The verdict in three sentences
A real estate agency loses most of its time on viewings that lead nowhere and paper files that drag on. An app with precise filters, viewing bookings and mobile money reservation deposits lets only serious prospects through and shortens the signing cycle. In Nairobi as in Dakar, the tool costs 1.5 to 3.5 M FCFA and pays back within a few transactions.
The problem: too many viewings, too few signings
An agent lining up 8 viewings a day with no filtering may convert one. By qualifying upfront (budget, area, rooms, income), the app raises the share of useful viewings. The MoMo reservation deposit locks in the prospect's commitment and filters out browsers, while the online tenant file (documents, guarantor, income) removes back-and-forth.
| Function | Before | After app |
|---|---|---|
| Viewings/signing | 8-10 | 3-4 |
| Time to signing | 3-5 weeks | 1-2 weeks |
| Tenant file | Paper, 4 days | Online, 1 day |
| Reservation deposit | Cash, uncertain | MoMo, instant |
| Prospect tracking | Notebook | Auto scoring |
| Viewing no-show | 30-40 % | 10-15 % |
2026 budget and scope
| Tier | Scope | Cost FCFA | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | Listings + filters + bookings | 1,500,000 – 2,000,000 | 4-6 wks |
| Standard | + MoMo deposit + online file | 2,200,000 – 2,900,000 | 6-9 wks |
| Advanced | + scoring + owner portal | 3,000,000 – 3,500,000 | 9-12 wks |
| Maintenance | Hosting + support | 75,000 – 150,000/mo | ongoing |
The reservation deposit runs through mobile money, with webhook confirmation and fees around 1 to 3 %. The amount held (often one month's rent or 5 to 10 % of the price) secures the deal.
Mini case study
Fatou runs an agency in Nairobi with 3 agents. They did 9 viewings per signing. After the app (filters + MoMo deposit), they drop to 4 viewings per signing and sign in 12 days instead of 28. On 20 signings/month at an average 250,000 FCFA commission, the freed time adds 5 signings/month, i.e. +1.25 M FCFA/month. The 2.9 M FCFA app is amortized in under three months.
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FAQ
How much does a real estate agency app cost in 2026?
From 1.5 to 3.5 M FCFA depending on modules, plus 75,000 to 150,000 FCFA/month for hosting and support. The essential listings + bookings tier is enough to launch.
Is a mobile money reservation deposit legal and safe?
Yes, as long as terms are written in the app (amount, refund, deadline). Wave and Orange Money confirm payment instantly by webhook.
Does the online tenant file replace paper documents?
It centralizes them: ID, proof of income and guarantor are uploaded once and reused. This cuts file assembly from several days to one.
How does the app cut wasted viewings?
By filtering on budget, area, room count and income before booking, and by requiring a deposit: only genuinely committed prospects book a viewing.
Let's talk about your project. We'll frame your listings, filters and MoMo deposit on a call. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
