Classified applications have become increasingly popular over the last few years. Because of these apps, anyone can run their own online business or sell their product from home.
A survey found that the site received 14.8 million unique visitors every month, making it the largest local community platform in the UK as of November 2010.
Gumtree is part of the UK's largest classifieds network, as well as also famous in Singapore, South America, and Australia. Something similar to a classified app like Gumtree, if you make it at the current time, you will surely make a lot of money.
Interested stakeholders always have one question that is “How much does it cost to develop an app like Gumtree?”
Well, the cost to develop an app like Gumtree can be somewhere between $20,000 to $100,000. There are a lot of things that can affect the ultimate price you may pay. Find out how those elements can change the game.
This will assist you get a clear notion and making better decisions that ensure you are on the right track.
Gumtree- A Famous Online Ads Platform
One of the major questions people ask is “What is Gumtree?”
For those who may not know, Gumtree is a popular online classified advertisement app and website. It's a platform where individuals can list items to sell, buy, or trade with others in their local area.
Gumtree, the UK's leading classifieds platform, boasts an impressive 2 million new listings and 19 million active registered users each month.
Whether it's furniture, electronics, cars, or classic jobs, Gumtree is good when you need that kind of thing. It is basically an electronic version of the classifieds section of a newspaper.
Some of the ads are sponsored (which finances the Gumtree service), however some are free. Gumtree was formally launched in March 2000.
Following Gumtree's success, the market for classified apps and websites has been steadily growing. This has sparked interest among investors who are keen to invest to create a classified app .
How Does Gumtree Work?

Gumtree is a global networking site that allows sellers to join and sell their products to the world. Let’s understand it in depth:
• First of all, you have to create your account to use Gumtree for free.
• After setting up an account, create listings of items to be sold with their proper descriptions, high-quality images, and add a price to your listings.
• As a buyer, you have the option to search by keywords or browse items by categories to find what you may want to buy.
• In case you like something, then you can contact the seller right away and talk about the item, negotiate the price, and manage to set a meeting with them to inspect it.
• This is where a seller and a buyer meet physically when one wants to sell something. In most cases, the buyer examines an item and pays in cash, else they can pay online too.
We've explored how Gumtree works and how to sell items on it. Now, let's discuss some of the best features you can incorporate to boost your earnings.
Gumtree-like App Should Have Such Features
Ready to Create an app like Gumtree? Well, to stand out in the market, you’ll need to incorporate a range of essential features.
Let’s dive into key features that can elevate your app and attract a loyal user base.
• User Profiles
In a Gumtree-like app, a good user profile is a must.
It should have a profile page where people can list information about themselves like their name, where they are from, their interests, and how to contact them.
That way other users know a little about who they are dealing with and there's some sense of security and trust. Additionally, user profiles can be used to personalize the app experience, recommending listings that align with the user's preferences.
• Listing Creation
If the process of creating a listing is not user-friendly enough, then the user may become discouraged from posting his/her item or service.
The interface should be intuitive and easy to navigate, allowing users to add essential details like titles, descriptions, images, and categories. That, and of course the ability to set a price and state the quality of the item and if it's able to be shipped or is pickup only.
• Search and Filtering
Whether you want to create a classified website or app, a strong search and filtering mechanism is a must. After all, this assists users to quickly and accurately find the products/services they desire.
It should allow users to search by keywords, categories, location, price range, etc.
There should also be a way to organize the search results in an easy, understandable way, with other options to further narrow the search by using these filters.
• Messaging System
A strong messaging system is a necessity to create an online ads platform like Gumtree, thatallows contact between buyer and seller.
It should be possible for users to send messages to and receive messages in the app, Plus, it would make it much easier to make deals, ask questions, and set up transactions.
The messaging system should also block users and report vulgar messages so that everyone has a nice, safe experience.
• Favorites and Saved Searches
Favorites and saved search features can be seen in Craigslist like app developmentwhich is why it’s so popular.
The ability to save listings and create saved searches is a valuable feature that enhances user experience.
By saving listings, users can easily revisit items they are interested in and track their progress.
Furthermore, saved searches allow users to automatically receive notifications when new listings match their criteria, making it easier to find the items they are looking for without having to constantly search.
• Geolocation
Geolocation is an important feature to include in an app like Gumtree, as it lets people look for goods or services in the region they are in.
This function of the app will only work when GPS is activated and it can assist the customer with information on where he is located and which advertisements are close to him.
This helps in particular when trying to purchase goods that can be picked up or delivered to the user's location.
• Social Integration
Incorporating social media networks can improve user involvement and promote the app.
A social media integration feature allows users to link the app to their social media accounts to post listings that are visible to their friends or followers.
This can boost advertisement and entice more users to either buy or sell. Other benefits are associated with social networking that can alleviate the concern of trust.
• Payment Gateway
Some apps are meant to assist users to perform trade thus a safe and reliable payment gateway is a necessity.
