Mobile Apps for Real Estate

For a real estate portal, PWA covers 80% of scenarios: search, filters, map, push notifications about new listings. A native app is justified when you need: AR functionality (point the camera to see building info), camera integration for agents (property photos), or deep telephony integration.

We use Service Workers for caching: favorite properties, latest search results, and viewed listing cards are available offline. When connectivity is restored — automatic sync. For agents — downloadable property selections for showings in areas with weak signal.

A PWA with a catalog, map search, and push notifications starts from $20,000, taking 2-3 months. A native React Native app (iOS + Android) with AR features and CRM integration starts from $45,000, taking 4-5 months. Cross-platform development saves 30-40% compared to two native apps.

The highest-converting push notifications: new listing matching saved filters, price drop on a favorited property, reminder about a scheduled viewing. It is important not to overdo it — 2-3 relevant notifications per week show the optimal balance between engagement and unsubscribes. Location-based personalization (new listing near you) increases CTR by 3-4x.

The app and CRM work through a unified API: a lead from the app instantly appears in the CRM linked to the property, and the manager receives a push notification. In reverse: application status from the CRM is displayed in the buyer's app. For agents — a mobile CRM version with a showing calendar, client contacts, and quick property photo upload.

For a single complex, a mobile app is usually overkill — a responsive website with a floor plan is sufficient. An app is justified for: a residential complex management company (utilities, requests, intercom), a developer with 3+ projects, or a large portal with thousands of listings. The exception is if AR functionality for apartment viewing is planned, in which case a native app is necessary.