Dubai consistently attracts global investors, buyers, and renters. The city’s high-quality lifestyle, world-class amenities, and business opportunities unfailingly keep grabbing the attention of high-net-worth professionals, families, and international investors alike.
A recent tweet by NAR Global explains Dubai’s real estate market is growing tremendously. Real estate developers are building “palaces in the sky” in Dubai. January 2025 started strong with 14,236 property sales transactions. Ultimately, all of this demands efficient and user-friendly property listing and management platforms for customer feasibility in the real estate industry.
This trend highlights a golden opportunity. Creating an app like Bayut is one of the best real estate business ideas. If you’re still considering developing a real estate app, now is the perfect time to jump in.
However, to embrace the future of real estate tech, it is crucial to determine the price tags associated with this PropTech investment. From real estate app development and design to advanced features and third-party integrations, many factors influence app development costs in Dubai.
With reference to a property listing app like Bayut, let’s break down the total cost involved in building a real estate app in Dubai.
Understanding the Bayut Real Estate App Model
Let’s use Bayut as a reference to better understand cost factors. Bayut is the most successful real estate mobile app in Dubai and has the most extensive data on commercial and residential properties in the UAE. Before estimating Dubai’s mobile app development cost, understand Bayut, its features, and the reasons behind its success.
What is Bayut? Why Is It Successful in Dubai?
Bayut is a popular property search platform based in the UAE. People like using Bayut because it provides a seamless user experience to property seekers, sellers, and real estate agents. Bayut launched in 2008 and became a trusted brand in the UAE’s property search market, having an innovative approach to property listing.
Later, it became Dubai’s go-to platform for real estate transactions and listings. Bayut offers advanced features, such as AI-powered recommendations and virtual property tours, that make it more extraordinary than its competitors.
Check the Bayut’s number of downloads and app rating on top App Stores:
| App Store | Downloads | Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| Bayut on Google Play | 1M+ | 4.9/5 |
| Bayut on Apple App Store | 500K+ | 4.8/5 |
| Bayut on Huawei AppGallery | 740K | 4.5/5 |
Key Reasons for Bayut’s Market Leadership:
Core Features of Bayut – UAE Property Search App
Explore Bayut’s features to understand the necessary features for the property listing app. The number of features and complexity also matter when calculating real estate app development costs in Dubai.
User Panel Features
Owner/Agent Panel Features
Admin Panel Features
Breaking Down the Cost of Developing a Dubai Real Estate App Like Bayut
Creating a real estate app similar to Bayut can have multiple costing factors. From app complexity to feature integrations, it’s essential to have a clear idea of what it takes to develop an app for the real estate market in Dubai. Let’s break down the estimated cost of building a property listing app in Dubai!!
1. Complexity-Based Cost Estimation: AED 150,000 – AED 1,100,000+
2. Feature-Based Cost Estimation: AED 200,000 – AED 550,000+
3. Cost Estimation of App Development Phases: AED 280,000 – AED 630,000+
4. Approximate Hidden Costs & Common Budget Overruns: AED 100,000 – AED 280,000
1. Complexity-Based Cost Estimation: How Much Does a Real Estate App Cost?
App complexity is the most significant factor when developing a real estate app. The more you want to integrate advanced features and APIs, the more you must pay for the app development. Similar to evaluating property management software cost, understanding complexity helps businesses forecast budgets more accurately.
Check the table below for an approximate real estate app development cost estimation.
| App Complexity | Estimated Cost Range (AED) | Features Included |
|---|---|---|
| Basic App | AED 150,000 – AED 350,000+ | Essential features such as property search, property listings, and contact form. |
| Moderate App | AED 350,000 – AED 750,000+ | Includes functionalities like AI-based search, property management, virtual tours, and payment integrations. |
| High Complexity App | AED 750,000 – AED 1,100,000+ | Complex and advanced features such as AI chatbots, 3D/AR tours, CRM & third-party APIs. |
| Total Estimated Cost | AED 150,000 – AED 1,100,000+ | Based on Scope & Complexity |
