Real Estate App Development Cost in 2024 (Features, Tech Stack & More)

Boasting over 10,000,000 downloads, Zillow and Redfin are without a doubt the current dominators in the real estate mobile app market. If you’re in the market looking to create an app like them, you can be rest assured it’s possible, but you can expect to spend anywhere between $7,000 to $65,000. To capture the American market, you’ll need to create something that isn’t the same, but better than Zillow or Redfin. If you plan to enter a market outside of the US, chances are, you’ll have to revise Zillow’s and Redfin’s functionality because of different target users, competitors, laws, government policies, and more. Take inspiration from their strengths and learn from their weaknesses, combine the best of both worlds to help take your real estate app to the next level. Or you can just get in touch with a real estate app development company to take charge of your vision and help you build the app of your dreams that will leave even Zillow and Redfin behind. 

In this blog, we’ll be discussing how much does it cost to make real estate app, what are the factors that directly and indirectly influence real estate app development cost, as well as what are some of the commonly found features of real estate apps.

Some Stats About Real Estate Applications

• According to the National Association of Realtors, the vast majority of homebuyers, 97%, initiate their property searches online. Moreover, 76% of these potential buyers prefer using mobile or tablet devices for their property search, highlighting the increasing significance of mobile-friendly real estate platforms.
• The Global IT Market in Real Estate is expected to grow from USD 9.55 billion in 2023 to USD 15.61 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 10.32% during the forecast period (2023-2028).

How Much Does it Cost to Make Real Estate App

How much does it cost to make a real estate app? Well, there is actually no fixed cost. The price is determined by the number of integrated features and the hosting hardware chosen. For instance, it would cost between or in the range of $7,000 to $65,000 to design and develop a barebone, basic mobile app for real estate companies.

The cost to build a real estate app is variable and dependent on the features it will have. The more features a real estate app has, the more money it will cost to develop it. But, that does not mean you create a basic app devoid of any useful features. You need to spend money to make money. Conduct research based on your needs to determine you to create an app at the lowest possible cost.

Factors Influencing Real Estate App Development Cost

There are many best apps for realtors out there. These apps have distinct features and thus, the cost can vary based on several factors. We’ve gone ahead and listed all the various factors that influence the cost to build a real estate app below. They include, but are not limited to;

• Target Devices are the ones that your real estate app wants to focus on. It is well known that developing apps for Android smartphones costs 30% more than developing apps for iOS devices. This is mostly due to the number of operating system versions available on the Android market. The cost to develop a real estate app goes up as well as the duration goes up if apps are released on IOS, Android, and web platforms. These days, cross-platform mobile application development is frequently done using SDKs like Flutter. With Flutter, programmers may create a standard version and distribute it for Linux, Android, iOS, and Windows.
• Team and necessary talents – The cost of the app is increased by assembling a top-performing team of web and mobile developers.
• Front end development involves how your app appears; the price rises in direct proportion to how attractive your app appears.
• Back-end development refers to the hardware and software resources devoted to enhancing the performance of this program.
• The price of hosting these software online, or “cloud cost.” These services for app hosting are offered by servers like those from Amazon web servers and Google cloud platforms.
• The cost to build a real estate app also involves using your Android and iOS accounts to host the real estate app including developer account fees. The store accounts require a one-time payment of $25 for the Play Store or a yearly payment of $99 for iOS.

Real Estate App Development Cost on the Basis of Development Stages

The process of creating an app is difficult and cannot be rushed. An app must pass through a number of stages before it is deemed “complete” and prepared for release. Let’s look at the stages of app development and the associated costs.

• Native development is the process of creating a real estate mobile application specifically for one platform. The app was created using programming languages that are currently only available on these platforms. It takes roughly 190-200 hours to complete, and the expense for this phase ranges around $7,000 to 10,000.
• User interface design, often known as UX/UI design, is a crucial stage in the creation of mobile apps. This phase aids in creating the application’s user interface. This level costs between $1200 and $1400 and requires roughly 25-30 hours of labor.
• Testing and quality assurance is the second-to-last stage, where the testing team evaluates the developed mobile app. It costs between $1500 to $1700 and requires about 25-30 hours.
• The most important step in the process of developing a mobile app is project management. This generally adds to the cost of building a real estate app by around $1000.

