How To Create a Real Estate App Like Bayut

If you are a property investor, real estate agent, or just someone who has moved to the UAE recently and wants to buy, sell, or rent a property, chances are that you’ve stumbled upon apps such as Bayut.

Bayut is one of the most utilized property apps in the UAE. It’s also very much trusted in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. People use it daily to find apartments, villas, and commercial properties.

But here’s what’s important — the UAE real estate market is not slowing down. It continues to grow. 

This means there’s still space for new apps to enter the market and do well. In fact, some can even perform better than the current leaders if built properly.

Here’s something interesting: More than 75 out of 100 people who are looking to buy a house in the UAE use their mobile phones to do it. 

That shows how much people depend on these apps. And many of them are open to trying something new — if it works well.

You might be thinking: “Building an app like Bayut must be too expensive or complicated.” But the truth is, it’s more possible than most people think. 

With a smart tech team like TekRevol (or a similar UAE-based development partner), you can build an app that fits your budget and still competes in the market.

If you’re thinking about building your real estate app in 2025, this guide is here to help. It will show you what’s needed, how much it may cost, and how to create something that users in the UAE will actually want to use.

Market Insights and App Usage in UAE

The UAE real estate market is booming and is expected to touch $0.69 trillion by 2025. 

To keep up, the way people buy and rent is changing! Mobile real estate apps are the new go-to, and are likely to bring in $221.5 million by 2027. These apps are making finding a home easier and faster for everyone.

Think about it: (9 out of 10) people in Dubai hunting for a place to live use apps! 

They want to see homes through virtual tours (like they’re really there), chat instantly with agents (no more waiting!), and get suggestions based on what they really need (no more endless scrolling!).

Millennials and tech-lovers are all about these apps. The government is also helping out with things like “Smart Dubai,” which aims to make everything digital.

Real estate agents are loving this too! Apps let them connect with folks better. Plus, there are chances to make money with special listings and ads inside the apps. 

Big players like Bayut and Dubizzle are leading the way, along with the official apps from builders like Emaar. 

In short, phones are the future of real estate in the UAE!

How People Use Real Estate Apps in UAE 

Almost everyone (90%) in Dubai uses apps to find their next home – either to buy or rent. So, these apps are super important!

What are folks looking for? Imagine being able to “walk through” a house without leaving your couch with virtual tours!

And instead of waiting for a call back, you can chat with an agent right now using instant chat.

Apps help you find exactly what you need, sorting by location, price, and what’s important to you. 

You can even schedule a visit to the property straight from the app, saving loads of time. Because life is fast in the UAE, and these apps make finding a home easier than ever!

PS: Developing a real estate app like Zillow? Get the full roadmap in our step-by-step guide to building a real estate app in 2025.

Types of Real Estate Apps in UAE 

When developing a real estate app in the UAE, you have multiple types of apps you can create, each serving a different user requirement. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Property Listing Apps

Such apps, such as Bayut or Dubizzle, enable users to explore a vast array of properties for rent or sale. Users can select properties according to their needs, i.e., price, location, and amenities. 

With extensive listings, high-quality pictures, and property reals (this is a new trend but making huge waves), these apps make it easier for buyers and renters to find properties.

Rental & Short-Term Stay Apps

Apps in this type of category are oriented towards short-term rental real estate, just like Airbnb. The platforms are for tourists, expatriates, and temporary residents requiring furnished properties for a brief period. 

Having easy-to-read booking choices, live availability, and client feedback are fundamental functionalities for such apps.

Commercial Property Apps

For businesses that need to locate office buildings, retail shops, or storage facilities, there needs to be a commercial property app. 

Apps like these have business type filtering and property criteria filtering and feature extra functionalities such as lease deal-making or measurements of office square footage to aid businesses in the search for functioning space.

Agent/Broker Apps

These applications are created for real estate brokers or agents. They enable agents to handle their listings, interact with clients, and monitor leads more effectively. 

Agent applications typically include features for property presentations, client management, and performance analysis, making the business aspect of real estate transactions more efficient.

These applications keep agents organized and make them more productive.

Table: Types of Real Estate Apps in UAE

Why Build a Real Estate App Like Bayut?

Property apps such as Bayut and Zillow have significantly revolutionized how individuals engage with the UAE property market. The apps streamline the property search experience by directly connecting buyers and sellers, providing users with a smooth, secure, and intuitive process.

Since the real estate business of UAE remains on an increasing boom track in its very progressive cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, much can be made for business operators in terms of constructing comparable applications tailored to fulfilling real estate-buyer, -seller, or -rental seekers’ desires alike.

For Businesses

By developing a real estate app, companies can facilitate buyers and sellers to meet directly, eliminating brokers and lowering transaction costs. 

Real estate apps also provide several opportunities for monetization, including advertising, paid premium property listings, and subscription schemes. These can be used to generate income while improving the user experience with value addition.

Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah are three of the world’s fastest-growing real estate markets, which means that these cities are ideal locations for real estate apps. 

These places draw individuals from around the globe, and an app can be used to help businesses become different in a saturated market.

