
People used to have to hunt for property in newspapers before going to see it in person. But that time was over. We now have the ability to search for actual lodging online, thanks to the current world. Therefore, now is the ideal moment for companies to learn how to create a successful mobile app for real estate.
According to research, more than 76% of internet users use their mobile devices to search for a home for sale. We’ll go into the real estate mobile app development process in further detail in this article.
What Is Real Estate Mobile App?
Mobile apps for real estate typically target a certain market segment. After all, the needs of real estate professionals and clients are not the same. Tenants and renters, for example, search for flats and rooms to move into, whereas brokers and landlords want to rent out their property. Additionally, there are brokers and homebuyers that are primarily focused on real estate ownership.
A single solution that meets the needs of all users is impossible—the app would be bloated with features most users never use.
As a result, the target demographic of your app will determine its type and economic model. Let’s examine a few of the most prevalent ones:
Real Estate Valuation Applications
These applications determine the estimated worth of a specific house or apartment. It depends on data collected from the owner or other online sources, which may encompass information regarding the neighborhood, nearby infrastructure, or the prices of comparable properties. These services can occasionally put the user in touch with a real estate agent, who will then do a market analysis tailored to the client’s needs and determine the property’s price.
Why Is Creating A Real Estate App A Good Business Idea?
There are many chances to create a cutting-edge real estate app in the huge and quickly changing real estate sector. The adoption of advanced technologies, such as Generative AI in real estate, and the increasing demand for digital solutions have paved the way for creative real estate apps to succeed. There is still a lot of space for “growth” and disruptive real estate apps to flourish, despite the fact that the existence of well-known real estate websites like Zillow and Trulia may give the appearance that the industry is saturated. Here are some reasons why developing a real estate app could be a profitable venture:
Increased Market Demand
More than 80% of Millennials and 78% of Generation X utilized mobile devices to find housing, according to research from the National Association of Realtors. Additionally, 68% of first-time homebuyers concur that mobile apps simplify and expedite the home-buying process.
Growing Market
According to Grand View Research’s Real Estate Software Market Size and Share Report, the worldwide real estate software market was estimated to be worth USD 10.24 billion in 2022 and is projected to expand at a compound yearly growth rate (CAGR) of 12.8% between 2023 and 2030.
Investment In Real Estate Technology
According to the National Association of Realtor Technology Survey 2024, 28% of real estate professionals use artificial intelligence and machine learning in their business, and 35% of real estate professionals use drones for marketing and property inspection.
Beyond Conventional Models
Real estate applications can be created for investors, construction firms, industry professionals, and other professional users in addition to those who look for, buy, and rent properties. This makes it possible to develop distinctive and sought-after solutions.
As demand for real estate technology rises, investments in this sector increase, and advanced technologies may be integrated, building a real estate app is a good business idea.
5-Step Real Estate App Development Process
Making sure user data is secure and private is crucial, particularly when it comes to financial transactions and private data. It also takes a lot of engineering work to integrate with payment gateways and real estate management systems. It’s still crucial to improve usability and optimize the user interface for a variety of user demographics.
In the following part, we will breakdown the process of developing an app for real estate into the following strategic stages:
Step 1: Discovery
The main goal of the discovery phase is to obtain a thorough grasp of the target market, competition, and user base. To find trends and gaps in the real estate technology ecosystem, it’s critical to carry out in-depth market research.
Here, the primary objective is to not only develop an app concept but also to match it with the particular requirements and preferences of your target audience. For instance, consider the needs of real estate development companies, investors, agents, and property buyers to provide tailored solutions.
Step 2: Design
The design stage takes center stage as the app concept becomes more solidified. This is when the app’s concept becomes a real, eye-catching user interface.
Adopting a user-centric approach is the most crucial component of real estate app design. The design should put an emphasis on easy navigation so that people can get the most out of their tablets and smartphones. Examples of wireframes for mobile apps can be used to demonstrate how to accomplish this.
Step 3: App Development
There are obstacles to overcome in order to transform design into a working reality. To begin with, your app needs to be capable of handling a lot of data. Due to the fact that real estate applications are highly dependent on current data, which includes information on properties, trends in the market, and information that is specific to an area, you need to make sure that databases are seamlessly integrated.
The focus on visual material in real estate mobile app development presents another difficulty. Make sure your team has the know-how to use cutting-edge technology like augmented reality or artificial intelligence to produce an engaging and aesthetically beautiful experience. These features are becoming increasingly popular in proptech in real estate, offering users virtual tours, AI-driven property recommendations, and personalized search results.
Step 4: Testing
Thorough testing is done to find any potential issues and ensure that the app works properly on a range of devices and in a variety of situations. Testing mobile apps is essential to ensuring their dependability and user happiness.
In order to maximize overall efficiency, we always remind our clients that testing should be a part of every stage of the development lifecycle. For this, codeless automated testing solutions can be employed.
Step 5: Launch And Post-Release Support
The careful execution and strategic planning of the earlier phases frequently impact the app launch’s success. Effective marketing tactics, user engagement programs, and using the input from the MVP example you created to make last-minute changes are all essential components of a well-executed launch.