Judging from the steps above, and factoring in the associated costs, you can expect the total cost to come close to about $13,000 (or more).

Real Estate App Development Cost on the Basis of Features

As was already said, the number of features that the businesses want to put in their app determines how much it will cost. As a result, this section will include the actual price of some of the crucial features that real estate companies’ apps absolutely must have.

Real Estate valuation engines

Real estate development software creates the real estate app that is perfect for assessing and evaluating a variety of real estate properties. This software helps to provide 100% accurate results while also making the analysis more straightforward and accessible.

The mobile app is also made bug-free by the real estate development software, which is a huge comfort for businesses and users. This software is what makes the apps’ presentation convenient and user-friendly. Nearly every real estate app, including Zillow and Redfin, contains this software, 

AR/VR

Mobile apps must be able to provide users with a comprehensive experience in the expanding realm of digitalization. Apps must install a certain piece of software that guarantees they can deliver this to all users without interfering. Apps like Zillow and Redfin are famous for their virtual tours of the houses.

Although pricey, this software makes it possible for customers to rapidly take 3D tours, guaranteeing you that consumers do not have to leave the comfort of their homes in order to view the property.

Auction Feature

An auction is one of the services available on real estate applications like Redfin and Zillow. They need a specific kind of software for this. These app features connect buyers and sellers in the marketplace. The sellers and bidders can check the pricing of the properties and use the auction feature when all the properties up for auction are gathered together. All real estate smartphone apps heavily rely on this feature. This guarantees improved performance and a top-notch user experience for the real estate apps.

Property and Neighborhood Info

Real estate apps like Zillow and Redfin aim to give customers the most in-depth understanding of homes possible. Applications like Redfin include information and facts about 34 communities, including images, features, and first-hand accounts from locals.

Geo-location tracking

Zillow and Redfin both have this feature installed. Users of the app can quickly find the closest displayed property while this feature is available. This function enables a quick and precise search using geotags and GPS. Nonetheless, their inclusion raises the price of the real estate apps by default.

Apart from other crucial aspects, these are some of the features that Zillow and Redfin have, and they are expanding across the country thanks to their popularity.

Basic Features of a Real Estate App

Each real estate app wants to distinguish itself from its competitor apps by integrating various features and functionalities to aid the apps performance as well as enhance the UX and CX. Out of all the apps available for download in the global market today, these are some of the features found in almost all Real Estate Apps:

• Property Search: This feature allows customers to search for properties based on various criteria like location, price range, and amenities. It helps customers find the right property that matches their needs and budget, while also helping business owners to showcase their listings to interested customers.
• Virtual Tours: Virtual tours allow customers to take a 360-degree view of a property, giving them a realistic feel of the space before physically visiting it. This feature benefits customers by allowing them to narrow down their property search and save time, while business owners can provide a more immersive experience for potential buyers.
• Listings Management: This feature allows business owners to manage their listings, including updating property information, adding images, and removing or adding new properties. It helps them keep their property listings up-to-date and accurate, which is crucial for attracting potential buyers.
• Notifications: Notifications can be used to alert customers when a new property that matches their search criteria is listed or when there is a change in the status of a property they are interested in. This feature benefits both customers and business owners by keeping them informed and up-to-date about relevant properties.
• Mortgage Calculator: A mortgage calculator allows customers to estimate their monthly mortgage payments based on the price of the property and other relevant factors. This feature benefits customers by helping them understand the financial implications of purchasing a property, while business owners can use it to provide valuable information to potential buyers.
• Chat and Messaging: Chat and messaging features allow customers to communicate directly with business owners or agents, asking questions or clarifying details about a property. This feature benefits both parties by facilitating easy communication, improving customer satisfaction, and helping business owners build relationships with potential buyers.
• Agent Profile: Agent profiles provide customers with information about agents, including their experience, expertise, and contact information. This feature benefits both customers and business owners by allowing customers to find the right agent for their needs, while also helping business owners showcase their agents and build trust with potential buyers.
• Property Analytics: Property analytics provide insights into a property’s performance, including the number of views, inquiries, and offers it has received. This feature benefits business owners by helping them understand which properties are popular and which ones need improvement.
• Reviews and Ratings: Reviews and ratings allow customers to rate and review properties and agents, helping other potential buyers make informed decisions. This feature benefits both customers and business owners by providing valuable feedback and improving the quality of service.
• Mobile Optimization: Mobile optimization ensures that the application works seamlessly on mobile devices, allowing customers to access it on-the-go. This feature benefits both customers and business owners by providing a convenient way to access information and stay connected, regardless of location or device.