For Users

Real estate mobile apps give property seekers sophisticated search filters to access properties by price, location, size, and amenities, quickening their search for properties and personalizing their experience. 

Properties can also be viewed through virtual 3D tours and interactive floor plans to make the experience of searching for properties more fulfilling without physically seeing the property.

Additionally, secure payment gateways incorporated in these apps guarantee that transactions are secure for both vendors and customers. The users can upload documents and authenticate them in the application itself, avoiding time loss and paperwork or meetings.

Short of it all, real estate applications consolidate all the elements of house transactions under one convenient platform, ranging from surfing listings to making the final transaction.

Further Monetization Models

Real estate applications can follow pay-per-lead schemes, in which real estate brokers are charged for leads acquired through the app. 

This directed route allows monetization according to user action, where companies only pay for leads with a genuine possibility of resulting in successful deals.

Quick Table – Bayut vs Custom App

Must-Have Features in a Bayut-Like App 

When creating an app similar to Bayut, features that improve the user experience of buyers, sellers, and agents should be included. 

Some of the most essential features that must be given top priority are as follows:

Buyer Features

• Smart Search

Allow buyers to search properties according to location, price, size, and amenities. This feature personalizes the search process and makes it efficient.

• Map View

Show properties on an interactive map, indicating nearby schools, shopping malls, metro lines, and other significant points of interest. 

This assists buyers in making informed choices based on their location.

• Virtual Tours and 360° Photos

Enable buyers to view properties virtually through virtual tours or interactive images. 

This saves time as users have a better understanding of the property without having to visit physically.

Seller or Agent Features

• Property Uploads: 

Agents or sellers must have an easy method of uploading videos or high-resolution photos of properties directly from their smartphones. This makes the process of listing straightforward.

• Performance Analytics: 

Agents get to monitor the views, queries, and interaction statistics of the properties to further fine-tune their listings based on this data.

• Instant Communication: 

Real-time chat and alert features facilitate free communication between potential buyers and sellers, accelerating the transaction process.

Admin Features

• User Verification & Fraud Detection: 

Enforce user verification and suspicious activity flagging tools to ensure platform integrity.

• Revenue Analytics: 

Monitor ad, subscription, and featured listing earnings to track and optimize monetization plans.

Step-by-Step Development Process 

Creating a property app for the UAE market should have a thorough, step-by-step process that ensures it achieves the requirements of buyers, agents, and sellers and also aligns with regional market trends.

The following is a step-by-step guide on how to construct a successful UAE-targeted app.

Stage 1 – Market Research

Your market research is the starting point for your app development. Begin with research on competitors such as Bayut, Property Finder, and Dubizzle. Study their features, user interface, and their monetization models.

For instance, Bayut leads in property listings and search filters, while Dubizzle leads in classifieds.

Determine your focus based on gaps in the market. This may be Dubai Marina luxury homes, Abu Dhabi short-term rentals, or Sharjah commercial properties.

Use stats like Dubai’s growing population and increasing smartphone penetration to pinpoint opportunities.

Stage 2 – UI/UX Design

Designing an intuitive interface is critical for user engagement. 

Begin with wireframes to map out the app’s layout and functionality. Ensure the design supports Arabic and English, as bilingual support is essential in the UAE.

Incorporate local design elements like UAE-style colours (gold, green, beige) and icons that resonate with Emirati culture.

For instance, utilize palm tree icons for navigation or skyline patterns for aesthetics. A smooth user experience will have users returning.

Stage 3 – Backend Development

This is where the magic occurs. Create a strong system that can support thousands of property listings without slowing down. Incorporate secure payment gateways such as Stripe or Telr for payments and SMS notifications for updates.

Include necessary APIs like Google Maps for location-based services and property proximity information. Make it scalable so that your app can support future growth without affecting performance.

Stage 4 – Frontend Development

Frontend is what users use every day. Utilize frameworks like React Native or Flutter to develop apps for both iOS and Android platforms in an efficient manner. These frameworks provide quick performance and device compatibility.

Optimize the app to download high-quality images without latency. For instance, listings with virtual tours or 360° photos must download smoothly to improve user experience.

Stage 5 – Testing and Launch

Testing ensures that your app functions perfectly before being released into the market. Prioritize local requirements like VAT support, Arabic name formatting, and currency displays (AED). For instance, test if payment gateways properly process transactions in terms of dirhams.

Optimize your app on App Store and Google Play through intelligent keywords such as “Dubai apartments” or “Abu Dhabi villas.” This enhances visibility for UAE users looking for UAE real estate apps.

Table: Key Features Across Development Stages

This step-by-step guide ensures your real estate app aligns with UAE market needs while providing value to users and businesses alike. It’s designed to be practical, relatable, and easy to follow for UAE audiences.

Best Tech Stack for Your Real Estate App Like Bayut 

Selecting the correct technology stack is crucial for creating a high-performance and scalable real estate application. The tech stack impacts performance, security, and general user experience.

FrontEnd

For the frontend, React Native is a suitable option as it supports cross-platform development and hence the app can be run on both iOS and Android platforms. 

