Deciding to build a custom app for your real estate business is a big step. It's a move to take full control of your brand and client relationships in a crowded market.

 

We'll introduce you to the top 10 partners who can turn your idea into a reality, show you what it takes to create a successful app, and what the development process looks like.

Contents

Key Takeaways

  • A custom mobile app is the most effective way to meet modern buyer expectations and streamline your business operations.
  • The best real estate apps provide a seamless search experience for buyers while fixing major internal issues like slow lead follow-up for your team.
  • A simple interface, powerful property search, and high-quality virtual tours are now standard expectations that directly impact user engagement.

Why a Custom Real Estate App is a Necessity in 2025

To get ahead of the competition, a custom mobile app is essential. Buyers now expect more, so your business needs smarter ways to operate. A custom mobile app gives you both: a better client experience and greater efficiency.

Reasons a Custom PropTech is Non-Negotiable in 2025

Meeting the Demands of Mobile-First Homebuyers

The people buying homes today grew up with phones and expect everything to be fast and easy. A slow or confusing website is a huge deal-breaker. They expect an app that’s simple to use on a small screen, especially since most homebuyers now search online.

But they want more than just listings. Today’s buyers expect an all-in-one experience with features like:

  • Virtual Tours: More than half of all buyers won’t even look at a property listing if it doesn’t have a virtual tour.
  • Built-in Tools: Things like a mortgage calculator should be right there in the app, easy to find and use.
  • Instant Chat: They want to be able to message an agent and get a quick reply without leaving the app.

 

A basic web app just can’t handle all of this. A custom app, however, creates the kind of positive customer engagement that turns a casual searcher into a serious client.

Helping Your Business Thrive

A custom app does more than impress buyers — it’s a powerful tool for your agents.

A big problem in real estate is responding to interested people too slowly. An app can instantly alert an agent about a new inquiry so they can reply right away. Simply put, such a solution helps your team work smarter and make more money.

Competing with the Big Players

Zillow wins because its app keeps everything under one roof. With a custom app, you can build that same seamless experience yet tailored to your brand. From the first property search to signed paperwork, your clients stay with you. And on your side, it becomes the single hub to manage listings, track leads, and strengthen client relationships.

Having your own real estate app is one of the smartest moves you can make because it:

  • Gives modern buyers the features they expect.
  • Makes your team’s daily work much easier.
  • Sets up your business for future growth.

Our Top 10 Picks for Real Estate App Developers

Looking to build a real estate app, but not sure who to trust with the job? We’ve rounded up the top 10 developers who know this space inside and out.

1. Inoxoft

  • Clutch Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
  • Headquarters: Philadelphia, PA, USA
  • Real Estate Expertise Summary: A custom software development company with a track record of 200+ projects and strong expertise in PropTech, delivers end-to-end solutions with discovery, deployment, and ongoing support. Their real estate portfolio highlights scalable, user-centric platforms powered by AI, automation, and mobile-first design.
  • Notable Real Estate Project: Inoxoft’s portfolio includes a praised cross-platform app for a Texas brokerage and an amenity management solution that cut support tickets by 50%. They’re experts at building platforms with live MLS data (IDX) that help agents work smarter and get more leads.
  • Specialized Features: Their expertise includes IDX/MLS integration, custom CRMs with lead automation, and full-scale rental or HOA management platforms. They use AI to get smarter insights on the market, while also creating new ways for buyers to explore homes with virtual tours and AR.
  • Relevant Tech Stack: Python, .NET, and React Native, running on scalable cloud platforms like AWS and Azure, which are the backbone of any secure PropTech application.
  • Best For: Startups and small-to-medium businesses. With a focus on agile development and an affordable hourly rate, they make high-quality real estate app development accessible.
  • Trust Factor: An ISO 27001 certified company; a verified commitment to data security, which is non-negotiable when handling sensitive property and client information. Their agile process (from 2-week sprints to MVP launches) helps real estate businesses test ideas quickly, gather user feedback, and scale with confidence.

