How to Develop an App Like Gumtree?

Key Takeaway

• Apps like Gumtree are popular in Australia due to a strong local culture, free listings, trust presence, and wide category coverage.

• Essential features to develop an app like Gumtree are listings, search, messaging, location filters, profiles, and admin portal.

• Steps to build an app like Gumtree involve planning, research, UX design, scalable technology, testing, and continuous updates.

• Cost to create an app like Gumtree ranges from AUD 25,000 to AUD 120,000+, depending on features and scalability.

• Gumtree-like apps earn revenue through featured listings, paid boosts, business subscriptions, category fees, and in-app advertising.

• JPLoft helps you build a scalable Gumtree-like app with features, secure architecture, smooth UX, and complete development support.

Online marketplaces have transformed the way people buy, sell, and connect locally in Australia. Gumtree is a strong example of how a simple idea can turn into a high-traffic platform that supports listings, chat, and safe deals.

Many startups and businesses now want to build an app like Gumtree to capitalize on the growing demand for local buying and selling. Developing such an app requires clear planning, the right technology, and a strong focus on user trust.

From smooth onboarding to fast search and secure messaging, every part of the app shapes the user experience. Business owners must also think about scalability, moderation, and long-term revenue from the start. 

This guide to Gumtree-like app development covers core features, technology choices, development stages, and cost factors. If you plan to launch a local marketplace app, you have landed in the right place to develop a robust classified app. 

What is Gumtree? 

Gumtree is a popular online classified marketplace that allows people to buy, sell, and connect within their local area. The app focuses on simple peer-to-peer transactions where users can list products or services and reach nearby buyers in simple steps. 

Gumtree supports a wide range of categories, including jobs, vehicles, property, services, and everyday items. This wide coverage makes this app useful for both individuals and small businesses. The core concept is local convenience. 

Instead of shipping items across cities or countries, users connect with people close to them. This approach builds faster interactions and reduces delivery issues. The app allows users to create free listings, upload images, add descriptions, and set prices. 

Buyers can search, filter, and contact sellers directly through in-app messaging. Trust plays an important role in the Gumtree like app development model. The platform includes user profiles, ratings, and safety guidelines to support secure communication. 

Gumtree and Related Market Statistics 

We have provided Gumtree and related market statistics before we start to develop an app like Gumtree:

• According to Market Search Future, the global online classifieds market is expected to reach AUD 2 trillion by 2035.

• Semrush estimated that Gumtree UK receives approximately 12.53 million monthly visits, with a significant 90.16% of its web traffic originating from the UK.

• Gumtree Australia reaches over 7.1 million Australians monthly, bolstered by integrated data from its Carsguide and Autotrader automotive platforms, as stated by GoAutoNews Premium.

• Market Search Future stated that mobile users drive growth, with over 80% of internet users accessing online classified platforms primarily through smartphones and handheld tablets.

Now that we know about this app. Now it's important to explore the reasons to learn how to build an app like Gumtree and its popularity across Australia.

Why is Gumtree Popular in Australia? 

The popularity of Gumtree like app development in Australia is due to various factors. Its local focus, simple usage, and strong community appeal align well with Australian buying habits, making it a preferred platform for everyday trading and connections across cities. 

The key reasons for Gumtree's popularity in Australia are:

1. Strong Focus on Local Buying and Selling 

Developing an app for a public marketplace connects buyers and sellers within the same city or suburb. Australians prefer local deals to avoid shipping delays and extra costs. This local-first approach supports quick meetups, easy inspections, and faster transactions for everyday items and services.

2. Wide Range of Categories 

Gumtree covers jobs, cars, property, services, and second-hand goods on one platform. This variety attracts different user groups. Australians can manage multiple needs without switching apps, which increases daily usage and long-term engagement across regions.

3. Free and Easy Listings 

Classified app like Gumtree allow users to post ads for free with minimal steps. This lowers entry barriers for individuals and small businesses. Many Australians use Gumtree because it feels accessible, flexible, and suitable for casual sellers and first-time users.

4. Strong Used Goods Culture

Australia has a strong culture of buying and selling used items. Gumtree supports this mindset by making resale simple and visible. Users often trade furniture, electronics, and vehicles, helping them save money and reduce waste.

5. Trusted Brand Presence Over Time

Gumtree has operated in Australia for many years, building brand trust and familiarity. Users feel confident using a platform they recognize. This long-term presence has helped Gumtree grow a loyal and active community nationwide.

After understanding why Gumtree resonates so strongly with Australian users, the next step is to explore the essential features that make an app like Gumtree successful and functional.

Essential Features to Have in an App like Gumtree 

The essential features of Gumtree focus on usability, trust, and smooth marketplace operations. Here is a table of the essential features required for how to develop a classified app like Gumtree:

The right features of how to develop a classified app like Gumtree, decides the users interact, trust the platform, and complete their deals smoothly. In the upcoming section, we will see how these elements come together through a structured Gumtree-like development process.

How to Develop an App Like Gumtree? 

