The real estate app development market is experiencing significant growth, with the global real estate software valued at $12.2 billion in 2024 and expected to reach $28.2 billion by 2033. The CAGR is also exciting with an annual growth of 9.27%. One of the major reasons for this increasing demand can be the increasing demand for digital solutions in the real estate sector, particularly in tech-forward cities like Los Angeles. In Los Angeles, the real estate landscape has always been phenomenal and highly competitive. The core nature of the industry makes it important to leverage technology to stay ahead. Mobile applications have become an asset for realtors or agencies that want to grow their business. With the use of an app, you can offer as many features as you want to your target audiences. The features must elevate users’ experience, streamline property searches, and promote better decision-making. With the help of an experienced mobile app development company, you can include all these features and create an app that stands out in the market. This blog explores the potent features and provides insights into the development cost estimates. Key Features of a Real Estate App Development 1. User Onboarding (Signup/Login) The most fundamental function of a real estate software is user onboarding, which needs to be as easy as possible. This can be accomplished in three ways: Social media authorization Authorization via email Phone verification Real estate app developers can select any of the above methods to permit users to sign up or log in. The prime goal here should be to make the task as easy as possible. One can combine all three options. Blending all these factors can offer convenience and flexibility to users and make the sign-up process even simpler. 2. User Profiles To engage in various activities within the app, users must be able to create their own profiles. Various user groups must have distinct profiles. The options shown for the buyer’s profile, for instance, will differ significantly from those for the agent’s profile. The home listings will be accessible to the buyer, who may also save favorites, view individual homes in detail, submit an inquiry, and more. (These aspects will be discussed later.) On the other hand, an agent would have access to their own listings, timetables, a list of potential buyers, the number of views on each listing, possibilities for advertisements, and more. Additionally, there may be some shared factors. All users can access the functions, including messaging and mapping. 3. Advanced Property Search & Filters The development of technology has increased dramatically in the modern era. Providing customers with sophisticated property search and filter options is crucial in this situation. Renters and homebuyers can use this option to focus their search by property type, price range, location, number of bedrooms, and other features. For a smooth user experience, search filters must be included in real estate application development. Additionally, parameters like school districts, travel times, and neighboring amenities improve the utility and accuracy of searches. In addition to increasing user satisfaction, helping customers find properties that fit their needs also boosts app engagement. 4. Interactive Maps Interactive maps play an important role in assisting users in visualizing property locations. Maps allow users to explore neighborhoods, schools, amenities, and transport options directly. Additionally, clickable markers are detailed map layers that enhance engagement and make browsing intuitive. By integrating interactive maps, apps guide buyers and renters effectively, promoting a more engaging experience. 5. Location-Based Search Location-based search is a prime feature in real estate app development. With the help of this feature, users can find properties near their preferred areas. By leveraging GPS and geolocation technology, the app can show listings, amenities, or school districts. Moreover, location filters make finding property easier and more precise. This thorough functionality enhances users’ satisfaction and retention. 6. High-Resolution Images & Virtual Tours Visual tour is gaining popularity among realtors and homebuyers due to its ability to showcase properties. When you decide to create an app, make sure to include HD images and thorough virtual tours that’ll allow you to explore immersive experiences. Such useful features assist in increasing engagement levels and building trust among potential buyers or renters. Apps that provide visualization not only enhance user experience but also makes it easier to convert browsing into actual property inquiries. 7. Mortgage & Affordability Calculators One of the most potent key features in real estate app development services is the inclusion of mortgage and affordability calculators, which empower users to make an informed decision. These calculators also allow potential buyers to estimate monthly payments, interest rates, and loan terms. Nowadays, people have become so advanced that they wish to know every single detail about a property they are going to invest in, and it seems reasonable as well. Additionally, people need to be aware of factors such as taxes, insurance, and other recurring costs to offer an in-depth affordability view. With the integration of functionality, apps provide transparency and help create trust, and help them plan their budget accordingly. For app developers aiming to develop an app like Zillow, do not forget to include powerful financial tools and ensure that the app meets modern user expectations. Read Also: Build a Real Estate App Like Zillow 8. Push Notifications & Real-Time Alerts In real estate app development, push notifications and real-time alerts are necessary for keeping users active and informed. These alerts notify users about new property listings, open houses, or appointment confirmations. Moreover, customized notifications based on user behavior, search history, and saved favorites, or preferred locations can make the user feel valued and enhance the overall experience. Real-time alerts can also include market trends, neighborhood updates, a mortgage rate calculator, or user retention, but also strengthen communication between agents and clients. With well-designed strategies, the app can later increase engagement rates, faster decision-making, and drive higher conversion rates. Real Estate App Development Cost The complexity of the functionality, the design of the user interface, the technological stack selected,