2. Feature-Based Cost Estimation: How Much Each Component Costs?
The type of features changes, and the cost of developing a real estate app will also change. Here, we have listed the estimated cost of some standard real estate app features like Bayut for better understanding. As a startup, you will get an idea of essential feature integration within your budget while keeping future expansion in mind. Have a look:
| Type of Features | Estimated Cost Range (AED) |
|---|---|
| Smart Property Search | AED 50,000 – AED 150,000 |
| Virtual Property Tours (360°/AR) | AED 80,000 – AED 200,000 |
| Mortgage Calculator & Financing | AED 25,000 – AED 60,000 |
| AI-Powered Chatbot | AED 40,000 – AED 100,000 |
| Admin Dashboard & CRM | AED 50,000 – AED 120,000 |
| Monetization Features (Ads, Premium Listings) | AED 30,000 – AED 80,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | AED 200,000 – AED 550,000+ |
3. Cost Breakdown of App Development Phases
The app development process comprises several key stages that need resources per the phase requirements. The app development cost varies per the timeline, complexity, and team size. Let’s check:
| Major App Development Stages | Estimated Cost Range (AED) | Task To Be Done |
|---|---|---|
| Discovery and Design | AED 50,000 – AED 100,000 | |
| App Development | AED 150,000 – AED 300,000+ | |
| Testing & Launch | AED 50,000 – AED 150,000 | |
| Post-Launch Support | AED 20,000 – AED 75,000/year | |
| Total Estimated Cost | AED 280,000 – AED 630,000+ | Based on Development Timeline & Team Size |
4. Hidden Development Costs & Common Budget Overruns
While developing a Dubai real estate app, you may face many hidden expenses that can affect your estimated app development cost. Know your hidden charges before finalizing your budget:
| Hidden Aspects | Estimated Cost Range (AED) |
| Third-Party Services & API Licenses | AED 15,000 – AED 60,000/year |
| Cloud Hosting & Database Costs | AED 500 – AED 4,000/month |
| Security Compliance & Legal Fees | AED 10,000 – AED 30,000 |
| Marketing & Customer Acquisition | AED 50,000 – AED 150,000 |
| App Maintenance & Bug Fixes | AED 20,000 – AED 60,000/year |
| Other (Integrations, Ongoing Updates) | AED 20,000 – AED 50,000/year |
| Total Estimated Cost | AED 100,000 – AED 280,000 |
Now, you may have a proper idea of all the possible costs involved in real estate mobile app development for Dubai. Considering all the above factors, you can set your budget for app development. Let’s move on to key cost drivers to develop an app like Bayut.
Key Cost Drivers in Developing a Bayut-Like Real Estate App in UAE
Here, you will get an idea of what exactly affects the real estate app development cost. Let’s understand the importance of each aspect to get better clarity on the cost of creating an app similar to Bayut in Dubai.
1. App Complexity
More complex features lead to high development costs. That means it will cost you less if you are developing a real estate app with only basic features such as property search and listing. On the other hand, high-tech feature integrations like AI-driven recommendations, AR/VR tours, and automation will incur higher app development expenses.
2. Platform Choice
Doesn’t matter if you are choosing an iOS, Android, or hybrid platform; all three ways can affect the cost of developing a property app like Bayut. If you opt for an individual native app for each platform, it will cost you a lot as you have to build an app separately for iOS and Android. This needs more time and maintenance for the two versions. However, cross-platform or hybrid app development needs a single codebase, unlike iOS and Android app development.
May You Want to Explore More On: Native App vs Hybrid App Development
3. Tech Stack Selection
The choice of technology for apps similar to Bayut impacts the overall cost of app development. Reliable and scalable technology may cost you more, but it saves you from maintenance costs and gives you better performance. Also, your app developer’s experience with the technology you select affects the development speed and cost.
Here is the list of commonly used tech stacks for real estate app development and their cost impact. Let’s explore:
| Technology | Examples | Cost Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Database | PostgreSQL | Less Expensive |
| Firebase | Higher Scalability Costs | |
| Third-party APIs | Google Maps | Costlier for High Usage |
| Payment Gateway | Transaction Fees | |
| Cloud | AWS | Scalable but Costly |
| Azure | Similar Pricing, More Enterprise-focused | |
| Security Protocols | SSL Encryption | Mandatory Security Costs |
| GDPR Compliance | Increased Security Costs |
4. UAE vs. Offshore Development
Hiring a local development team in Dubai may ensure compliance with UAE regulations but costs you around AED 220 to 550 an hourly rate. Instead, hiring dedicated developers from offshore development services providers like Excellent Webworld may cost you less than local teams. Moreover, they ensure your real estate app meets all the necessary UAE standards, delivering both quality and compliance.