The process to develop an app like Gumtree requires clear planning, the right technology, and a strong focus on user trust. It is not only about building a marketplace. It is about creating a smooth local buying and selling experience that can scale over time. 

Below is a step-by-step process of how to build an app like Gumtree successfully: 

Step 1: Define the Business Goals and App Scope

Start by defining why you want to build the app and who it is for. Decide whether your platform will target general classifieds or focus on specific categories like jobs, property, or vehicles. 

Clear goals help you control features, budget, and time to develop app. This step also helps identify how your app, like Gumtree, will stand out in the market.

Step 2: Research the Market and Users

Study existing classified apps and understand what users like and dislike. Analyze features, user flow, pricing models, and safety tools. 

Focus on local user behavior since location plays a key role in classified platforms. This research helps you avoid common mistakes and build features users actually need.

Step 3: Choose the Right Features Set

Plan app features based on user and admin needs. Core user features include sign up, profile management, ad posting, image upload, search filters, location-based listings, and in-app messaging. 

Admin features should include user control, ad moderation, reporting tools, and analytics. Start with essential features and avoid overbuilding in the first version.

Step 4: Design a Simple and Clear User Experience

A clean and simple mobile app design keeps users engaged. Focus on easy navigation, clear categories, and fast ad posting during the development of the app wireframe and prototype. Use large buttons, readable text, and simple forms. 

A well-designed interface builds trust and encourages repeat use. Good UX designed by a reliable UI/UX design service provider is critical for any classified app that depends on daily user activity.

Step 5: Select the Technology Stack

Choose a tech stack that supports scalability and performance. For mobile apps, you can go with native development or cross-platform frameworks like Flutter or React Native. 

For the backend, use cloud-based services with strong database support. Your mobile app tech stack should handle high traffic, large data volumes, and real-time messaging without slowing down.

Step 6: Build the Backend Infrastructure

The backend is the backbone of your app. It manages user data, listings, chats, and admin controls. Set up secure APIs, databases, and cloud storage for images. 

Implement caching and optimized queries to keep the app fast. A strong backend ensures your app, like Gumtree, performs well as users grow.

Step 7: Implement Location and Search Features 

Location-based search is a core function of classified app like Gumtree. Integrate reliable geolocation services to show nearby listings. Hire a classified app development company to help you include the trendy and essential features for this type of platform.

Add filters for price, category, and distance. Fast and accurate search improves user satisfaction and helps users find relevant listings quickly.

Step 8: Add Safety and Moderation Tools

Trust is critical in peer-to-peer platforms. Add user verification, report options, and block features. Build admin moderation tools to review ads and user activity. 

Use automated checks to reduce spam and duplicate content. These features protect users and maintain platform quality.

Step 9: Integrate Monetization Features

Plan monetization without affecting the user experience. Add optional paid features like featured ads, listing boosts, and business accounts. 

Keep basic usage free to attract users. Monetization should feel like an upgrade, not a barrier. Partner with an experienced mobile app development company to have a revenue model integrated seamlessly.

Step 10: Test the App Thoroughly 

Mobile app testing ensures the application works smoothly across devices. Perform functional testing, performance testing, and security testing. 

Check search speed, chat reliability, and ad posting flow. Fix issues before launch to avoid negative user feedback.

Step 11: Launch and Monitor Performance

After you create an app like Gumtree, publish the app on Play Store or iOS Store with a clear launch plan. Monitor user behavior, crashes, and feedback. 

Use analytics to track growth, engagement, and revenue. Regular updates help improve performance and user trust.

Step 12: Scale and Improve Over Time

After launch, focus on scaling features and infrastructure. Add advanced filters, better analytics, and improved moderation tools. 

Listen to user feedback and refine the platform. A successful app like Gumtree grows through continuous improvement and strong user focus.

Following these steps on how to make an app like Gumtree, you can build a reliable and scalable classified marketplace app that supports long-term growth and user engagement. The next important part to look at is the cost factors involved and how the budget is shaped.

How Much Does it Cost to Develop an App Like Gumtree? 

The development cost of an app like Gumtree varies between AUD 25,000 to AUD 120,000+. Knowing the mobile app development cost is essential before starting the project to set a budget. 

Here is a detailed cost breakdown table for developing an app like Gumtree:

This detailed cost breakdown of a marketplace app like Gumtree is estimated based on the industry pricing in 2025-26. Actual cost may vary depending on the choices. 

Estimated Development Cost Based on App Complexity

1. Basic MVP: 

• Features: Core features like user accounts, simple listings, basic search, and messaging. Ideal for market testing

• Development Time: 2 to 3 months

• Estimated Cost in AUD: $25,000 – $50,000 

2. Mid-Level App:

• Features: Advanced search/filters, location-based browsing, better UI/UX, notifications

• Development Time: 4 to 6 months

• Estimated Cost in AUD: $50,000 – $95,000

3. Advanced App:

• Features: Additional advanced features like payment integrations, analytics, and improved moderation tools.

