How to Develop a Commercial Real Estate App?

What is a Commercial Real Estate Mobile App? 

Commercial real estate mobile apps are specialized applications designed to facilitate various aspects of the commercial property market. These apps serve multiple functions, from property management and lead generation to market analysis and client communication. Moreover, the apps provide access to a wide range of property listings, including residential, commercial, and investment properties. They pull data from multiple sources to ensure that users can view the latest, most accurate property information available.

The rise of mobile technology has transformed how commercial real estate professionals operate. These apps not only enhance productivity but also provide a competitive edge in a fast-paced market. 

Here's a comparison table that highlights the key differences between a commercial real estate app and a residential real estate app:

Remember, it is difficult to create a real estate app that resonates with every user's needs. It will require high-end features and an unmatched mobile app design which only a dedicated real app development company can provide. 

What are the Types of Commercial Real Estate Apps? 

Commercial real estate is a huge segment and one app solution is not enough to cater to all user needs. Therefore, different types of apps are introduced to keep the performance high and deliver top results. Let’s see each one by one:

I.Property Listings App

These apps enable users to search for and list commercial properties. They often feature advanced filters for specific property types, locations, and pricing. These commercial real estate apps offer better and broader reach.

For example, LoopNet focuses on commercial listings and offers unique filters tailored to commercial properties such as cap rates and tenancy details. 

II.Real Estate Calculator App

This is the simplest form of real estate software solution and is also quicker to build. The real estate calculator apps assist users in evaluating potential investments by providing tools for calculating mortgage payments, return on investment (ROI), and other financial metrics. These calculators help investors make informed decisions about property purchases or rentals. 

III.Client Relationship Management App

In real estate, CRM apps are designed to manage interactions with clients and improve communication. Many surveys confirm that regular communication with the client increases the chances of conversion and escalates brand value.

Also, the apps help real estate brokers organize client information, track leads, and manage transactions efficiently. Tools like TeleCRM integrate messaging platforms like WhatsApp to enhance client engagement and automate communication processes.

IV.Real Estate Broker App

These apps cater specifically to real estate brokers, offering features that facilitate property management, transaction tracking, and client communication. They often include tools for scheduling property tours, managing listings, and conducting comparative market analyses (CMA) to provide clients with valuable insights.

V.Administrative App

Administrative apps focus on the backend processes of real estate transactions. They assist with documentation management, electronic signatures (e.g., DocuSign), and compliance tasks. The app makes sure that all paperwork is organized and accessible. These tools are crucial for maintaining efficiency in high-volume environments.

Every app comprises different features and functionality. Remember to choose the real estate app for commercial business based on your idea and requirements. Now, let’s see some of the advanced features you integrate into your real estate app. 

Also Read: How Much Does a Real Estate App Cost? A Detailed Guide

Advanced Commercial Real Estate App Features 

We all know the basic features any real estate app offers like user login. push notification, social media integration, and more. But it’s important to know the features that are advanced and make your commercial real estate management app solution stand out.  Let’s find out:

i.Integrated payment processing

A payment processing system within the app allows users to conduct financial transactions directly. This feature simplifies the payment process for rent, deposits, and service fees. Our real estate platform supports various payment methods including credit cards, bank transfers, and digital wallets. Moreover. advanced encryption and secure payment gateways protect sensitive financial information.

ii.Virtual tours

By leveraging modern technologies our app solution for commercial real estate offer users to explore properties remotely through 360-degree views or video walkthroughs. We believe that interactive tours keep users engaged and allow them to visualize spaces more effectively.

Additionally, users can assess properties thoroughly before scheduling physical visits which leads to more informed choices. On the other hand, potential buyers can view properties from anywhere in the world, saving time and travel costs.

iii.Predictive search and recommendations

Utilizing AI algorithms, predictive search features analyze user behavior and preferences to suggest relevant properties. This reduces the time spent searching by presenting properties that align closely with user preferences. Moreover, for admin, this provides data-driven insights into market trends which help users make informed decisions.

iv.Augmented reality (AR)

AR technology allows users to visualize properties by overlaying digital information onto the real world through their devices. Many commercial real estate apps like Zillow help potential buyers see the full potential of space without needing physical staging. The AR technology can make property exploration more engaging and fun.

iv.AI Chatbot

Needless to say, AI chatbots have become a necessity in modern-day mobile apps.  Chatbots in a real estate management app provide real-time assistance and support to users navigating the platform. It offers immediate responses to inquiries at any time, enhancing customer service. One of the prime benefits of AI chatbots in commercial real estate apps is they can learn from user interactions to provide increasingly tailored responses over time. 