People no longer rely on newspaper listings to find a property. Today, over 97% of homebuyers use the internet to find their perfect home. Consumers who are actively looking for a home communicate with brokers using a real estate app. A real estate mobile app is designed and built to overcome the communication gap between real estate agents and house buyers. These smart apps offer several services to both users and real estate professionals. If you want to build a real estate app, you need to consider two key factors: real estate app development cost and features. Factors that Influence Real Estate App Development Cost The following factors affect the overall cost of an app development: 1. Types of Real Estate App The type of real estate app you choose to develop has a big impact on its cost. There are many different types of real estate apps, such as; Realtor apps, Household/property management apps, Property listing app, Property inspection app, Renting apps, Mortgage calculator app. All these apps have distinct features, thus different development costs. 2. App Features Complexity Level Real estate app features and cost are closely interrelated- features are a paramount cost-deciding factor. A basic app with simple yet important features such as listing details, property search, and a contact us form may cost you between $30,000 to $80,000. However, if you plan to develop an app with modern and advanced AI features like property tours, augmented reality visualization, secure payment gateway can easily cost you up to $150,000 (or higher). 3. Platform Choice Your real estate app development cost depends on your platform choice. There are three platforms you can opt for iOS, Android, or the web app. Since all these platforms have distinct coding requirements, it can be difficult to make an app coded for a single platform work on another. Each of these platforms has its cost limitations, for instance- iOS app development can cost you anywhere between $5000- $250,000 (or more) Android app development cost can start from $5,000 (basic app) and go up to $200,000 (or more). A web app cost can range between $10,000 to $250,000 (or more). 4. Design and user interface Next is the design choice and user interface. Your business mobile app should be easily accessible to target audiences. With this the design should be designed creatively along every necessary feature. You must keep in mind that the more features you’ll add such as splash screens or animations, your app cost woud increase. 5. Third-party integrations Some real estate mobile app features are easier to integrate via a third-party rather than coding. Although several third-party agencies require a recurring payment to utilize, especially after your app crosses a certain number of app users. Read Also: Build a Real Estate App Like Zillow in 2025 Benefits of Real Estate App for Startups and Realtors A real estate app offers numerous benefits for realtors, buyers and sellers alike. The app helps narrow the communication gap, which speeds up transactions and improves user experience. In addition, in today’s highly competitive real estate market, having an app gives your business an identity. It also helps establish your brand as a realtor, increase online visibility, and streamline the process. Partnering up with a real estate app development company like CodKnox ensures that your app is built with advanced tools and development strategies. We can help you with the development and design process. We have a team of professionals that can design a feature-rich and user-friendly app like Zillow within months. Following we have mentioned benefits of a real estate app for all three- buyers, sellers, and realtors. Let’s have a look: Benefits of an On-Demand Real Estate App 1. Direct customer interaction Developing a real estate app establishes a direct communication channel for property buyers and real estate agencies. Many buyers do not want the hectic of going out to places and meeting a realtor, they prefer online conversations and a meeting schedule. However, with the help of a real estate app, interested homebuyers can chat or book a meeting as per their requirement. 2. Widens Your Market Reach Over 7 billion people use a smartphone globally, widening the scope of the potential market. Research studies show that nearly 1 in 5 people search on mobile before exploring properties physically. That’s why it has become crucial for dealers or agents to invest in real estate and display their properties online. 3. Simplify Property Search A real estate mobile app makes it easy to find the correct property. These applications provide a diverse selection of property listings from various cities and local locations. Whether you want to rent or buy a house, you can easily search for properties that meet your precise criteria, such as price, location, size, and amenities. With a few clicks, you can compare listings, see property photographs, and contact agents directly. It’s a clever and quick method to streamline your home search. 4. Skyrocket your sales A real estate app elevates your overall sales as more people can reach you for their home-buying needs. The app offers enough information for the buyers and sellers, this information assists them in making a quicker purchase. Furthermore, it saves their time as they can view property images on their mobile phones. If buyers are happy with the images, they initiate the process by contacting the agency. Many real estate businesses also consider the real estate app development cost as a worthwhile investment due to the long-term benefits in lead generation and customer engagement. Wrapping Up Real estate app development is a strategic investment that drives growth, sales and gives you an edge over the competition. Developing a real estate app includes different steps from research, to planning, budgeting and execution. The real app development cost can range from $5,000 (basic app) to $250,000 or more (advanced app). Several factors differentiate between basic app and advanced app like its features, technology stack, complexity, more. Understanding the factors creates a difference in how you