This feature empowers users to make payments within the application bypassing them to seek other means of payment.
It should be built into the app in such a way that the users won’t be aware of it but it will be efficient, secure, and safe enough for user transaction completion.
It is recommended to use the services of only trusted ones that will conform to the provided conditions and include security against theft.
Advanced Feature to Incorporate in Your Gumtree-like App
If you want to create the ultimate Gumtree-like app, featuring advanced functionality like that mentioned below will be ideal for stellar performance:
• Augmented Reality
Using AR will facilitate an easier means of improving the user experience by being able to visualize things in their space.
For instance, it will allow users to virtually place furniture in their living room or virtually try on clothes using their smartphone camera. This gives the user a more interactive and engaging method of shopping.
• AI-Powered Recommendations
AI algorithms can leverage user data, such as search history and favorite listings, to offer unique recommendations based on other users' interactions.
The above helps the users get to items or services that perhaps they never thought of. Another important application of AI is in detecting and preventing fraudulent activity.
• Virtual Reality Showrooms
It can be more immersive, for instance, by looking at VR showrooms of categories such as real estate or vehicles.
Users can have virtual tours of properties or take a closer look at details in cars, thus making shopping far more realistic and convenient.
• Voice Search and Command
Voice search and command will make the use of an app simpler for users, particularly on mobile platforms.
They'd be able to simply state what they want to search for, or their commands, without touching anything and enabling a completely hands-free experience. To offer something different to your user, you can have this feature in your Gumtree-like app development.
• Gamification Elements
It can make the app fun and exciting owing to gamification.
For example, creating listings, making purchases, or leaving positive reviews all have points or badges attached, thereby incentivizing participation and loyalty in users.
How Much Does It Cost to Build an App like Gumtree?
If you ever wonder about what it cost to build an online classified ads platform like Gumtree? This section will help you to clarify it.
In case, you have a vision for some sort of app like Gumtree. It’s important to understand the financial landscape.
So, how much does it cost to develop an online classified app like Gumtree?
On average, Gumtree-like app development costcan be somewhere from $20,000 to $100,000. This cost can increase or decrease as per project requirements and complexity.
Several factors can affect the overall Gumtree clone app development cost which we will discuss below. Before that, take a quick look at this table for clarity of cost:
| Development Aspect | Estimated Cost Range | Description |
| Basic App with Core Features | $20,000 - $40,000 | Includes essential features like user registration, listings, and basic search functionality. |
| Moderately Complex App | $40,000 - $60,000 | Adds more features like advanced search filters, messaging, and payment integrations. |
| Feature-Rich App | $60,000 - $80,000 | Includes advanced functionalities, such as real-time notifications, detailed analytics, and extensive customization options. |
| High-End App with Custom Design | $80,000 - $100,000 | Features all of the above plus custom UI/UX design, extensive testing, and high-end security measures. |
Estimating the cost to develop an app like Gumtree can be challenging, so consider these figures as approximate. For a more accurate assessment tailored to your project, it’s best to consult with an experienced mobile app development company .
Factors Affecting the Cost to Develop an App Like Gumtree
Several factors can affect the overall cost to create an app like Gumtree. Gaining insights into these factors offers more refined app development.
Let's explore these factors in the below section:
1. Choosing Platform
This has to be a top element that affects your overall cost to build a classified app like Gumtree.
Wondering how? Whether you opt for Android app development services or iOS app development services , your choice will impact development costs including testing requirements and maintenance expenses.
Another cost-effective option is hybrid app development, though it may require adjustments to ensure performance and quality.
2. UI/UX Design
How much does an app like Gumtree cost also depends on what kind of design you go with?
UI/UX design can have a substantial impact on the costs to develop an app like Gumtree, often more than one might expect.
A streamlined, user-friendly design will attract users but this takes a lot of planning and preparation.
For instance, incorporating intricate animations or custom transitions demands additional development time and resources, which can escalate costs.
On the other hand, a simpler more user-friendly design would probably make development much easier and cheaper.
Appearance is important, but not as much as function, and good UI/UX design can make all the difference between a user being satisfied and not being satisfied, which in turn affects whether or not an app will be successful and how much it will cost in the long run.
3. Development team location and Expertise
Where your development team is located and how experienced they are can make a huge difference in the entire cost to build an app like Gumtree. Experienced team, no matter where, tends to be more expensive because they are more skilled, and have a history of success.
However, that know-how could mean more streamlined development, fewer mistakes, and a better app, and the extra upfront cost is probably worth it.
On the other hand, a newer team would probably charge less but it would take them longer to develop something, and there's a higher risk of errors and having to make lots of corrections, which would end up costing more in the end.
For instance, a hiring app developer from the USA or UK can increase the overall cost to create an app like Gumtree as compared to regions from Asia, and the Philippines.