5. Regulatory Compliance in the UAE
Dubai’s Land Department (DLD) and GDPR laws impose strict requirements for data privacy and security for real estate app development. Developing within these standards could require additional legal charges and licensing fees. Following cybersecurity laws for data privacy and security will also cost you a higher development fee.
Now, you may understand why and how real estate app development factors affect the overall cost. Let’s explore the top tips that can help you reduce the expense of building an app like Bayut in Dubai.
Tips for Minimizing Costs While Replicating Bayut’s Functionality
If you plan strategically, then you can easily save on real estate portal development cost in Dubai. Focusing on core features like property search and listings and postponing complex features such as AI and VR reduces the upfront costs. Like these, we have mentioned key tips to reduce real estate app development costs. Have a look:
Building the Next Bayut: ROI and Market Potential
The demand for digital services such as property listings, rentals, and transactions is high in the real estate sector of Dubai. With the right monetization models and significant ROI by focusing on high-demand services, businesses can set steady revenue streams in real estate apps.
Monetization Models for Your Real Estate App
Let’s have a quick look at monetization models for your app, tapping into the growing future of real estate services:
| Monetization Models | How to Charge |
|---|---|
| Document Authentication and Certification Services | Charge transaction fees for document verification services like ownership or lease agreements. |
| Integrated Payment Solutions | Provide in-app payment solutions for property-related fees and generate revenue. |
| Targeted In-App Advertising | Offer in-app advertising for relevant services like interior design or charge from sponsored banner ads. |
| Collaborations with Financial Institutions | Partner with banks or lenders to serve mortgage & loan products and earn affiliate commissions. |
| In-App Property Auctions and Bidding | Create an auction-based model and charge listing fees for the seller or earn commission on successful bids. |
| Subscription-Based Access | Provide premium subscription plans with advanced features and priority support to agents & developers. |
| Exclusive Access to VIP Listings | Offer VIP membership to high-paying users for exclusive access to high-demand listings. |
| Custom Property Research & Investor Insights | Generate revenue with pay-per-report or subscription access by providing custom market reports & investor insights. |
| On-Demand Real Estate Services Booking | Earn commission on bookings of services like property tours or inspections from your app. |
Track Profitability and Return on Investment (ROI)
Develop a Bayut-Like Real Estate App with Excellent Webworld
Want to mirror Bayut’s success with your real estate app development? Then you need a partner like Excellent Webworld who deeply understands the industry and has experience building a property listing app like Bayut or Dubai Rest.
Collaborating with EWW professionals delivers user needs with a unique set of features that set you apart in a competitive marketplace. This is where Excellent Webworld comes in as your ideal app development partner.
As a leading real estate app development company in Dubai, working with Excellent Webworld will free you from the workload of design, development, testing, and maintenance. Our agile development approach ensures your business idea stands out as a leading brand by providing a high-performing, secure, and reliable app.
Let EWW help you build something extraordinary for the real estate market! Contact us today to discuss your priority project.
FAQs: Answers to Common Cloud Computing Concerns
App complexity, features, tech stack, API integrations, and market-specific needs are the key factors influencing the cost of developing a property app.
The time it takes to develop a real estate app varies depending on its complexity. Typically, an essential app takes 3 to 6 months to build, while complex feature integrations may take 9 to 12 months for final development.
Key features of real estate apps include multi-language support (English and Arabic), integrated payment solutions, property listings, property search, GPS and location-based services, real-time property updates, virtual tours, and UAE-specific legal document management.
Ensure you develop unique features like AI-driven property recommendations, a 24/7 chat system, exclusive listings, or a more refined user interface in your real estate app. Work on overall app experience and try to fill gaps in the market.
When you plan your app development, plan for regular updates, security patches, and feature enhancements to keep the app relevant to the market. Develop a scalable infrastructure that can scale as the number of users increases. Allow new features integrations over time. You can connect with experts like Excellent Webworld. We offer long-term support and scalable solutions for your app’s future growth.
Article By
Mahil Jasani began his career as a developer and progressed to become the COO of Excellent Webworld. He uses his technical experience to tackle any challenge that arises in any department, be it development, management, operations, or finance.