Also Read: Tips and Tricks to Hire AI Chatbot Development Company

iv.E-signature

E-signature functionality allows users to sign documents electronically within the app. This accelerates transaction processes by allowing quick signing of contracts and agreements. Additionally, the feature minimizes the need for physical documents, promoting a more eco-friendly approach. However, if you are concerned about the validity then it is important to note that e-signatures are legally recognized in many jurisdictions. 

You must hire a developer who is well-versed with the latest technologies and provides you with the desired results. Now, let’s dive into the process to answer your question about how to create a commercial real estate management app. 

Steps Involved in Creating a Real Estate Mobile Application

To create real estate app you require a team consisting of project managers, developers, designers, and testers. We have divided the commercial real estate development process into easy steps for you to understand profoundly. 

• Step 1.Define your goal

Begin by identifying the main objective of the app. Are you building an app for buyers, sellers, or investors? Understanding your target audience helps define the app's features and functionality.

It is very important that you conduct thorough market research to identify the gaps. Next, decide what features the app will have, such as property search, filtering options, virtual tours, property details, mortgage calculators, or investment tools. The goal will guide you in deciding which features are essential.

• Step 2.Decide the technology stack

In the next step, you will hire dedicated developers to create a commercial real estate mobile application and they will help you choose the tech stack. This depends on whether the app will be developed for iOS, Android, or both. You might need to develop separate versions for each platform or opt for cross-platform development. The tech stack includes selecting programming languages, web servers, integrated development environments (IDEs), backend server integration, UI development tools, and testing and debugging frameworks, among other components.

 Here are some of the technologies that our real estate app developers use –  

• Step 3.Design the UI/UX of an app

Remember if your UI/UX designers create a poor design then you will face user dissatisfaction.  Here are sub-steps that will help you create an effective real estate mobile app design:

-Research: Understand your target audience and their preferences.

-User Flow: Map out how users will navigate through the app, ensuring intuitive access to features like property listings and search filters.

-Wireframes: Develop preliminary layouts for key screens to visualize the app structure.

-Prototyping: Create interactive prototypes to simulate user interactions and gather feedback before finalizing designs

Also Read: UI/UX Design Mistakes to Avoid for Scalable App Development (2025)

• Step 4.Develop an app

This is the step where real work goes into place. The real estate app development company that you hired will write code based on the approved designs, integrating front-end and back-end functionalities. It’s a smart choice if you start with an MVP. This helps you get user feedback even before the actual app is launched. 

Note: your continuous communication between designers and developers ensures that the app aligns with initial visions and user expectations.

• Step 5.Test the app

Once a real estate mobile app design is fully developed and available to use, conducting thorough app testing becomes essential. App testing makes sure that the application functions correctly, remains user-friendly, and meets performance standards. 

The testing process typically involves several stages, including outlining the testing strategy, selecting appropriate testing types (manual or automated), and preparing test cases that cover various scenarios. Functional testing verifies core functionalities, while usability testing assesses the user experience. 

Additionally, performance and security testing are vital to identify vulnerabilities and ensure the app can handle expected loads. 

• Step 6.Launch and Market

Finally, it's time to launch your commercial real estate app. To make this step effective and smooth you must thoroughly review the launch regulations specific to each platform, such as the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Moreover, compliance with legal frameworks, including data protection laws and app store guidelines, is essential to avoid potential rejections or legal issues. 

Now, to successfully market your app, create a strategy that includes identifying your target audience and utilizing various channels like social media and influencer partnerships. Engaging early adopters can significantly boost your app's visibility and credibility.

• Step 7.Maintenance and Update

Once the app is launched, maintaining it becomes a continuous process. Regular updates are vital for competitiveness, and having a dedicated maintenance team ensures that the app remains functional and relevant in a fast-paced market. A comprehensive checklist for app 

maintenance should include:

• Regularly updating content and features
• Monitoring performance metrics
• Ensuring compliance with evolving regulations
• Gathering user feedback for improvements

What Mistakes to Avoid While Building a Commercial Real Estate App? 

Building and launching a commercial real estate app is a big challenge, and it’s not something everyone is ready to take on. It requires a significant budget, specialized skills, and a lot of enthusiasm and dedication. Given the complexity and competition in the market, there’s little room for mistakes.

To make sure everything goes smoothly, the given below mistakes must be avoided:

• i.No market research

Can we all agree that failing to conduct thorough market research is a significant oversight? Most real estate app developers often rely on preconceived notions about what users want, which can lead to misguided decisions. 

