How to Build a Real Estate Website or App Like Zillow for Australia’s Market

Would you like to learn how to build a real estate website or mobile app similar to Zillow quickly and cost-effectively? Maybe you have a unique idea for an app that focuses on luxury real estate, rural properties, co-living spaces, or vacation homes in Australia. If so, we’re here to guide you through the step-by-step process of software development, standard mistakes to avoid, and tips that will help your app become profitable from day one.

The housing sector is rapidly growing, and competition in the real estate market is fiercer than ever. Traditional marketing methods for promoting realtor businesses are no longer as effective, as most real estate searches are now conducted online. With 90% of people searching for properties on the internet and using smart devices, how can you ensure that your real estate product stands out among the competition?

Developing a custom real estate app can provide a broad audience with the services they need while bringing new prospects to your business. At Ateam Soft Solutions, we understand how important it is to balance efficiency and functionality, so let’s dive into the main steps of creating a successful real estate app tailored to the Australian market.

Advantages of Real Estate App Development

When developing a custom real estate app, it’s essential to consider the specific pain points, wishes, and needs of your users. These users generally fall into three categories: Buyers, Sellers, and Realtors. Each group seeks particular benefits from your app.

Benefits for Buyers:

• Easy access to data
• Customizable filters for search
• A simple communication method with agents
• Time-saving comparison tools
• Guidance on paperwork

Benefits for Sellers:

• Faster property sales
• Increased market exposure
• Attractive property presentation
• Assistance with paperwork

Benefits for Realtors:

• Comprehensive information in one place
• Automated daily tasks
• Increased market coverage
• Retaining potential clients
• Additional revenue streams
• Enhanced brand awareness

Components of a Real Estate App

A real estate app like Zillow typically consists of several key components:

• Mobile applications for iOS and Android
• Web-based application
• Web admin zone

Each component includes features such as:

• Mobile App Features: Home discovery, real estate comparison, filtering searches, interactive map functionality, detailed property pages, tour scheduling, and more.
• Web App Features: Mirroring mobile app features with added functionality.
• Admin Zone: Manage users and properties, view analytics, control content management, oversee verification processes, and ensure security.

When building your real estate app development MVP (Minimum Viable Product), focus on four to five core features and your unique idea. Quick execution is key to getting your product out there. Once you have a significant user base, investors will be more inclined to support your venture. Don’t be discouraged by competition. While major players like Zillow are formidable, there are always opportunities in the Australian real estate market.

Pricing and Cost Management

After covering the technical aspects, the next consideration is cost. Real estate app development costs depend on various factors, including the number of features, design complexity, and adaptability. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs:

• Development: $25,000 – $27,000
• UX/UI Design: $6,000
• Quality Assurance: $5,000 – $6,000
• Project Management: 10-15% of the overall cost ($5,000 – $5,500)

A basic real estate app can cost between $25,000 and $45,000, while more advanced platforms may exceed $70,000.

Here’s a helpful tip: outsourcing to developers in countries like India, where mobile development agency offer top-quality services at a lower cost, can be an effective way to save money without compromising on quality. Ukrainian developers are renowned for their skills and hard work, and many successful startups like GitLab and Grammarly have leveraged this.

Step-by-Step Guide to Developing a Real Estate App

Step 1: Market Analysis

Conducting a thorough market analysis is the first crucial step in developing your app. You need to understand the economic environment, supply and demand rates, competitors, and industry regulations. This data helps design a cost-effective project that meets your revenue expectations.

Step 2: Selecting App Features

The features of your app will determine its uniqueness and value. For a real estate app, the following features are crucial:

• Extensive database
• User profiles and registration
• Search queries and filters
• Virtual tours and 3D mapping
• E-signatures
• Push notifications
• Real-time messaging
• AR features
• Ratings and reviews
• Saved search results and favorites

By incorporating the right combination of features and ensuring an intuitive user interface, you can attract visitors and turn them into customers. Begin by identifying your target audience and understanding what features they need that aren’t offered by platforms like Zillow.

Key Questions to Ask:

• What gaps exist in the Australian real estate market?
• What unique value can you provide (e.g., a focus on rural properties, vacation homes, or eco-friendly real estate)?
• What sets your app apart from competitors like Trulia or Redfin?

Step 3: Choosing the Technology Stack

Once the concept is finalized and features are defined, focus on the technical aspects. Use external databases through third-party APIs to host the necessary data.

Here’s a basic technology stack:

• API Integration: For data handling
• Backend Development: js, Python
• Frontend Development: React Native, Flutter
• Database: MySQL, MongoDB
• Push Notifications: Firebase
• Mapping APIs: Google Maps, Mapbox

The right technology stack is essential for ensuring a smooth development process and a seamless user experience.

Step 4: Designing the App

Design plays a vital role in the success of any app. The app should be visually appealing and easy to navigate. Some key design trends to consider are:

• A simple interface
• Easy navigation
• Cross-page features
• Dark mode
• Color palette optimization

The first interaction with your app could determine whether users stay or leave, so the design should be engaging and functional.

International Expansion & Future Planning

Even while planning for your real estate app development in Australia, consider future expansion into other markets. Create a long-term vision for your app to attract investors and reach unicorn status. By mapping out what your platform will look like in five or ten years, you position yourself for significant growth.

Integrating ChatGPT and AI Solutions

Can ChatGPT offer your real estate app an unfair advantage? Absolutely, but only if implemented wisely. ChatGPT’s natural language capabilities can enhance your app by handling customer inquiries, assisting with property searches, and providing tailored property notifications. However, it’s essential to focus on solving real problems with AI, rather than using it as a gimmick.

Conclusion

These guidelines will help you successfully develop your real estate app. However, the real success lies in partnering with a professional team that understands the intricacies of real estate app development. With the right team, you can create a high-quality app that meets your business goals and complies with all legal regulations, such as GDPR.

At Ateam Soft Solutions, we specialize in real estate app development services, ensuring your app stands out in the competitive market. We start by predicting your return on investment and guiding you through the development process to the final product.

Keep up with the competition by launching your real estate app on the App Store or Google Play within a few months. Contact us today to get started!