Apart from the aforementioned ones, other (necessary) features you’ll find in real estate applications are;

• Login page for Real estate agents and customers
• User (agents and customers) Profile Creation
• Custom Filters
• Simple to view and easy to understand Buy, Rent, and Sell modules
• Personalized recommendations
• Geo-location for local searches
• In-app messaging and call for easier communication
• Direct Link with various property listings
• Property Pictures and Vicinity Details
• In-app map integrations for convenient navigation
• In-app Property Cost & Mortgage Calculator
• In-app Currency Converter
• AI Chatbot

To learn more about the must-have features for any real estate app, read our 15 Must-Have Features for Your Next Real Estate App blog.

Tech-Stack Used In Creating An App Like Redfin and Zillow

Creating a real estate application like Redfin and Zillow involves using a comprehensive tech stack that includes various technologies to handle different aspects of the application. Below is a general overview of the typical tech stack used in building such apps:

Front-end Technologies:

• HTML/CSS: For creating the structure and styling of the user interface.
• JavaScript: To add interactivity and dynamic features to the front-end.
• React or Angular: Popular front-end frameworks for building dynamic and responsive user interfaces.
• Redux or VueX: State management libraries for handling application state.

Back-end Technologies:

• Server-side Programming Language: Common choices include Python, Ruby, Java, or Node.js.
• Web Framework: To handle routing, request processing, and data manipulation. Examples include Django (Python), Ruby on Rails, Spring (Java), or Express (Node.js).
• Database: To store property listings, user information, and other app data. Options include PostgreSQL, MySQL, or MongoDB (for NoSQL support).
• RESTful APIs: To communicate between the front-end and back-end, allowing data exchange.
• Authentication: Implementing secure user registration and login functionalities using libraries like OAuth or JWT.

Mobile App Development:

• React Native or Flutter: For building cross-platform mobile apps that work on both iOS and Android devices.

Data and Search:

• Web Scraping: To gather real estate data from various sources, if not provided by APIs.
• Elasticsearch or Solr: Powerful search engines to facilitate fast and accurate property searches.

Infrastructure and Deployment:

• Cloud Services: Such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud for hosting the application and managing server resources.
• Docker: Containerization technology for easy deployment and scaling.
• NGINX or Apache: Web servers to handle incoming requests and manage load balancing.

Additional Considerations:

• Maps and Geolocation: Integrating mapping services like Google Maps to display property locations and nearby amenities.
• Push Notifications: To keep users informed about new listings, price changes, or other updates.
• Analytics: Incorporating tools like Google Analytics to track user behavior and app performance.

Keep in mind that the actual tech stack used may vary depending on the development team’s expertise and specific project requirements. The mentioned technologies serve as common components in the development of real estate applications similar to Redfin and Zillow.

Real Estate Mobile App Features You Need To Stay Competitive In 2024

We’ve gone ahead and listed five avant-garde features that could help give you an edge over Zillow, helping you join the hall of fame of real estate mobile app leaders.

