is a budget drone that performs well for its price. It’s not as polished as DJI drones, but it’s still very usable for basic property videos and wide-angle shots of homes, land, or neighborhoods.
Key Features
- GPS-assisted return home
- 2-axis gimbal + EIS for smoother video
- Foldable and portable
- Includes carrying case
This drone is ideal for new agents who want to practice without worrying about damaging an expensive drone.
5. Potensic Atom SE
Price: Around $279
Camera: 4K/30fps
Flight Time: Up to 31 minutes
Weight: 245 grams
Why It’s Great for Real Estate
The Potensic Atom SE is a low-cost, lightweight drone with decent image quality. It’s simple to use, makes a great training drone, and comes with a good flight time.
Key Features
- Under 250g, no FAA registration required in many areas
- Return-to-home and follow-me mode
- 3-axis mechanical gimbal for smooth video
- Good battery life and range
This is a solid starter drone for real estate professionals testing drone photography for the first time.
What to Look for in a Real Estate Drone
When choosing a budget drone for real estate, keep these factors in mind:
Camera Quality
Look for at least 4K video and 12MP still photos for sharp images.
Flight Stability
A gimbal or electronic stabilization helps keep the camera steady during flight.
Flight Time
More battery life means more time to shoot without constant recharging. Aim for at least 20 minutes per flight.
Ease of Use
Beginner modes, GPS stability, and return-to-home features make learning to fly much easier.
Weight
Drones under 250g are often easier to use legally and don’t need registration in many countries.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a massive budget to start using drones in your real estate business. Whether you want to shoot aerial photos of a home, create video walk-throughs, or build your brand on social media, these budget drones can help you get started.
If you’re just testing the waters, try something like the DJI Mini 4K or Potensic Atom SE. If you’re more serious and want to impress clients with better video quality and smart features, go for the DJI Mini 4 Pro or Autel EVO Nano+.
No matter which one you pick, learning how to use a drone can take your listings — and your career — to the next level.
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