2. Empat

  • Clutch Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, CA, USA
  • Real Estate Expertise Summary: Empat is a top-tier mobile app development company with a strong foothold in PropTech.
  • Notable Real Estate Project: Working with a global leader like CBRE means they can handle the demands of big-league real estate companies.
  • Specialized Features: Their team is known for bringing creative and innovative digital solutions to the table. Client reviews often praise how well they make the entire development process feel like a true partnership.
  • Relevant Tech Stack: They have a massive tech arsenal (Flutter, React Native for mobile apps; Node.js and Python for the backend, all supported by major cloud platforms).
  • Best For: Startups and growing companies looking for a reliable, long-term partner who can scale with them.
  • Trust Factor: As a Premier Verified provider on Clutch, these real estate app developers’ business and client feedback have passed a rigorous verification process.

3. AppMakers USA

  • Clutch Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
  • Headquarters: Los Angeles, CA, USA
  • Real Estate Expertise Summary: AppMakers USA has a solid track record with real estate companies and excels at building apps with smart AI features.
  • Notable Real Estate Project: They recently wrapped up an R&D project for a real estate company, and the client couldn’t say enough good things about how easy they were to work with — a great sign for anyone looking to develop real estate apps.
  • Specialized Features: They’re great at using the latest AI to make apps smarter. This can range from automatically creating engaging property listings to using predictive analytics to give you an edge on the market.
  • Relevant Tech Stack: They use React Native for mobile apps and are pros with React, Node, and AWS for building modern websites and web apps.
  • Best For: Almost any budget. They’re set up to partner with clients of all sizes, from brand-new startups to established corporations.
  • Trust Factor: AppMakers USA is a Premier Verified provider on Clutch, with overwhelmingly positive recent feedback.

4. Designli

  • Clutch Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
  • Headquarters: Greenville, SC, USA
  • Real Estate Expertise Summary: Designli’s approach is to map out a clear plan before they start building, which is ideal for creating complex real estate apps from scratch.
  • Notable Real Estate Project: Although they don’t feature a specific real estate project, their development process is strong and flexible enough to handle the unique needs of a PropTech app.
  • Specialized Features: With their “SolutionLab” service, you can test your idea first. In a focused two-week process, they create a clickable demo and a full project plan, so you can be confident in your app before you start the main development work.
  • Relevant Tech Stack: React Native for its scalability; also works with Flutter. Their backend is built on reliable tech like Node.js and AWS.
  • Best For: Non-technical founders who want a partner to guide them through the process and avoid expensive mistakes.
  • Trust Factor: The firm is a “Featured Provider” and a Premier Verified partner on Clutch.

5. Closeloop Technologies

  • Clutch Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
  • Headquarters: Mountain View, CA, USA
  • Real Estate Expertise Summary: Closeloop knows the financial side of real estate inside and out. They build secure, complex systems that are crucial for things like loans and mortgages.
  • Notable Real Estate Project: One of their standout projects was a custom-built system that successfully managed a staggering $900 million in mortgage loans for a finance partner.
  • Specialized Features: They’re great at building helpful features, from a handy mortgage calculator to a central place to track loans. Plus, they’re skilled with new tech like Generative AI and Blockchain.
  • Relevant Tech Stack: They handle native iOS and Android, cross-platform with Flutter and React Native, and have deep expertise in Salesforce for CRM.
  • Best For: Both startups and big companies. Their high rate of repeat clients shows they build strong, lasting relationships.
  • Trust Factor: The company was recognized by Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest-growing organizations in the US.

6. Goji Labs

  • Clutch Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
  • Headquarters: Los Angeles, CA, USA
  • Real Estate Expertise Summary: Goji Labs is a digital product agency that has successfully built a real estate marketplace, with a heavy emphasis on creating a great user experience.
  • Notable Real Estate Project: They built “Gitcha,” a real estate marketplace platform. The project involved creating a user-centric property search, providing insights for property owners, and building communication tools for agents and clients.
  • Specialized Features: Their strength lies in UX research and design, which is essential for creating the best real estate apps that keep users coming back.
  • Relevant Tech Stack: Their developers work with Swift for iOS, Kotlin for Android, React, and Ruby on Rails; they also offer AI software development services.
  • Best For: Anyone building a user-facing app where design and ease-of-use are top priorities.
  • Clutch Recognition: Goji Labs is a Premier Verified provider and an award-winning digital product agency.

