Drone photos and video for property
Capture aerial photos and video for real estate agents, builders and tourism businesses, paid per job.
- A$2.5k-9k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
Flying a camera drone to shoot aerial photos and short videos of homes, acreage, new builds, venues and local businesses, then editing and delivering the files.
Your first three steps
- Check CASA's current rules for commercial drone flying, including any operator accreditation or remote pilot licence you need
- Buy a reliable camera drone and practise shooting sample properties for a portfolio
- Show your portfolio to local real estate agents and builders and offer a discounted first shoot
Who pays
Real estate agents, home builders, accommodation and wineries, event venues and local businesses wanting marketing content.
How it makes money
Fixed price per shoot or package (photos, video, editing), with repeat work from agents and builders who need regular updates.
Skills that help
- Safe, confident drone flying
- Photo and video editing
- Dealing with clients and meeting deadlines
Watch out for
- CASA rules on flying for business, including when a licence or accreditation is needed
- Public liability insurance that covers drone operations, as standard policies may exclude them
- Privacy, no-fly zones and permission to fly near people, airports or in national parks, check before each job
- Weather limits and equipment costs if a drone is damaged or lost
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: drone photos and video for property
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a drone photography business?
Startup costs are typically around $2,500 to $9,000, depending on the drone, camera quality, editing software and insurance. These are estimates only. Equipment costs can rise if a drone is damaged or lost, so allow a buffer.
Do I need a licence to fly a drone for business in Australia?
Check CASA rules on flying for business, including when a licence or accreditation is needed. Also check that your public liability insurance covers drone operations, and privacy, no-fly zones and permission to fly near people, airports or in national parks before each job.
How much can drone photography for property earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $600 to $4,000, depending on how many jobs you win from agents, builders and tourism businesses. This is an estimate only. Weather can limit flying days. Allow at least 6 hours a week.
Other ways to run this business
Similar tech services ideas
Mobile TV repair technician
Visit homes and businesses to diagnose and fix big or wall-mounted TVs on the spot.
- A$3k-9k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile printer and copier repair
Visit local offices to fix and service printers and copiers, on call-outs or regular maintenance visits.
- A$2k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Home workshop video camera repair
Fix and service camcorders and video cameras from a home bench, with drop-off and mail-in jobs.
- A$1.5k-8k
- Side hustle
- From home
Freelance controls and PLC programmer
Program and commission control systems for factories and integrators, working from home with site visits when needed.
- A$2k-8k
- Part-time
- From home
Meeting room video kit for small offices
Supply and install screens, cameras and speakers so small businesses can run clear video meetings.
- A$2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Custom database build and support service
Design, build and look after custom databases for growing businesses, with a small team and ongoing support plans.
- A$1.5k-8k
- Part-time
- Online