Virtual home tours

Focusing on maximum visualization for your property listings, such as adding 3D panoramic pictures and 3D home tours, is essential if you want to create a Zillow clone app. Check out our idea for a smartphone app for real estate 360-degree search. A 3D panoramic enables your users to view a property’s exterior before visiting it. The Zillow software generates 3D home tours based on panoramic images taken using a smartphone or 360-degree camera. Agents will concurrently submit a large number of property photographs, so keep that in mind while you design your own real estate app. Say there are 100 photos, each of which is 20 MB in size. You should make sure that when you upload photographs and videos, your app will function correctly.

In-app calculators

Allow consumers to access up-to-date estimates of mortgage rates and property costs. You can do this by including big data and machine learning-powered calculators into your app. Zestimate is a solid illustration of an accurate property calculator, with a nationwide median error rate for on-market properties of 1,9%. You can use Redfin’s mortgage calculator as a model when building one to your app. It shows the user’s monthly mortgage payments, which include the principal, interest, homeowner’s insurance, taxes, homeowner’s association (HOA) dues, and private mortgage insurance (PMI).

Real-time messaging

Your real estate app’s primary goal is to connect homeowners, homebuyers, and your agents in the most practical way possible. You can use one of the following tools, all of them, or a combination of them to speed up communication, depending on user preferences:

• Callback request
• In-app chat
• Book a consultation
• Send an email
• Voice and/or video calls

Augmented Reality

To establish a strong presence in the American real estate market, it is essential to come up with innovative ideas that set your brand apart from competitors like Zillow. One potential strategy is to incorporate augmented reality (AR) technology into your real estate software, enabling consumers to use qualified interior designers to create virtual homes. To achieve this goal, you may consider collaborating with a custom AR app development company to help you build a cutting-edge app with AR features similar to those found in the IKEA app. This approach can give your brand a unique edge in the marketplace, attracting more customers and boosting your overall success.

E-signing

You need a secure real estate app. Although we’ve already covered sign-up choices using email addresses, phone numbers, and social media accounts, we want to emphasize the significance of offering two-factor authentication. In order to reduce the risk of scams, you can also demand that consumers scan their ID. But with blockchain technology, you can double the level of protection for your app and provide users the option to securely e-sign contracts and send money online.

These are a few distinctive and cutting-edge AI features you can include in your real estate mobile application to make it stand out in the highly competitive real estate market.

Real Estate App Development Cost on the basis of Development Stages

The process of creating an app is difficult and cannot be rushed. An app must pass through a number of stages before it is deemed “complete” and prepared for release. Let’s look at the stages of app development and the associated costs.

• One of the crucial phases of application development is web development. This stage requires around 250–750 hours, and will increase the cost to build a real estate app anywhere between $5,000 and $15,000, to completion.
• Native development is the process of creating a real estate mobile application specifically for one platform. The app was created using programming languages that are currently only available on these platforms. It takes roughly 900 hours to complete, and the expense for this phase ranges from $18,000 to $27,000.
• User interface design, often known as UX/UI design, is a crucial stage in the creation of mobile apps. This phase aids in creating the application’s user interface. This level costs between $4000 and $6000 and requires roughly 200 hours of labor.
• Testing and quality assurance is the second-to-last stage, where the testing team evaluates the developed mobile app. It costs between $4000 to $10000 and requires about 400 hours.
• The last and most important step in the process of developing a mobile app is project management. In this stage, the internal server is used to administer and run the program. This generally influences the cost to build a real estate app between $5,000 and $7,500.

Judging from the steps above, and factoring in the associated costs, you can expect the total cost to come close to about $60,000 (or more).

Wrapping Up

To sum up, the cost to make a real estate app like Zillow or Redfin in 2024 depends on several factors such as the app’s features, platform, complexity, and development team’s experience. However, investing in a real estate app can yield significant benefits for both customers and business owners, such as improved property search and transaction efficiency, increased revenue, and enhanced customer engagement.

The real estate app development market is expected to continue growing in the coming years as more consumers turn to digital platforms to buy and sell property.

As the market evolves, it will be important for real estate app developers to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies to remain competitive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1.   What features should a real estate app like Zillow or Redfin include?

