The cost to develop a Bayut-like property listing app can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the app’s features, the complexity of the design, the tech stack used, and the development team's location. Bayut, a leading property listing platform in the UAE, offers services like property search, agent listings, and detailed property views. Developing an app like Bayut will require building both a user-facing platform and an admin panel for real estate agents and property managers. Don’t worry, we have got you. Let’s get you started to make an informed decision for Bayut property listing app development in the UAE.

Here’s a breakdown of the cost considerations involved in developing a Bayut-like property listing app:

1. Scope and Features

The core features of a property listing app like Bayut typically include:

User-Facing App (For Property Seekers):

• User Registration/Login (via email or social media)
• Property Search (filter by location, price, type, etc.)
• Advanced Filters (number of bedrooms, amenities, etc.)
• Property Details (images, videos, floor plans, description)
• Map Integration (Google Maps API for location-based searches)
• Favorites/Shortlisting (save preferred properties)
• Contact with Agents (direct messaging, call button, etc.)
• Push Notifications (for new listings, price drops)
• User Reviews and Ratings (for properties and agents)
• Search History (save past searches)
• Mortgage Calculators (optional)

Agent/Owner Dashboard (For Property Listing Management):

• Registration/Account Setup for agents or property owners
• Property Listing Management (add, update, remove listings)
• Document Upload (property images, legal documents, etc.)
• Lead Management (view inquiries, track communication with potential buyers/renters)
• Analytics and Reporting (view stats on how many people viewed the listing)

Admin Panel:

• User and Agent Management
• Content Moderation (approve/reject listings)
• Analytics and Reporting (for overall platform performance)
• Push Notification Management
• Support Management (help desk, chat)

2. Design and User Experience (UI/UX)

The user experience is crucial in property apps. You’ll need:

• Clean, intuitive UI/UX for seamless property search and listing experience
• Custom designs for different pages like search results, property details, and user profiles
• Responsive design for mobile and tablet users
• Branding (logo, colors, fonts)

Good design ensures that users can easily navigate the app, find properties, and contact agents.

3. Tech Stack

Here’s a potential tech stack for a property listing app:

• Frontend (Mobile): React Native or Flutter (cross-platform development) or Native (Swift for iOS, Kotlin/Java for Android)
• Backend: Node.js, Ruby on Rails, Django, or Java with Spring Boot
• Database: PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or MySQL
• Cloud Hosting: AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure
• Geolocation/Mapping: Google Maps API, Mapbox
• Payment Gateway: Stripe, PayPal (if you want to implement premium listings or payment processing)
• Push Notifications: Firebase Cloud Messaging or OneSignal

4. Development Team Composition

Depending on your project’s complexity, you may need the following team members:

• Project Manager: To oversee the project and manage timelines and resources
• UI/UX Designers: For wireframing, prototyping, and design
• Mobile Developers: iOS and Android developers (or cross-platform developers using React Native/Flutter)
• Backend Developers: To build the server-side functionalities (database, APIs, etc.)
• QA Engineers: For thorough testing of the app (functional, security, performance)
• DevOps: For server deployment and cloud services management

5. Development Time

The time to develop a property listing app like Bayut will depend on:

• Feature Complexity: Basic features like property listing, search, and agent messaging are quicker to implement than advanced features like AI-driven property recommendations or mortgage calculators.
• Number of Platforms: Developing the app for both Android and iOS will take longer than a single-platform app. Cross-platform frameworks like React Native or Flutter can speed up development.
• Team Size and Expertise: A highly skilled and experienced team can speed up the development process.

On average, a Bayut-like app will take approximately 6 to 12 months for initial development, including design, backend, and front-end work, followed by testing and debugging.

6. Cost Breakdown

Development Costs (Approximate):

• Basic Features (MVP): AED 30,000 - AED 60,000
  • This would cover the core features of a basic property listing app with essential functionalities (property search, filters, agent messaging, etc.).
• Intermediate Features (Additional Functionality): AED 60,000 - AED 120,000
  • This would cover additional features like advanced search filters, favorites, ratings, and notifications.
• Complex Features (AI, Machine Learning, etc.): AED 120,000 -  AED 250,000+
  • This would include more advanced features like AI-based property recommendations, augmented reality (AR) views of properties, mortgage calculators, and more sophisticated analytics.

Other Costs:

• App Store & Play Store Listing Fees: Typically $100 per year for each platform (Google Play and Apple App Store).
• Cloud Hosting & Server Costs: $500 - $1,500/month (depending on the user load and data storage)
• Maintenance Costs: 15% - 20% of the initial development cost per year (for bug fixes, updates, feature additions).

7. Factors Affecting Cost

• App Complexity: The more features you want (e.g., integration with third-party APIs, real-time chat), the more the app will cost.
• Scalability: If you expect a large user base, you’ll need to design the app to be scalable, which can increase the cost.

8. Post-Launch Costs

Once the app is live, ongoing expenses will include:

• Maintenance and Bug Fixes: Regular updates to fix bugs, improve features, and ensure compatibility with new OS versions.
• Marketing and Promotions: Running ads, SEO campaigns, and influencer marketing to attract new users.
• Server Scaling: As your user base grows, you may need to scale your infrastructure (cloud services, database optimizations, etc.).

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Estimated Total Cost:

• Basic Version (MVP): AED 30,000 - AED 60,000
• Fully Featured App:  AED 60,000 - AED 120,000
• High-End, Feature-Rich App with Advanced Features:AED 120,000 - AED 250,000+

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Conclusion:

Developing an app like Bayut can range from AED 30,000 for a basic property listing app to AED 250,000 or more for a fully-featured, high-end platform with advanced features. The final cost will depend on the features you choose, the location of your development team, and the overall complexity of the app.

If you're looking to build a Bayut-like app, it’s essential to start with a clear plan, define your must-have features, and work closely with an experienced development team. Additionally, AJ Media can help you understand the specific needs of your app and assist in building a custom property listing platform tailored to your requirements. Reach out to us today to get started!