How to Build an App Like Dubai REST in 2024 – A Comprehensive Guide

What is Dubai REST App, Exactly?

The Dubai Rest app is an innovative platform introduced by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) to digitize real estate transactions, making them more convenient and paperless for property owners, tenants, real estate agents, and other stakeholders in Dubai. Launched in 2018, the app plays a vital role in supporting Dubai’s vision to become a leading smart city by offering seamless access to a variety of real estate services.

Purpose & Goal of the Dubai REST App:

The app was created to address prevalent real estate issues in Dubai by providing a digital solution. The primary objectives are to:

• Go paperless by digitizing property transactions.
• Streamline services for tenants, landlords, and agents.
• Enhance user experience by providing real-time access to essential property data and legal documents.

Going ahead, let’s discuss some of the most stand-out features that real estate app developers integrate into mobile apps for better user engagement. 

Features to Integrate in a Real Estate Mobile App like Dubai REST

When developing an app like Dubai Rest, app developers in Dubai incorporate user-friendly and practical features to provide a seamless experience for buyers, sellers, and renters. Here’s a breakdown of the most important features:

• I.Property Wallet

A Property wallet feature enables users to manage their real estate assets digitally. It centralizes all information related to property ownership, contracts, and transactions in one secure place. Users can:

• Store and access digital copies of property deeds, contracts, and relevant documents.
• Track and manage multiple properties under a single account.
• Stay updated on property taxes, mortgage payments, and rental income from the app.
• Receive notifications for upcoming due dates for payments, renewals, and contract expirations.
• Ensure secure document storage with end-to-end encryption and data protection features.

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

• II.Property Listing

Property listings are an app like Dubai Rest are comprehensive. This allows owners, real estate agents, and developers to post properties with details like type (rent/sale), category (residential, commercial), number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and more. Each listing must have high-resolution images and videos to attract buyers or renters.

Key features of the listing page include:

• Price: Current market price, deposit details, rental/sale options.
• Location: Integration with maps (like Google Maps) for exact property location.
• Size and Layout: Clearly state the total area in sq. ft./sq. m.
• Contact Information: A section that connects potential buyers/renters with property owners/agents via phone, email, or chat.

• III.Real Estate Brokers

The real estate brokers is a remarkable feature that allows:

• Users can find licensed real estate agents in Dubai with ease.
• Brokers can also communicate directly with potential buyers, sellers, or tenants via in-app messaging or calls.
• Schedule viewings and manage appointments through the app’s calendar feature.
• Validate property ownership and legal documents digitally to speed up the buying and selling process.
• Provide brokers with access to the latest off-plan projects and investment opportunities.

• IV.Property Details

This feature of the Dubai Rest app showcases an in-depth description of each property, helping users understand everything about a potential listing. The property details page should include:

• Property layout (floor plans, number of rooms, bathrooms)
• Owner/Developer information
• Availability status (whether it’s open for rent/sale)
• Recent renovations or upgrades
• Virtual tours to enhance user experience.

Each listing should also provide price history and comparisons with similar properties, giving users a sense of whether they’re getting a good deal.

• V.Off-plan Project Monitoring

This feature allows users to explore and monitor off-plan projects under development, offering:

• Access to detailed information about upcoming real estate projects. 
• Real-time updates on the project’s progress with milestone tracking (e.g., foundation completed, structure built, etc.).
• View rendered images, virtual tours, or 3D walkthroughs of future developments.
• Receive notifications on pre-launch offers, promotional discounts, and investment opportunities.

• VI.Mortgage Calculator

A mortgage calculator helps users estimate the monthly payment they will have to make based on various loan factors.

Users can input:

• Property price
• Down payment amount
• Loan tenure
• Interest rate
• Additional costs (insurance, property management fees, etc.)

This dubai rest app feature can also show users the best mortgage deals offered by UAE banks and financial institutions, helping them make informed decisions.

• VII.Seamless Ownership Transfer

The seamless ownership transfer feature simplifies the traditionally cumbersome process of transferring property ownership. It includes:

• Digital verification of documents (title deeds, Emirates IDs, etc.) to speed up ownership transfer.
• E-signature integration for signing contracts and transferring ownership without visiting the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
• In-app notarization services to authenticate and validate property transactions.
• Direct submission of necessary paperwork to the Dubai Land Department for approval.

• VIII.Property Transactions

The property transaction feature provides users with a secure, paperless way to carry out real estate transactions such as:

• Buying, selling, or renting properties online.
• Payment gateways to process payments for property purchases, rent, and deposits.
• A contract generator that automatically prepares legally binding documents for transactions.
• Status updates and alerts to keep users informed of the progress of their transactions.

• IX.Contact Owners

The app should make it easy for potential buyers/renters to connect with property owners, developers, or agents. Users should be able to:

• Call directly via an in-app call feature.
• Message/chat with owners or agents for quick inquiries.
• Schedule property visits or virtual tours.

For high-level interactions, the app should support push notifications for owners to quickly respond to inquiries. Additionally, incorporating secure document sharing can help streamline contract negotiations.

Technology Stack Used for Development of Apps like Dubai REST

To develop an app like Dubai REST in UAE, which is a feature-rich, secure, and scalable real estate platform, you would need to use a robust and flexible technology stack that caters to both the backend and front-end development requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the technology stack typically used by Dubai real estate app developers:

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Step-by-Step Process of Developing Platform like Dubai REST App 

Creating a platform similar to the Dubai Rest App involves a complex interplay of technology, design, and business strategy. Here's a breakdown of the key steps:

• Step 1:Define Your App’s Purpose

First things first, clearly identify what your app will do. Dubai REST like apps simplify complex legal processes, making them accessible to the general public. So, consider what kind of services or solutions your app will offer. Ask yourself:

• Will it focus on legal services, governmental procedures, or perhaps another specific area?
• What problems does your app aim to solve?
• What audience are you targeting, and how will it benefit them?