7. Mobile Reality

  • Clutch Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
  • Headquarters: Warsaw, Poland
  • Real Estate Expertise Summary: Mobile Reality is a Polish software house that specializes in PropTech, creating custom mobile apps and web platforms specifically for the commercial real estate industry.
  • Notable Real Estate Project: They proudly market themselves as a PropTech development partner, with experience building web property management platforms and other real estate software.
  • Specialized Features: They use AI to help automate business tasks, which can save a ton of time and money on things like lead management.
  • Relevant Tech Stack: They work with modern tech like React and Node.js for web and React Native for mobile apps, all hosted on reliable AWS servers.
  • Best For: Companies that want to get a great balance of quality and cost.
  • Trust Factor: The company is recognized as one of Poland’s most reliable vendors.

8. Ascendix Technologies

  • Clutch Rating: 4.9 / 5.0
  • Headquarters: Dallas, TX, USA
  • Real Estate Expertise Summary: With over 26 years in the business, Ascendix is a veteran in technology for commercial real estate. They don’t just build apps for others; they also create and sell their own successful real estate software.
  • Notable Real Estate Project: Their deep market knowledge is proven by their work: they’ve not only delivered for industry leaders like JLL and Savills but have also built their own successful CRM and property listing portal.
  • Specialized Features: They build the powerful, tech-driven features that set an app apart, including seamless MLS integrations, smart AI property searches, and accurate valuation models. 
  • Relevant Tech Stack: Their expertise is centered around AI and Salesforce, perfectly tailored for how real estate professionals work.
  • Best For: Well-funded startups and enterprise clients who require a premium app.
  • Trust Factor: They are consistently ranked as a top firm for both Salesforce consulting and AI development.

9. The NineHertz

  • Clutch Rating: 4.8 / 5.0
  • Headquarters: Jaipur, India
  • Real Estate Expertise Summary: NineHertz is a global IT firm that explicitly serves the real estate and property industry, building next-generation software solutions for the sector.
  • Notable Real Estate Project: They have hands-on experience building feature-rich property listings platforms, apps with immersive virtual tours, and AI-powered CRM systems for property listings management.
  • Specialized Features: This team knows how to integrate advanced technologies like AI and AR/VR to make your real estate software solution stand out from the crowd.
  • Relevant Tech Stack: They have a versatile tech team proficient in iOS, Android, Flutter, React Native, Node.js, and Python, allowing them to tackle any kind of real estate application development.
  • Client Focus: Serving clients in over 24 countries, they are praised for their competitive pricing and for delivering great value, making them an attractive option for a wide range of budgets.
  • Trust Factor: They’ve been awarded as a #1 Mobile App & Software Company and have high marks across the board on Clutch.

10. TechAhead

  • Clutch Rating: 4.8 / 5.0
  • Headquarters: Los Angeles, CA, USA
  • Real Estate Expertise Summary: TechAhead is a highly decorated digital product company that has made real estate app development a key focus, using advanced tech to transform the user experience.
  • Notable Real Estate Project: They proudly call themselves a “Real Estate App Development Company” that focuses on building slick apps that improve how people buy, sell, and manage properties.
  • Specialized Features: They love to incorporate tech like AI, IoT, and AR/VR into their projects. They focus on creating a user-friendly interface so your app feels great to use.
  • Relevant Tech Stack: They are experts in iOS, Android, and cross-platform tools like React Native and Flutter. They also have the cloud and AI skills needed for a modern property management app.
  • Best For: Well-funded startups and large companies that want a reliable partner to build a high-end digital product.
  • Trust Factor: They’ve been named a Top 10 Global App Developer by Clutch for over 12 years straight and have a Webby Award to their name.

Top 10 Real Estate App Developers: At a Glance

Company Name

Core Strength

Ideal For

Key Differentiator

Inoxoft

Mobile-first PropTech solutions, including CRMs, rental platforms, IDX/MLS integrations, AI-powered tools, and custom apps

Startups & SMBs

ISO 27001 certified with expert IDX/MLS integration; agile process enabling fast MVP validation and scalable real estate apps

Empat

Enterprise-level app development

Startups & growing companies

Proven experience with industry giants like CBRE.