The real estate industry has witnessed a technological revolution with the rise of digital platforms like Redfin, Zillow, and Realtor.com. These apps have simplified property searches, transactions, and communication between buyers, sellers, and agents. If you are considering developing a real estate app like Redfin, this comprehensive guide will explore essential features, the development process, estimated real estate app development cost, and key factors to consider when choosing a real estate app development company in Los Angeles, USA. Real Estate Technology Sector The real estate technology sector, known as PropTech, has experienced substantial growth in recent years. Here are some updated statistics highlighting the increasing adoption of real estate mobile applications: Global PropTech Market Size: The PropTech market was valued at approximately $33.57 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from $36.55 billion in 2024 to $89.93 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.9% during the forecast period. (Source) Redfin’s Market Impact: In the third quarter of 2024, Redfin reported revenue of $278.0 million, marking a 3% increase compared to the same period in 2023. (Source) Essential Features of a Real Estate App Like Redfin 1. User Authentication and Profile Management A real estate app must offer secure user authentication through email, phone number, or third-party platforms like Google and Facebook. Users should be able to create profiles based on their role—buyer, seller, or real estate agent—and personalize their preferences. 2. Comprehensive Property Listings The core functionality of any real estate app is its property listings. The app must include: High-resolution property images. Detailed descriptions including square footage, amenities, and pricing. Advanced search filters for property type, location, price range, and more. 3. Interactive Map Integration Geolocation services enhance the user experience by allowing buyers to view properties on a map. Integration with Google Maps or Apple Maps provides real-time location insights, including nearby amenities like schools, hospitals, and public transportation. 4. AI-Powered Property Recommendations Machine learning algorithms analyze user behavior and preferences to provide personalized property recommendations. AI-based predictive analytics also help in forecasting market trends and property value fluctuations. 5. Virtual Property Tours and Augmented Reality Virtual and augmented reality features enable buyers to explore properties remotely. According to a 2023 study by Realtor.com, 61% of homebuyers prefer virtual tours before visiting a property in person. 6. In-App Messaging and Appointment Scheduling Facilitating direct communication between buyers, sellers, and agents improves efficiency. Scheduling tools allow users to book appointments for property viewings within the app, reducing dependency on phone calls and emails. 7. Mortgage Calculator and Financing Tools An integrated mortgage calculator helps users estimate monthly payments based on loan terms, interest rates, and down payments. Some apps also connect users with lenders for pre-approval. 8. Push Notifications and Alerts Personalized push notifications keep users updated about new listings, price drops, and scheduled property visits. AI-driven alerts provide real-time market insights to keep buyers informed. Steps to Develop a Real Estate App Like Redfin Step 1: Market Research and Competitor Analysis Conduct thorough market research to identify current trends and gaps in existing real estate apps. Analyze competitors like Redfin, Zillow, and Realtor.com to develop a unique value proposition. Step 2: Define the App’s Scope and Features Decide whether to build a web-based, mobile, or hybrid app. Determine the key features required for the initial launch and plan for future updates based on user feedback. Step 3: Choose the Right Technology Stack Front-end Development: React Native, Flutter, Swift (iOS), Kotlin (Android) Back-end Development: Node.js, Python, Ruby on Rails Database: PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Firebase API Integration: Google Maps, Payment Gateways, AI-based search algorithms Step 4: Design an Intuitive UI/UX A well-designed user interface enhances engagement and usability. Ensure seamless navigation, attractive layouts, and a mobile-first approach for optimal performance. Step 5: Develop and Test the App Development involves coding the front-end and back-end functionalities. Rigorous testing, including functional, performance, security, and usability testing, ensures the app operates smoothly. Step 6: Launch and Marketing Strategy Deploy the app on iOS and Android platforms. Promote it through SEO, social media marketing, paid ads, and strategic partnerships to attract users. Step 7: Continuous Updates and Maintenance Regular updates with new features, bug fixes, and security patches keep the app competitive and enhance the user experience. Read Also: Build a Real Estate App Like Zillow in 2025 Real Estate App Development Cost Estimation Choosing the Best Real Estate App Development Company in Los Angeles, USA Selecting experienced real estate app development services is crucial for building a high-quality product. Consider these factors: 1. Proven Track Record When selecting a real estate app development company, it is essential to evaluate its portfolio and past projects. A company with a strong history in real estate tech will have experience developing apps with features like AI-driven property recommendations, interactive maps, and virtual property tours. Checking case studies, client testimonials, and online reviews will help gauge their expertise and reliability. 2. Technical Expertise Real estate apps require advanced technologies such as AI (Artificial Intelligence) for property recommendations, AR (Augmented Reality) for virtual tours, and data-driven solutions for market insights. The development company should have experience in these areas and be proficient in frameworks like React Native, Flutter, Node.js, and cloud-based databases to build a scalable and high-performance app. 3. Post-Launch Support App development does not end at launch. Regular updates, security patches, bug fixes, and feature enhancements are necessary to keep the app competitive. Reliable real estate app development services should provide ongoing support and maintenance, ensuring that the app remains functional and up to date with the latest industry trends. Final Thoughts Building a real estate app like Redfin requires strategic planning, cutting-edge technology, and an expert development team. The increasing adoption of mobile real estate platforms highlights the immense potential in this sector. If you’re looking for expert real estate app development services, Codknox is here to help. As a trusted real estate app development company in Los Angeles, USA, Codknox specializes in creating innovative, high-performance applications tailored to the evolving needs of