In summary, balancing team expertise with their location is essential to optimizing Gumtree likeapp development costs and ensuring a successful outcome.
Expertise Level | Location | Hourly Cost (USD) |
Junior Developer | USA | $40-60 |
Junior Developer | UK | £30-45 |
Junior Developer | Asia | $20-35 |
Mid-Level Developer | USA | $60-80 |
Mid-Level Developer | UK | £45-60 |
Mid-Level Developer | Asia | $35-50 |
Advanced Developer | USA | $80-120 |
Advanced Developer | UK | £60-80 |
Advanced Developer | Asia | $50-70 |
4. Maintenance and Support
Maintenance and support are important elements of an app’s success.
However, the maintenance and support services could really cut into the cost to develop an app like Gumtree.
Constant upgrades, bug corrections, user assistance, all of these things cost money and time. A good app would cut down on maintenance, but if it is too complicated or is always being updated, then those costs go up.
Proper maintenance and support keep the app reliable and the users happy. But, if it’s not taken seriously it might affect the development costs.
5. Complexity of the App
Complexity will have a great impact on the cost to build an app like Gumtree.
The more complex the app is, the more it costs to develop it, and its features like advanced search filters, real-time notifications, or integration with all sorts of payment systems.
Complex functionalities require more time for design, coding, and testing, leading to increased labor and potentially higher costs for specialized skills.
Also, upkeeping and developing a large application is much more time-consuming.
Streamlining features or taking a step-by-step approach to development, will keep the cost down but still provide a very functional and user-friendly app.
We believe you have an idea about the cost to develop a marketplace app like Gumtree and the factors affecting it, with that, it’s time that we talk about how Gumtree-like app makes money.
Monetization Models for Your Gumtree-like App
All business investorsplan to invest in such kinds of apps,to make money and to be different in the market.
That must be your goal too, so in order to make the most money possible you should incorporate as many different types of monetization models as you can.
1. Subscription Model
Through this model, you can charge users a monthly, quarterly, or yearly fee to usethe app.
This is a really nice model because it offers stable income and usually consists of tiered memberships with different levels of entry or reward.
This in turn promotes continued participation and fidelity, for the user must constantly put money into the app for its worth and upgrades.
2. In-App Purchases (IAP)
The user downloads the app for no cost and if they so choose can purchase virtual goods, upgrades, or additional content in the app which can be a great idea to make money.
That type of model can be used in your Gumtree-like appwhere you enjoy revenue through upgrades, personalization, or selling unique items.
3. Advertising Model
The app itself is free, and it makes money from the ads that are shown to the user.
This model makes money through ad networks, or direct relationships, through impressions, clicks, or user interactions. It needs a lot of users to produce a lot of ad money yet can be a great source to recover your cost to develop a marketplace app like Gumtree& even make some profits.
4. Affiliate Marketing Model
There are also links or advertisements for other products or services, (third-party).
Money is made on commissions for sales made from these referrals. This model utilizes the user base of the app to bring traffic and sales to its affiliate partners.
5. Freemium Model
The freemium model gives users basic services at no cost while asking for payment for advanced features or premium functions.
Users can use core features without paying, which helps to spread adoption and keep people engaged.
To get extra perks, like better features, no ads, or special content, users need to upgrade to a paid plan. This model tries to draw in lots of users with the free option and then turn some of those users into paying customers.
However, to effectively integrate such monetization models, you'll need the guidance of an expert. Our next section will cover exactly that.
How Techanic Infotech can help you Build a Classified App like Gumtree?
The classified app market, including platforms like Gumtree, has enormous growth potential.
To become a leader in this field, you need to team up with a company that works for your visionbyovercoming all challenges.
Techanic Infotech, a top-notch classified app development company , is ready to lend a hand.
We have the know-how and skills to turn your idea into something real, which is why businesses keep coming back to us for more projects.
If you have an idea, connect with us to convert it into a successful solution.
Conclusion
The cost of developing a Gumtree-like app can vary significantly based on factors such as platform choice, design complexity, development team expertise, maintenance requirements, and app features.
While a basic app with core functionalities may cost around $20,000 to $40,000, advanced features and custom designs can drive the cost up to $100,000 or more.
To monetize your Gumtree-like app, consider various models like subscriptions, in-app purchases, advertising, freemium, and affiliate marketing. The best approach depends on your target audience, app features, and overall business strategy.
FAQ's
You can consider different features to include in a Gumtree-like app.
The cost to develop an app like Gumtree can be based on several factors that include platform choice, development team location and their expertise, and app features. On average, the cost can be somewhere from $20,000 to $100,000.
Monetization models for a Gumtree-like app can be.
Make sure to consider factors like team expertise, location, communication skills, and portfolio. Also, look for a team with experience in developing similar platforms, and make sure to request references.
There are several challenges and risks involved in developing a Gumtree-like app such as.