A real estate app like Zillow or Redfin should include the following features:

• Property Search: This feature should allow users to search for properties based on location, price, type of property, and other criteria. The search results should be accurate and up-to-date.
• Interactive Maps: Interactive maps should be available for users to view properties on a map, including satellite and street views. This helps users to visualize the properties and the surrounding areas.
• Property Details: The app should provide detailed information about each property, including photos, property description, price history, and other relevant information.
• Saved Searches: Users should be able to save their searches and receive notifications when new properties that match their search criteria become available.
• Mortgage Calculator: The app should have a mortgage calculator to help users estimate their monthly mortgage payments based on the property price, down payment, interest rate, and other factors.
• Agent Profiles: The app should have profiles of agents, including their experience, expertise, and contact information. This allows users to find the right agent to help them with their real estate needs.
• Virtual Tours: The app should offer virtual tours of properties, allowing users to take a 360-degree view of the property.
• Reviews and Ratings: The app should allow users to rate and review properties and agents, helping other users to make informed decisions.
• Alerts and Notifications: Users should receive alerts and notifications when new properties become available, or when there are changes to the properties they are interested in.
• Mobile Optimization: The app should be optimized for mobile devices, allowing users to access it from anywhere at any time.
• Property Analytics: The app should provide analytics on the performance of each property, including the number of views, inquiries, and offers received.
• In-App Messaging: The app should have an in-app messaging feature that allows users to communicate with agents, ask questions, and receive answers in real-time.
• Nearby Amenities: The app should provide information on nearby amenities such as schools, parks, and shopping centers, helping users to choose the right location for their needs.
• MLS Integration: The app should integrate with the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) database to provide accurate and up-to-date information on properties for sale.

2.   How much does it cost to develop a real estate app like Zillow or Redfin?

The cost to create a real estate app like Zillow or Redfin can vary depending on various factors such as the complexity of the app, the features and functionalities included, the platform on which the app will be developed, the location and hourly rate of the development team, and other development-related costs.

According to industry estimates, the cost of developing a real estate app can range from $50,000 to $300,000 or more. However, it’s important to note that this is a rough estimate and the actual cost can vary widely depending on the specific requirements of the app.

If you want to develop a real estate app like Zillow or Redfin, it’s important to work with an experienced development team who can provide you with an accurate estimate based on your specific requirements. They can work with you to understand your goals and budget and provide you with a custom quote based on the scope of the project.

3.   What is the average development time for a real estate app?

The development time for a real estate app can vary widely depending on several factors such as the complexity of the app, the features and functionalities included, the platform on which the app will be developed, and the size of the development team.

Typically, it can take anywhere from 4 to 12 months to develop a real estate app. However, this is just a rough estimate and the actual development time can vary depending on the specific requirements of the app.

The development process for a real estate app typically involves several stages such as planning, design, development, testing, and deployment. Each stage requires different levels of effort and time, and delays in any stage can impact the overall development time.

To ensure that your real estate app is developed within a reasonable time frame, it’s important to work with an experienced development team who can provide you with a realistic timeline based on your specific requirements. They can work with you to understand your goals and provide you with a custom development plan that outlines the time frame for each stage of the project.

4.   How can I find the right development team to build my real estate app?

Finding the right development team is crucial to the success of your real estate app. Here are some steps you can take to find the right development team for your project:

• Define your project requirements: Start by defining your project requirements, including the features and functionalities you want to include in your app, the platform on which the app will be developed, and your budget.
• Look for experienced developers: Look for development teams with experience in developing real estate apps. You can search for development companies online or ask for referrals from friends, colleagues, or other business owners.
• Review portfolios and client testimonials: Check the development team’s portfolio and client testimonials to get a sense of their experience, expertise, and quality of work. This can help you assess whether they have the skills and experience necessary to develop your real estate app.
• Ask for references: Ask the development team for references from previous clients. This can help you get a better understanding of the development team’s communication skills, project management skills, and overall reliability.
• Assess communication skills: Communication is crucial to the success of any development project. Ensure that the development team you choose has good communication skills and is responsive to your queries and concerns.
• Consider cost: While cost shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision, it’s important to consider the cost of the development team’s services and ensure that it fits within your budget.
• Interview the development team: Schedule a meeting with the development team to discuss your project requirements and assess whether they are a good fit for your project. This can also help you get a better understanding of their development process and project management approach.