AppMakers USA

AI integration & modern app development

Founders with a wide range of budgets

Expertise in adding generative AI features to apps.

Designli

Strategy-first approach with prototyping

Non-technical founders

“SolutionLab” service to build a prototype before full development.

Closeloop Technologies

Complex financial systems for real estate

Startups & large companies

Experience with mortgage and financing platforms.

Goji Labs

User experience (UX) & design focus

Anyone where user-friendliness is key

Built a full real estate marketplace (“Gitcha”) from scratch.

Mobile Reality

Specialized commercial PropTech development

Companies seeking a balance of quality & cost

Strong offshore partner focused specifically on PropTech.

Ascendix Tech

Deep commercial real estate expertise

Clients needing authentic industry knowledge

26+ years of experience and their own successful PropTech products.

The NineHertz

Integrating advanced tech (AI & AR/VR)

Clients looking for great value

Strong focus on immersive features like virtual tours.

TechAhead

High-end, award-winning app development

Well-funded startups & large companies

12+ years as a Top 10 Clutch Global App Developer.

What Features Make a Great Real Estate App

A great real estate app does more than just show you listings—it gives you a real advantage. It makes the complicated process of buying a home feel straightforward and puts you in control, so you can make smart decisions.

What separates a good app from a great one? It comes down to these key features:

Must-Have Features for a Great Real Estate Mobile App

Simple User Interface

Before adding fancy features, make sure your real estate app is intuitive and fast. If loading times are slow, buttons are hard to find, or navigation is confusing, users will simply leave. A strong app lets buyers quickly filter listings, view property details, schedule tours, and save favorites without friction.

Advanced Property Search

Modern buyers want powerful and specific filters to narrow down their options quickly. A great property search app should allow users to filter by:

  • Location: Beyond just the city, let them search by neighborhood, school district, or even by drawing an area on a map.
  • Property Details: Price range, number of beds/baths, square footage, and lot size.
  • Amenities and Highlights: Must-haves like a backyard, a home office, a garage, or a newly renovated kitchen.

Virtual Tours

High-quality photos are the bare minimum now, while virtual tours are what get a buyer’s attention. This feature allows users to explore properties remotely, saving them time and helping you weed out listings that aren’t a good fit. It’s one of the most powerful tools for driving serious inquiries.

Mortgage Calculator

An integrated mortgage calculator is a simple but powerful tool that keeps users on your app. It lets them quickly estimate monthly payments, including taxes and insurance, for any property they like. 

The calculator helps them stay grounded in their budget and make informed decisions without having to leave your platform and open a spreadsheet.

In-App Messaging

A built-in messaging feature connects buyers with agents instantly. It keeps all communication about a property organized in one place and meets the modern expectation for quick, easy answers. This direct line of communication is key to building trust and improving lead management.

The Development Process: What to Expect When Building Your App

Building an app might seem complicated, but the top real estate app development companies follow a clear, step-by-step journey. A good partner will guide you through a structured process to make sure the final product is exactly what you need.

Your Custom App Development Roadmap

Step 1: The Discovery

This is where it all begins, often with a free consultation call. You’ll talk with the team about your vision, your business goals, and who the app is for (e.g., buyers, agents, property managers). This isn’t a sales pitch; it’s a strategic session to lay the groundwork for the entire project.

  • Outcome: A clear project plan. You’ll have a shared understanding of the app’s goals, features, and target audience before any work begins.

Step 2: Design and Prototyping

Designers start with simple wireframes (like a basic sketch) and then build a full-color, interactive prototype. The focus here is on creating a great user engagement experience with a simple, intuitive flow.

  • Outcome: A clickable prototype. You get to see and feel how your app will work, allowing you to give feedback and make changes before the expensive coding part starts.

Step 3: The Development Phase

This is where the magic happens and the code is written. The developers build everything from the ground up — the front-end (what you see) and the back-end (the engine that powers it all). This phase covers everything from the mobile app itself (Android app development and iOS) to the web development needed for an admin panel where you can manage property listings.