There is a widespread misperception that the process concludes when the app is launched. You should continue to add new features to your app and improve the ones that are already there in order to keep it interesting. Building enduring relationships with users and establishing the app as a responsive solution in the cutthroat real estate industry will be possible as a result.
Cost Of Developing Real Estate App Development
A variety of financial considerations must be properly taken into account when creating a comprehensive real estate app. The key elements influencing the price of developing a real estate app are shown below.
Feature Complexity
The price range for a simple real estate app that includes the necessary functions, such as contact forms, listing details, and property search, is between $40,000 and $100,000. However, the price can easily rise to $150,000 or more by including more advanced capabilities like predictive search, augmented reality visualization, virtual property tours, and integrated payments.
Platforms
It is more expensive to develop for iOS and Android than it is to use Flutter or React Native to create a cross-platform solution. The budget also takes into account making sure that the user experience is consistent across all screens and devices.
User Experience And Design
A high-quality UI/UX design, that includes wireframing, prototyping, user research, and UI design, can cost $15,000 or more.
Infrastructure For The Backend
The expense of creating a solid and safe backend might range from $15,000 to $30,000. The price will cover the backend technologies that run your real estate app, including push alerts, geolocation integration, property data management, and safe payment processing.
Maintenance And Updates
To keep up with changing customer demands and market shifts, post-launch support and frequent upgrades will cost 15–25% of the original development cost per year.
A good real estate application can be created by carefully preparing and considering these things to help develop a realistic budget.
Features That Are Essential For A Real Estate Mobile App
It indicates that this product was created with the least amount of time and effort and contains the fewest features possible. However, “viable” means that the product must be able to do the app’s main tasks and help early adopters reach their objectives. These features should be straightforward and helpful for consumers to locate suitable accommodation in a real estate app.
Search Filters
Using a search engine is the initial action on a real estate app.
In addition to merely offering an engine, it is preferable to make sure it includes organized filters to improve search speed and engagement. For mobile users that utilize the app while on the go (in lines, cabs, transit, etc.), this is particularly crucial.
- You can add filters like location.
- Type of property
- Price
- Construction year
- The neighborhood
- Features of mobile real estate
Integration Of Maps
A smartphone app for real estate would be impossible to envision without a map. Fortunately, providing is not difficult. It is not necessary for you to create your own map solution. Alternatively, you can incorporate a pre-made map solution from outside vendors like Mapbox or Google Maps. See our post Mapbox vs. Google Maps for additional information on how to pick a map provider: For Your App, Which Maps API Is Best?
Panel Of Administrators
The administration panel should also be a component of your MVP. The panel establishes who has the authority to add or delete listings, oversee properties that are posted, and get rental applicant reports. Developers, there is good news: you don’t have to start from scratch when creating an administrative panel. Alternatively, you can incorporate an already-existing solution, modify its design, and tailor it to your requirements.
Chat solution
Another crucial element when looking for lodging is instant communication. Instead of calling a realtor, your user is more likely to message them in a chat window. Making a phone call makes it more difficult to locate the real estate item. Therefore, a real estate chatbot is another feature that your app should definitely have. Examine the reservation
Allowing users to observe the online apartment review time slots will also greatly simplify their lives. By doing away with the need to phone, would greatly improve the likelihood that a user will schedule an appointment.
Signing up
One excellent technique to personalize your app is to incorporate registration. Users who create an account may be able to save their search parameters or add their favorite products to a “Favorites” box. It turns out that introducing the registration feature is a lot simpler than it looks. Actually, you don’t need to start from scratch. Alternatively, you can use the users’ contact information, email addresses, or social media profiles (Instagram, Facebook, or Google Account).
Conclusion
If you want to develop a real estate app, now is the perfect time because the real estate tech business is highly profitable. When planning to create a real estate app, consider multiple revenue streams, including advertisements and premium memberships. It’s always smart to start with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product), a simplified version of the app, to test the market demand and refine your solution based on user feedback. If you have an app idea, feel free to use the form below to contact us. We’ll assist you in estimating the cost of developing your product. Appic Softwares is here to help as the best real estate app development company!
FAQs
1. What are the most advanced features to include in a real estate app in 2025?
In 2025, advanced features like AI-powered property recommendations, virtual tours with augmented reality (AR), predictive search, and blockchain-based secure transactions are becoming essential. These technologies enhance user experience by providing personalized property suggestions, immersive viewing experiences, and secure, transparent transactions. Integrating Generative AI can also help analyze trends and create property market forecasts.
2. How much does it cost to develop a real estate app in 2025?
The cost of developing a real estate app in 2025 ranges from $40,000 to $150,000 or more, depending on feature complexity, platform choice (iOS, Android, or cross-platform), and backend infrastructure. For instance, basic real estate apps cost around $40,000, while apps with advanced features like AR, predictive analytics, and integrated payments can go beyond $150,000. Post-launch maintenance costs add another 15-25% annually.
3. How can real estate apps leverage Generative AI in 2025?
Generative AI can be used in real estate apps to provide intelligent property recommendations, generate personalized listings based on user preferences, and offer AI-driven chatbots for seamless customer service. It can also assist real estate professionals by creating marketing content, analyzing market trends, and predicting property valuations more accurately, making real estate apps more dynamic and efficient.