By following these steps, you can find the right development team to build your real estate app and ensure that it meets your specific requirements and objectives.

5.   What are the ongoing maintenance costs for a real estate app?

The ongoing maintenance costs for a real estate app can vary depending on several factors such as the complexity of the app, the number of users, the frequency of updates, and the platform on which the app is developed. Some of the ongoing maintenance costs that you can expect to incur for a real estate app include:

• Hosting and server costs: This includes the cost of hosting the app on a server and ensuring that it runs smoothly.
• App updates and bug fixes: Regular app updates and bug fixes are necessary to ensure that the app runs smoothly and stays up-to-date with the latest technologies.
• Security updates: Security updates are crucial to protect the app from cyber threats and keep user data safe.
• Customer support: Providing customer support to users can help ensure that they have a positive experience with the app and are more likely to use it again in the future.
• Analytics and reporting: Collecting and analyzing user data can help you identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions to improve the app.

The exact cost of ongoing maintenance for a real estate app can vary depending on the specific requirements of your app. However, it’s important to factor in ongoing maintenance costs when budgeting for your real estate app to ensure that you can sustain it in the long run. Typically, ongoing maintenance costs can range from 10% to 20% of the initial development cost per year.

6.   Are there any legal or regulatory requirements that need to be considered when building a real estate app?

Yes, there are several legal and regulatory requirements that need to be considered when building a real estate app. Here are some of the key requirements:

• Data privacy and security: Real estate apps collect and store sensitive user data such as names, contact information, and property details. It’s important to ensure that the app complies with data privacy laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). This includes implementing appropriate data security measures such as encryption and secure data storage.
• Fair housing laws: Real estate apps must comply with fair housing laws that prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability. The app must ensure that all listings and advertising comply with fair housing laws and do not discriminate against any protected class.
• Property listing laws: Real estate apps must comply with property listing laws that vary by state and country. This includes ensuring that all property listings are accurate and up-to-date and that the app complies with any disclosure requirements such as lead-based paint disclosure.
• Intellectual property laws: Real estate apps must ensure that they do not infringe on any intellectual property rights such as trademarks or copyrights. This includes ensuring that any images, logos, or other intellectual property used in the app are properly licensed.
• Contract law: Real estate apps must comply with contract law when facilitating real estate transactions. This includes ensuring that all contracts and agreements are legally binding and comply with applicable laws and regulations.

It’s important to work with a legal expert who is familiar with real estate laws and regulations to ensure that your app complies with all legal and regulatory requirements. They can help you navigate the complex legal landscape and ensure that your app is legally compliant.

7.   What are the monetization options for a real estate app?

There are several monetization options for a real estate app, depending on the app’s features, user base, and business objectives. Here are some of the most common monetization options:

• Advertising: Real estate apps can generate revenue by displaying ads from real estate agents, brokers, or other advertisers. This is a popular monetization option for apps with a large user base and high engagement.
• Subscription-based model: Real estate apps can offer premium features and content through a subscription-based model. Users can pay a monthly or annual fee to access these features, which can include access to exclusive property listings, advanced search options, or other value-added services.
• Transaction fees: Real estate apps can charge a transaction fee for real estate transactions facilitated through the app. This is a popular monetization option for apps that offer a platform for buyers and sellers to connect and complete real estate transactions.
• Lead generation: Real estate apps can generate leads for real estate agents and brokers and charge them for each lead generated through the app. This is a popular monetization option for apps that have a large user base of potential buyers and sellers.
• Affiliate marketing: Real estate apps can earn commissions through affiliate marketing by promoting other real estate-related products and services to their users.

It’s important to choose a monetization strategy that aligns with your business objectives and provides value to your users. You can also consider a combination of monetization strategies to maximize revenue and offer a variety of options to your users.