Did you know that over 60% of Nigerian urban dwellers rely on WhatsApp groups, street agents, and “To Let” signs to find a house — despite the growing tech space? Many people still fall victim to scams, fake listings, or outdated information when house hunting.
That’s where a well-built real estate app can bridge the gap — by offering verified, up-to-date, and location-specific listings that truly serve Nigerian renters, buyers, and property owners.
If you’re considering building a real estate or rental app for Nigeria, here’s how to do it right in 2025.
Step 1: Define Your Niche
Real estate is vast, so don’t try to be everything at once. Focus on one of these first:
- Residential rental listings (apartments, flats, self-contain)
- Short-stay or serviced apartments (Airbnb-style)
- Land and property sales
- Commercial property listings (shops, offices, warehouses)
- Property agent marketplace (connect buyers with trusted agents)
You can expand later once you gain traction.
Step 2: Build for the Nigerian User
A Nigerian real estate app should be simple, visual, and mobile-first. Your typical user:
- May not have a laptop or desktop
- Wants to see pictures and videos first
- Wants assurance the property is real
- May prefer calling over chatting
Your UX should prioritize:
- Quick property search with filters: location, price, bedrooms, etc.
- Photos + video walkthroughs
- Verified listing badge
- “Call the agent” and WhatsApp button
- Save listing or mark as favourite
- Map view for proximity
Don’t forget offline support — users should be able to save listings without data.
Step 3: Key Features to Include
Here’s what your real estate app should have for each user role:
For Property Seekers:
- Account registration
- Property search with filters
- View images, videos, and 360° tours
- Contact agent or landlord
- Report suspicious listings
- Save searches or set alerts
For Property Owners or Agents:
- Account creation + ID verification
- Upload new listings
- Add photos, price, features, and availability
- View enquiries and chat with interested tenants/buyers
- Analytics dashboard for views and leads
For Admin:
- Moderate listings
- Approve/verify agent uploads
- Handle user complaints
- View platform analytics
- Send updates or ads to users
Step 4: Tech Stack and Tools
To build a real estate app that is fast, secure, and scale-ready, we recommend:
- Flutter for mobile app development
- Node.js or Django for backend APIs
- Cloudinary or Firebase Storage for media uploads
- PostgreSQL or MongoDB for data
- Google Maps API for location services
- Paystack/Flutterwave for promoting premium listings or subscriptions
- Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) for push notifications
Optional integrations:
- AI for photo enhancement or video walkthroughs
- WhatsApp API for in-app agent messaging
Step 5: Build a Trust System
Nigerians fear scams in the real estate world. Your app must actively build trust:
- Verify all agents and property owners (NIN, CAC, utility bill, selfie)
- Introduce a “Verified by Appfur” badge
- Allow reviews and ratings of agents
- Highlight properties with 3D tours or video walkthroughs
- Publish clear “How to Spot a Scam” tips in-app
Make it obvious you’re not another listing scam.
Step 6: Monetization Options
You can monetize your real estate app through:
- Featured listing fees (agents pay to rank higher)
- Subscription plans for agents/agencies
- Commission per successful rent or sale
- Ads and sponsored listings
- Lead generation fees (agents pay per enquiry)
Make sure users understand what is free vs paid to avoid friction.
Step 7: Promote Locally and Build Partnerships
Start by launching in one city (e.g., Lagos mainland or Abuja) and dominate it. Then grow into new markets.
Marketing tips:
- Partner with trusted local agents and agencies
- Sponsor local housing expos or school fairs
- Run video ads on Facebook and Instagram showing verified listings
- Use WhatsApp to circulate hot listings daily
- Offer rewards for referrals or agent sign-ups
Also work with property management firms to bring in bulk listings.
Final Thoughts
A real estate app that puts trust, visuals, and mobile usability at the core can disrupt the outdated, unreliable way Nigerians search for houses. By combining tech with verified listings and localized support, you can bring ease, speed, and transparency to the property market.
At Appfur Nigeria, we help entrepreneurs and agencies build powerful real estate platforms that solve the right problems. From idea to launch, we’re your partner in modernizing Nigerian housing.
We design and build high-quality, scalable mobile apps tailored to your needs.
Let’s talk! Message us on WhatsApp now: Click Here
Your next big app starts here!
