In today’s fast-paced digital world, online platforms have revolutionized every industry, and the real estate sector is no exception. With the increasing use of smartphones, a mobile application has become one of the most effective ways to browse, buy, sell, and rent properties. One of the most popular apps in this domain is the 99acres app, which has made finding properties online easier and more convenient for millions of users. But have you ever wondered what it takes to build a real estate app like 99acres? In this article, we will guide you through the steps of developing an online real estate app that rivals the 99acres app in terms of features, functionality, and user experience.

The Demand for Online Real Estate Apps

The online real estate industry has grown significantly in recent years. More people are looking for properties online due to the convenience, speed, and accessibility it offers. Online real estate apps allow users to view listings, filter by location, budget, property type, and more, making it easier than ever to find the perfect property. Given the high demand, creating a real estate app like 99acres can be a lucrative business opportunity.

Key Features of an Online Real Estate App Like 99acres

To build a real estate app like 99acres, you need to include certain essential features that ensure the app is user-friendly, efficient, and feature-rich. Here’s a list of some important features:

1. User Registration and Profile Management

A simple registration process allows users to create profiles, save properties, track their search history, and receive personalized recommendations. This feature is essential to keep users engaged and offer a customized experience.

2. Property Listings and Search Filters

Your app should allow users to view property listings with detailed information, including property type, location, price, images, floor plans, and amenities. Additionally, providing robust search filters (such as price range, number of bedrooms, and location) will help users quickly find properties that match their criteria.

3. Map Integration

Incorporating an interactive map feature is crucial for real estate apps. This allows users to view properties based on location, see nearby amenities, and even get directions to the properties they are interested in.

4. Property Details and Images

A user-friendly property details page should contain high-quality images, videos, and a detailed description of the property. This is important for creating a strong visual impact and providing potential buyers or renters with the necessary information.

5. Favorites and Alerts

Allow users to save their favorite listings and set up property alerts based on their preferences. This feature will notify them about new properties that meet their criteria, keeping them engaged and increasing the likelihood of conversion.

6. Real-time Chat and Customer Support

Integrating a real-time chat feature between buyers, sellers, or agents can streamline communication and make the process more transparent. You should also consider including customer support options for users facing issues or requiring assistance.

7. Rating and Reviews

Allow users to leave reviews and ratings for properties, agents, or real estate services. This builds trust and credibility, which is essential for users to make informed decisions.

8. Payment Integration

Incorporating payment gateway solutions for making booking deposits, rent payments, or property purchases through the app is a great feature that ensures a seamless transaction process.

9. Admin Panel

An admin panel is essential for managing user data, property listings, and app content. It provides full control over the app’s functionality and ensures smooth operation.

Steps to Build a Real Estate App Like 99acres

Now that you know the essential features for your app, let's walk through the steps involved in the 99acres app development process.

1. Define Your Objective and Target Audience

Before diving into development, it's important to define the purpose of your app. Are you targeting buyers, renters, or both? Are you focusing on residential properties, commercial real estate, or both? Understanding your target audience and goals will help you design the app’s features accordingly.

2. Choose the Right Technology Stack

To build a real estate app like 99acres, you need to choose the right technology stack. For mobile app development, you can choose between native app development (iOS and Android) or cross-platform development. Consider the scalability and performance of your app while selecting the backend technologies.

3. Design User-Friendly UI/UX

The design of your app plays a huge role in user engagement. Make sure your app is intuitive and easy to navigate. The layout should be clean, simple, and visually appealing, providing a smooth user experience. Focus on making the app responsive and fast.

4. Develop and Integrate Features

Once the design and technology stack are ready, you can begin the development process. Hire an experienced development team that is well-versed in building real estate apps and can integrate all the necessary features, such as maps, search filters, payment gateways, and user authentication.

5. Test the App

Testing is a crucial phase in app development. You should test the app for bugs, glitches, and performance issues. Testing on multiple devices and screen sizes will ensure your app works well across different platforms.

6. Launch and Marketing

After testing, you can launch your app on app stores. Ensure that you promote your app effectively through digital marketing strategies, such as SEO, social media marketing, and paid campaigns, to drive traffic and increase downloads.

Final Thoughts

Building an online real estate app like 99acres requires careful planning, the right technology stack, and a focus on user experience. With the growing demand for real estate apps, launching a platform like 99acres can open new avenues for business. By incorporating essential features like property listings, search filters, payment gateways, and user profiles, you can create a robust app that attracts users and helps them find their dream property with ease.