With 11+ years of experience in the industry, we do comprehensive research including understanding market trends, competitor analysis, and customer behavior to set realistic expectations and identify essential features for the app. Our team creates profiles of your ideal users and ensures your app features meet their specific needs.

• ii.Poor UI/UX

A poor real estate mobile app design can deter users from engaging with the app. It will frustrate users and make them less likely to return or recommend the app.

The best way to create real estate app successfully is to adopt a minimalist design with an intuitive, easy-to-use interface. 

Think from the user's perspective, ensuring seamless navigation and a smooth experience. Use a hamburger menu for easy access to various sections like search, saved listings, and contact details. This approach keeps the interface clean while offering efficient navigation, improving user satisfaction.

• iii.Bad-quality media files

Suppose you have a commercial real estate app but you are seeing low traffic and poor engagement with your property listing. 

Now, the reason for that might be the quality of media files used in the app. People love to engage with content that displays full details of properties. There are many ways by which you can make your real estate platform a hit. This includes using a library of high-quality videos and photos.  

• iv.Zero personalization

In today’s tech world, without personalization, there is no use of the services that your app is providing. It’s like eyeballing in a giant space with no direction. Users appreciate tailored experiences that reflect their preferences and previous interactions. Implementing features that remember user searches and suggest relevant properties can foster loyalty and encourage return visits. 

Now that we have covered the development process of commercial real estate apps and the pitfalls to avoid it is time to explore how you can make money from the app. 

Build Your Own Real Estate App Like Property Finder & Bayut! 

Explore the benefits, features, and costs of developing a real estate app like Bayut. 

Commercial Real Estate Mobile App Development Revenue Model

No matter how good your real estate application is it will not sustain without proper income. That’s why, you need to understand the revenue models and know how your commercial real estate app can make money.

• Subscription model 

Many real estate apps like PropertyFinder offer subscription plans that allow users to access premium features or exclusive listings. Users can choose from different tiers (monthly, quarterly, or annually) to enjoy benefits such as advanced search filters, priority notifications, and enhanced property details. This model provides a steady stream of recurring revenue for app owners. 

•  Premium listing 

Apps often charge property owners or agents for premium listings that gain maximum visibility on the platform. Sellers can pay to have their properties featured prominently in search results or on the app's homepage, increasing the likelihood of a sale. This approach allows sellers to enhance their marketing efforts while generating additional income for the app.

• Advertising model 

The advertising model is a common revenue stream where apps display ads from third-party advertisers. Real estate apps can charge for ad placements, which may include paid advertisements from property management firms or other related businesses. The revenue generated can depend on user interactions with these ads, such as clicks or impressions. 

• Commission based 

In this model, real estate apps earn commissions from successful transactions facilitated through their platform. This typically involves charging a percentage of the sale price or rental fee once a deal between buyers and sellers is finalized. This model aligns the app's success with its users' success, incentivizing the app to facilitate more transactions.

• Additional Revenue Streams

-Listing Fees: Charging agents or property owners a fee to list their properties on the app.

-Affiliate Marketing: Partnering with mortgage lenders or moving companies and earning commissions for referrals.

-Freemium Models: Offering basic services for free while charging for premium features

These diverse revenue models allow commercial real estate apps to cater to different user needs while maximizing profitability.

Also read: AI in Real Estate – Benefits, Use Cases, and Unexplored Avenues

How Much Commerical Real Estate App Development Costs? 

The cost of developing a commercial real estate app like Zillow is not that straightforward. It depends on various factors like app complexity, features, development team, and tack stack. However, to give you an idea the total cost for developing a commercial real estate app can range from approximately $9,000 for an MVP. On the other hand, for a fully-featured application, it can cost nearly $30,000 to $180,000 or more. 

Note: Businesses should carefully assess their needs and consult with an experienced commercial real estate mobile app development company to obtain accurate estimates tailored to their specific projects.

Why Choose Apptunix to Develop a Commercial Real Estate App? 

Our company specializes in creating custom real estate applications that align with your unique business requirements. With a team of 250+ experts, we focus on delivering bespoke features and functionality with a holistic development approach, from initial planning and wireframing to user testing and post-launch support. 

Our real estate app development services include leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as Augmented Reality for virtual property tours and AI for personalized property recommendations, which can significantly enhance user engagement and satisfaction. 

Moreover, our clients benefit from dedicated support throughout the development process and beyond. As a leading real estate mobile app development company based in Dubai, Apptunix has established a reputation for delivering high-quality applications across various industries, including real estate. Our portfolio includes successful projects that demonstrate their capability in this domain.

Contact us today and make waves in the real estate industry with modern tech solutions.