For native apps, Swift for iOS and Kotlin for Android are the best choices. The frameworks support seamless performance and offer assistance with high-quality property photos and videos.

Backend

The backend should be powerful enough to keep up with the tremendous amount of updates and listings that will be made. Node.js is a great choice as it is very scalable. 

Firebase is another good alternative for real-time updates and also provides inbuilt analytics.

Database

For data storage, PostgreSQL can be a sound option for fixed data, while MongoDB is ideal for handling flexible data. Both can handle big collections of property listings and user data.

Cloud

Cloud-based services such as AWS or Google Cloud offer scalable storage and security, which is important as the app expands. 

Cloud services also provide secure backup and data retention, so that sensitive user information is stored securely.

Table: Ideal Tech Stack for Real Estate Apps

How Much Does It Cost to Develop an App like Bayut in UAE (2025)

Developing a real estate app in the UAE varies depending on complexity. 

A basic app costs between $50,000–$80,000, while apps with advanced features like AI and VR range from $120,000–$200,000. 

Full enterprise solutions can exceed $250,000, offering extensive customization and scalability.

Table: App Development Costs Based on Complexity

What Affects the Cost of App Development in UAE?

Several factors influence the cost of developing a real estate app:

• Features: Basic apps with simple search filters cost less compared to apps with AI-powered recommendations or VR tours.
• Development Location: Hiring a UAE-based team ensures local expertise but can be pricier than offshore developers.
• Design Needs: Custom designs with Arabic/English support and UAE-style aesthetics increase costs.
• Post-Launch Support: Regular updates and maintenance add to long-term expenses.

Real Challenges in UAE Real Estate Apps

Is this going to be a fairy tale? Absolutely not! 

Building a real estate app in the UAE comes with unique challenges that require careful planning and execution.

Protecting User Data and Payments

With sensitive transactions like property purchases happening online, securing user data is critical. 

Apps must integrate encrypted payment gateways like Stripe or Telr to ensure safe transactions. For instance, Dubai REST uses secure systems to protect tenancy contracts.

Connecting Old Real Estate Systems

Many traditional systems used by brokers or developers are outdated. Integrating these systems into modern apps requires custom APIs and significant backend work. 

Apps like BayutPro simplify lead management by bridging older systems with new tech.

Competing in a Market with Strong Apps

The UAE market already has established players like Bayut and Dubizzle dominating the space.

To stand out, your app needs unique features like bilingual support (Arabic/English), advanced VR tours, or niche focuses such as luxury properties in Dubai Marina.

How TekRevol Can Help You Build the Next Big Real Estate App in UAE 

Building a real estate app that stands out in the competitive UAE market requires expertise, local insights, and a reliable development partner. 

TekRevol is the perfect choice to help you achieve your vision. With years of experience in the UAE real estate sector, TekRevol understands user behaviours, market trends, and the unique needs of property buyers and sellers.

Why TekRevol is a Good Partner

Finding a trustworthy partner is crucial for app development success. TekRevol offers:

• Strong experience in the UAE market: Our team has worked on apps tailored to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah audiences.
• End-to-end service: We provide comprehensive support, covering every phase from ideation and design to development and post-launch assistance.
• Proven results: Real estate apps developed by TekRevol have achieved over 500K+ downloads, showcasing our ability to deliver impactful solutions.

TekRevol’s App Process 

At TekRevol, we believe that a successful app starts with a custom strategy tailored to your niche, whether it’s luxury homes, rentals, or commercial properties. 

Our process emphasizes fast development, ensuring that your app is not only delivered on time but also receives regular updates for seamless performance. 

After launch, we continue to support you with analytics, updates, and App Store Optimization to maximize your app’s visibility and effectiveness.

TekRevol’s Edge (How We Stand Out)

What sets TekRevol apart is our commitment to your success. You retain full ownership of the app’s source code, giving you complete control over your project. 

Our scalable designs are built to support over 1 million users, ensuring that your app can grow alongside your business.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to discuss how we can turn your app idea into reality!

After the App Launch, What’s Next? 

Launching your app is just the beginning! At TekRevol, we ensure your app continues to grow and succeed post-launch with specialized services tailored for the UAE market.

What We Do After Launch:

1. Run ads on Instagram and Google: Target investors, expats, and property seekers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
2. Offer loyalty rewards: Encourage regular sellers or renters to stay active on your platform.
3. Launch new features every 3–6 months: Keep users engaged with updates like advanced search filters or VR tours.

At TekRevol, we don’t just build apps; we help you scale them into thriving platforms that dominate the real estate market in the UAE. 

With TekRevol by your side, your app will always stay ahead of user expectations and industry trends.

Final Advice for UAE Real Estate Startups

Focus on solving real problems that locals, expats, and investors face. Do not build a clone of Bayut. Build something that serves a specific group better.

Whether it’s helping Indian expats find homes near schools in Sharjah, or making it easier for Qatari investors to find off-plan properties in Abu Dhabi—understanding your audience is what will make your app stand out.

To get your app idea off the ground or to build a tech roadmap, consider connecting with local development firms that understand UAE compliance and digital needs.