  • Outcome: The first working version of your app. It’s a functional product that can be tested and polished.

Step 4: Testing and Quality Assurance

Before launch, the QA team puts the app through rigorous testing to catch every issue. They check every button, swipe, and form across multiple devices, hunting down glitches so users enjoy a smooth, frustration-free experience. 

  • Outcome: A stable, reliable app. All major issues are found and sent back for bug fixes, ensuring a smooth launch day experience.

Step 5: Launch and Post-Launch Support

Once the app is polished and approved, it’s launched in the app stores. Great partners provide post-launch support to make sure everything runs smoothly. They’ll monitor performance, analyze user behavior through data analytics, and plan future updates to keep making the app better.

  • Outcome: A successful launch and a plan for the future. Your app stays up-to-date, secure, and continues to evolve to meet your users’ needs.

Make Your Real Estate App Happen

As you can see, building a custom real estate app is one of the most powerful moves you can make for your business. But turning that idea into a reality comes down to one thing: finding the right development partner to guide you.

While any of the app development companies on our list would be a great choice, Inoxoft is an excellent place to start the conversation.

Their portfolio shows they can handle the diverse needs of the industry. For example, they’ve built:

  • A Web Platform That Simplifies Property Management: They created a custom platform to help agents and buyers manage everything—buying, selling, or renting—all from one simple dashboard.
  • A Digital Concierge App: For a client in amenity management, they built both a web platform and a mobile app to make handling services a breeze for residents and managers, which shows their skill in both web development and mobile.
  • An Interactive Visual Solution for Property Search: They developed a plugin that lets agents showcase listings with interactive maps and floor plans, and helps potential buyers get a true feel for a property online.

If you’re ready to explore what’s possible for your business, schedule a free consultation with the Inoxoft team to discuss your ideas and see how they can help you build the perfect app for your needs.

Final Thoughts

A custom app is nearly the most powerful tool you have for connecting with modern buyers on their terms and making your own business operations run so much smarter than it was before.

But you don’t have to be a tech expert to succeed. The most important decision you’ll make is choosing a development partner who truly understands the real estate world. The right team will guide you through every step, turning a complex process into a clear path for growth. 

Your journey to building a better business starts with that first conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the development process take?

Building one of the best real estate apps takes time. A simple prototype can be ready in weeks; a full-featured app is a bigger project. A typical timeline for a first version often looks like this:

✓ Discovery & Design: 2-4 weeks
✓ Development & Testing: 3-5 months
✓
Launch & Polish: 1-2 weeks

A good partner will give you a detailed timeline up front so you always know what to expect.

Do I need a mobile app, a web app, or both?

They serve different purposes, and many successful businesses use both to improve their real estate operations.

✓ A Mobile App is perfect for your clients (the homebuyers). It's always on their phone, sends instant notifications, and provides the best on-the-go experience.
✓ A Web Application is often the powerful dashboard your team uses. It's where your agents or enterprise clients can manage listings, view analytics, and run the business from a desktop computer.

You can start with one and add the other later, but a complete solution usually involves both.

How much does it cost to build a custom real estate app?

The final cost of real estate software development depends on a few key things:

✓ The Features You Need: A simple app for listings and contacts will cost less than an app with advanced features like AI-powered recommendations, virtual tours, and custom mortgage calculators.
✓ The Number of Platforms: Do you need an app for just iPhone, or for both iPhone and Android? Most projects also include web application development for a powerful admin dashboard that your team can use.
✓
The Complexity of the Design: A unique, custom-designed user interface will require more investment than a simpler design based on standard templates.
✓
The Development Partner: The rates for estate app development services can change based on the team's location, size, and experience.

As a general ballpark, a high-quality custom real estate app can range from $50,000 to $ 250,000 or more, depending on these factors. For detailed calculations, get a quote from your development partner during your free consultation.

Can a new app integrate with the software I already use?

Yes, absolutely. This is a huge advantage of custom software development. A good team can connect your new app with the tools you already rely on:

✓ Your specific MLS feed
✓ Your current CRM for lead management
✓
Other third-party marketing or analytics tools