Understanding the core functionality and goals of your app will guide the rest of the development process.

• Step 2:Conduct Market Research

Before starting, it’s crucial to perform in-depth market research. You want to understand:

• Who your competitors are?
• What similar apps are offering (and where do they fall short)?
• The user pain points that aren’t addressed by existing solutions.

By studying apps like Dubai Rest , you'll discover gaps that your app can fill. You might even find opportunities to innovate, offering features or services that current apps don't provide.

• Step 3:Outline Features and Functionalities

Your app's success will hinge on the features it provides. As we discussed Dubai Rest like app focuses on user-centric features such as:

• User Registration and Profile Management
• Document Upload and Tracking
• Push Notifications
• Online Payment Integration
• Customer Support

Consider what features you want in your app and create a development roadmap. The more features you add, the more complex the development will be, which can affect both cost and time.

• Step 4:Choose the Right Tech Stack

The technology you choose for your app plays a crucial role in determining its performance and scalability. The most common tech stacks for developing apps like Dubai Rest include:

• Frontend: React Native, Flutter for cross-platform development.
• Backend: Node.js, Django, or Ruby on Rails.
• Database: MySQL, MongoDB, or Firebase.
• Cloud Services: AWS or Google Cloud for data storage and security.

Opt for a tech stack that ensures seamless performance, security, and scalability as your user base grows.

• Step 5:Focus on UI/UX Design

A clean, intuitive user interface is crucial for the success of any mobile app, especially one dealing with legal processes like Dubai Rest. The user experience needs to be smooth, with easy navigation to avoid overwhelming users with too many steps. 

Users appreciate an app that’s not just functional but also easy on the eyes and simple to navigate. Work with a dedicated mobile app development company like Apptunix to offer the best experience to the user. 

• Step 6:Develop the App

Now that the planning and designing stages are clear, it's time to develop your app. This is the stage where your technical team will bring the features and UI to life. Here's a breakdown of how the development process unfolds:

• Backend Development
• Frontend Development
• APIs Integration

• Step 7:Testing and Quality Assurance

No app is ready without thorough testing. Make sure to test your app on different devices and operating systems to ensure cross-platform compatibility. Focus on:

• Functionality Testing
• Performance Testing
• Security Testing

• Step 8:Launch and Market Your App

Once the app is thoroughly tested and ready to go, it’s time to launch. Plan for:

• App Store Optimization (ASO)
• Marketing Campaigns
• User Onboarding

• Step 9:Post-Launch Support and Maintenance

After your Dubai Rest like app is launched, you must continually support and maintain it. This includes:

• Bug Fixes and Updates
• User Feedback
• Scaling

Mobile app developers in Dubai offer after-deployment services for the smooth functioning of the app at a very affordable price. 

Also Read: Blockchain in Banking – Opportunities and Challenges to Overcome

How Much Does It Cost to Develop an App Like Dubai REST?

On average, a fully developed app like Dubai Rest could range from AED 11,000 to AED 661,100. However, the cost of developing a mobile app like Dubai REST depends on various factors, such as:

• App complexity: The more features, the higher the cost.
• Development time: More time spent in development equals higher costs.
• Team size & location: A larger team or more specialized developers can also increase costs.

It is recommended that you look for the best real estate app development company in Dubai to get a precise cost estimation. This will help you make better investment decisions. 

Monetization Strategies for Real Estate Apps like Dubai REST 

Real estate apps have enormous potential for generating revenue. Implementing the right monetization strategies ensures that users benefit from the platform while the app owner enjoys sustainable growth. Below are four effective strategies for real estate apps like Dubai REST:

• 1:Third-Party Advertising

This is one of the most common revenue streams for real estate apps. The app partners with third-party advertisers to display relevant ads to its users. Ads can range from property-related services, such as mortgage lenders, home insurance providers, interior designers, or moving services.

• 2:Commission-Based Model

A commission-based model offers flexibility for both buyers and sellers. The app earns a commission every time a transaction is completed on the platform, such as when a property is rented, sold, or leased. Agents or property owners can list their properties, and the app takes a percentage or a flat fee from each deal.

• 3:Premium Listing

Offering property owners and real estate agents premium listing options can generate significant revenue. Property owners can pay to have their listings featured at the top of search results or highlighted in a special category. These listings stand out due to enhanced visibility, better presentation, or additional features (e.g., professional photos, and virtual tours).

• 4:Subscription Plans

Subscription-based models offer exclusive features and services to property owners, real estate agents, or users. Users (especially agents or property managers) can subscribe to a monthly or annual plan to access advanced tools like detailed analytics, enhanced communication tools, priority support, or unlimited listings.

How can Apptunix Help You Develop a Real Estate Platform Like Dubai REST App? 

With 11+ years of experience in mobile app development services and a deep understanding of real estate platforms, Apptunix ensures that your app is built to meet industry standards, deliver superior user experiences, and cater to the specific needs of your business.

Our mobile app developers are well versed with the latest technologies like blockchain, AI, metaverse, and IoT. Being a top mobile app development company, we make sure that you get the best services within your budget and timeline. 

From design to deployment and ongoing maintenance, we’re your trusted partner in building a powerful real estate platform like Dubai REST. Let us help you turn your vision into reality!