Build a Real Estate App Like Property Finder: Factors, Features & Cost

3 Reasons to Invest in Real Estate App Development Like Property Finder

Below we’ve listed compelling reasons to invest in real estate app development in the UAE like Property Finder. Take a look:

1. Rising Consumer Preference for Digital Solutions

“A Home Buyer & Seller Profile study from NAR found that 96% of home buyers use online tools in their search, and 60% of those searches are conducted on mobile devices.”

Consumer preferences for real estate transactions are expanding as a result of the speed, ease, and accessibility of digital platforms. Customers may research, assess, and even take virtual tours of properties from the comfort of their smartphones by using apps like Property Finder.

Investing in a real estate app will appeal to informed consumers, meet growing demand, and establish your business as a pioneer in the digital real estate industry.  

2. Expand Your Market Reach & User Engagement

“The Global Commercial Real Estate Software Market achieved a valuation of USD 50 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 87.66 Billion by 2031”

Using a real estate app, you may reach a wider audience, including foreign purchasers, and increase your market reach beyond conventional limits. 

Push alerts, interactive maps, and personalized recommendations are a few features that keep consumers informed and involved and increase conversion rates. 

Advanced algorithms are used by apps such as Property Finder to pair users with homes that best suit their tastes. This creates a more personalized experience for users and encourages repeat business.

3. Lucrative Revenue Options

“The global Real Estate Software & Apps market was valued at US$ 3813 million in 2024 and is anticipated to reach US$ 4644.6 million by 2031”

A multitude of revenue streams, including in-app advertisements, premium listings, and subscription models that grant access to premium features, are introduced with the development of a real estate app like Property Finder.

The real estate app business is expected to grow significantly in the next years, with billions of dollars in real estate IT investments expected annually worldwide.

Providing value-added services such as mortgage calculators, legal advice, and agent matching will enable you to effectively monetize the app and provide a healthy return on investment. 

Top 12 Features to Incorporate into Real Estate App Like Property Finder

Following, we’ve listed essential features that you must consider incorporating into your real estate app. Let’s check:

1. Property Listings

Property listings are the core feature of any real estate application. This segment offers a wide database of properties across multiple regions along with images, prices, locations, and property types. 

A well-organized listing helps users easily browse through multiple options. This feature assists the user to navigate through various property types and choose the right property as per their requirements. 

2. Property Details

Each property listing must provide detailed information, including property size, amenities, number of rooms, and other relevant specifications. 

Make sure to list properties with high-quality images, virtual tours, and descriptions. This information lets buyers know detailed information about the property they’re interested in. 

3. Advanced Search Filters

Search filters allow users to narrow down results based on criteria like location, price range, property type, number of bedrooms, and more. Advanced filters enable more precise results, leading to a better user experience.

4. User Reviews & Ratings

Incorporating a review and rating system builds trust by allowing users to view feedback from previous tenants or buyers. This feature also helps property owners and agents build credibility.

5. Mortgage Calculator

With the help of a mortgage or rent calculator provide users with an estimate of monthly payments. Users can easily obtain accurate data based on property price, loan amount, down payment, interest rate, and payment tenure. This feature assists buyers in assessing affordability. 

6. Geo-Location Feature

Incorporating a geo-location feature displays properties near the user’s current geographic location or within a specified area. It is also highly nearby amenities like supermarkets, hospitals, and schools. 

7. Automatic Rent Reminders

This feature sends reminders for rent due dates, helping users avoid late payments. It’s especially useful for renters and property owners managing multiple tenants.

8. Saved Searches & Notifications

Users can save search criteria and receive notifications when new properties matching their preferences become available. This ensures they don’t miss out on good deals.

9. Interactive Maps & Neighborhood Insights

Integrating interactive maps & neighborhood insights assists in showcasing the property's locations. This includes nearby amenities, transportation options, schools, and hospitals. This allows buyers to make informed decisions before they rent or purchase any properties. 

10. Schedule Property Visits

A built-in scheduler allows users to book property visits directly through the app. This feature makes it easy for users to coordinate with agents or property owners.

11. Push Notifications

Push notifications keep users updated on new listings, price drops, upcoming payments, or saved searches. Timely alerts improve user engagement and retention.

12. Language & Currency Support

Integrating language & currency conversion feature support like Property Finder allows users to choose options as per their preferred requirements. With the help of this feature, you can cater to a wider range of users, offering convenience and support. 

10 Factors Influencing the Real Estate App Development Cost 

Below we’ve listed some crucial factors impacting the development cost of real estate. Ensure to learn each of them as it will help you to set your project’s budget accordingly.

Let’s learn:

1. Scope & Complexity

The more complex the app’s functionalities, the higher the development cost. 

A basic app with simple features includes features like user registration and property listing. On the other hand, a complex app with advanced features includes AI-driven recommendations, virtual property tours, and mortgage calculators. 

The level of complexity directly impacts the development cost of real estate applications as it requires more time and effort. 

2. Platform

Choosing your app platform also impacts the development cost of real estate apps. Decide whether your app will be developed for iOS, Android, or both platforms. 

If you want to opt native apps (built separately for iOS and Android) offer better performance but are more expensive. On the other hand, cross-platform solutions (utilizing frameworks like React Native or Flutter) reduce the development cost however they may have limitations in accessing certain device features. 

3. UX UI Design

The UX UI design is a highly crucial factor in real estate apps, which ensures easy navigation and quick access to information. Incorporating a basic UX UI design will cost you less as compared to a custom design with intricate animations and transitions. 

4. Tech Stack

The choice of technologies for both frontend, backend, and database management significantly influences the app’s performance and cost. A robust tech stack is crucial when integrating third-party APIs like map services, payment gateways, and chatbots.

5. Features & Functionalities

Features & functionalities determine the foundation of any mobile app development, including real estate apps. Core features include property listing, user profiles, and search filters will cost you less. 

On the other hand, advanced functionalities like virtual tours augmented reality views, and AI-based recommendations drive up costs due to the level of expertise and time needed.

6. Team Size

The team size plays an important role in determining the real estate app development cost. Larger teams and tight deadlines can increase expenses, while longer timelines might allow for more flexibility and cost management.

7. Location of Development Team

The location of the development team also influences the development cost. It depends on the cost of living which varies from location to location. 

Onshore teams (within your country) are often more expensive than offshore teams (in regions like Asia or Europe), though they may offer benefits in terms of communication and time zone alignment. 

8. Security & Compliance

Real estate transactions are extremely sensitive. Because of this, it's imperative to protect sensitive data and abide by legislation (such as GDPR). 

Long-term success requires the implementation of robust encryption, secure payment systems, and regular security evaluations, notwithstanding the associated expenses. 

9.Testing & Quality Assurance

An important factor that has a big impact on a real estate app's development cost is testing and quality assurance (QA).

Extensive testing ensures that the application runs without errors or bugs, offering a flawless user experience. In addition to a dedicated team of testers, other testing procedures that are often required include unit, integration, and user acceptability testing.

Although thorough testing may cost more upfront, in the long run, it saves money since it lowers post-launch problems, boosts user contentment, and improves app reliability—all of which are critical to the app's long-term success. 

10. Marketing & Maintenance

Once you’ve launched your real estate app, your app requires continuous maintenance and also needs marketing promotion. 

Marketing efforts like digital advertising, SEO, and user engagement strategies. It will assist your app to reach its target audience on a larger scale. 

Regular maintenance, including updates, bug fixes, and new features, also incurs ongoing costs. These factors will also impact the development cost of real estate apps.

How Much Does it Cost to Build a Real Estate App Like Property Finder?

The average cost to build a real estate application similar to Property Finder ranges from $20,000 to $300,000 or above. 

Several factors influence the development cost of real estate applications, including UX UI design, tech stack, features & functionalities, and much more. 

Check the table below to understand how complexity impacts the real estate app development cost:

Get in touch with Apptunix Experts to know the exact real estate app development cost for your project.

Top Monetization Strategies to Include in Your Real Estate App

Once you’ve created your real estate app, to time to learn how to make money from your real estate app:

1. Subscription Plans

The subscription model is the most popular monetization strategy adopted by various businesses. It helps to generate consistent revenue from your real estate application. 

Here you can provide a free version of your app with basic features. For users to get access to advanced features & functionalities, they need to pay specific fees. 

You can provide subscription plans for monthly, quarterly, or yearly subscription plans. Users can choose the plan as per their needs and requirements. 

2. Premium Listing

This is another monetization strategy that will help you to generate consistent revenue. Here property sellers have the choice to pay for featured listing. It means sellers can showcase their profiles and listings at the top of the search results. And they can enjoy premium listing benefits until their paid plan expires. 

3. In-App Advertisement

The in-app advertisement is the best monetization strategy for apps. It helps to display relevant ads on mobile applications of third-party brands or businesses. You can charge a specific amount in exchange for showcasing their products or services ads on your real estate app. However, make sure to display relevant advertisements without frustrating your users.

4. Commission-based Model

Using a commission-based approach is a conventional strategy for making money from real estate transactions. You can profit directly from the app as an aggregator for each completed successful real estate transaction that goes via your platform.

Partner With Apptunix to Build a Robust Real Estate App Like Property Finder

Partnering with Apptunix, a real estate app development company can turn your vision into reality. We will assist you in entering the lucrative real estate market with a cutting-edge app like Property Finder. 

Our team of professionals specializes in building innovative, feature-rich real estate apps tailored to meet your specific business needs & requirements. 

Apptunix is committed to delivering solutions that are scalable, secure, and aligned with the latest industry standards. By choosing Apptunix as your mobile app development partner, you gain access to a team that values your business goals and works diligently to deliver a product that exceeds expectations. 

Whether you’re launching a startup or expanding an existing real estate business, Apptunix offers a collaborative approach, guiding you through every step of the development process—from ideation and design to deployment and post-launch support. 

Trust Apptunix to turn your app idea into a powerful tool that captures market share and accelerates your success in the competitive real estate landscape.