• Development Time: 6 months+

• Estimated Cost in AUD: $90,000 – $120,000+

Budget planning before you start on how to create a classified app like Gumtree helps you choose features wisely. It also manages resources better and avoids surprises during development. With the development costs in mind, the next focus is how to monetize and create a steady income source.

How Do Gumtree-like Apps Make Money? 

Generally, after Gumtree clone app development, the business follows a marketplace monetization model that keeps basic usage free while charging for visibility and premium value. 

Below are the main ways to monetize Gumtree clone app development:

1. Featured Listings

Featured listings help sellers promote their ads to get more visibility and faster responses. They are ideal for competitive categories where standing out directly improves chances of closing deals quickly.

How It Works

Sellers pay to highlight their ads at the top of search results or category pages for a fixed time. The placement attracts more views, messages, and inquiries compared to standard listings.

Revenue Source

One-time or recurring payments for ad promotion and premium placement. Higher pricing tiers offer longer visibility periods, better positioning, and increased exposure across multiple sections of the app.

2. Paid Ads and Boosts

Ad boosts allow sellers to refresh or re-promote listings without reposting them. This model works well for time-sensitive items where quick responses increase conversion success.

How It Works

Users pay a small fee to push their listing higher in search results or mark it as urgent. Boosted ads gain renewed visibility among active buyers searching for similar items.

Revenue Source

Micro-transactions for ad refresh, urgent tags, or spotlight visibility. Frequent use by active sellers creates consistent revenue without forcing users into long-term commitments.

3. Business Accounts

Business accounts are designed for professional sellers and service providers. These accounts support higher listing volumes and help businesses manage leads more efficiently within the platform.

How It Works

Businesses subscribe to monthly or yearly plans with benefits like bulk listings and analytics. Additional perks may include branded profiles, priority support, and enhanced listing controls.

Revenue Source

Subscription fees from real estate agents, recruiters, and service businesses. Long-term plans provide predictable income and encourage businesses to stay active on the platform.

4. Display Advertising

The platform sells ad space to third-party brands. This model works best with high traffic and strong user engagement across different categories and geographic regions.

How It Works

Ads appear as banners or promoted content within the app and website. Targeting options allow advertisers to reach users based on location, category interest, or browsing behavior.

Revenue Source

Cost-per-click or cost-per-impression advertising deals. High user activity increases ad value and allows the platform to charge premium rates for targeted campaigns. 

5. Category-Specific Fees 

High-demand categories generate direct listing revenue. These categories usually attract businesses and serious sellers willing to pay for qualified leads.

How It Works

Users pay to post ads in categories like jobs, vehicles, or property. Fees help reduce spam and maintain higher-quality listings within premium sections.

Revenue Source

Fixed posting fees for premium categories. This creates stable income while ensuring serious sellers gain better visibility among motivated buyers.

Gumtree clone app development succeeds by combining free access with optimal paid upgrades. Creating steady revenue without blocking user growth. Now we will examine the development challenges that must be addressed to build a successful and reliable platform.

Development Challenges of App Like Gumtree

Gumtree like app development comes with several technical and operational challenges. Finding the right solution for these challenges helps you focus on scalability, safety, and long-term growth.

Below are the key development challenges businesses must have pre-planned to create an app like Gumtree: 

Challenge 1: Managing High Volume of Listings

A Gumtree-like app handles thousands of listings daily. Poor data handling can slow search, load times, and overall performance as the platform grows. Unoptimized databases also increase server load and reduce browsing speed for active users.

Solution: Use an easily scalable app framework and cloud backend with an optimized database and indexing. Apply caching and pagination to keep listing loads fast and stable.

Challenge 2: Building User Trust and Safety

Open marketplace app like Gumtree often attract spam, fake profiles, and fraudulent ads, which can reduce user confidence quickly. A lack of safety controls may lead to scams, poor reviews, and user churn over time.

Solution: Implement profile verification, reporting tools, automated moderation, and clear safety guidelines to maintain a trustworthy environment.

Challenge 3: Real-Time Messaging Performance 

In-app chat must handle large volumes of messages without delays or failures. Message lag, dropped conversations, or sync issues can frustrate users and interrupt deal closures significantly.

Solution: Use real-time messaging services with WebSockets or cloud-based messaging APIs to ensure smooth and reliable communication.

Challenge 4: Location-Based Search Accuracy 

Incorrect or slow location data affects search results and user satisfaction. Poor mapping logic can display irrelevant listings, reducing trust and making local discovery difficult for users.

Solution: Integrate reliable geolocation services and optimize queries to deliver accurate nearby listings with minimal latency.

Challenge 5: Content Moderation at Scale

Manual review becomes difficult as user-generated content increases. Duplicate ads, prohibited items, and misleading content can overwhelm admins and reduce platform quality if unchecked.

Solution: Combine AI-based content filtering with admin moderation dashboards to detect spam, duplicates, and policy violations efficiently.

Challenge 6: Monetization Without Hurting UX

Aggressive ads and paid features can reduce engagement. If monetization blocks visibility or access, users may leave the platform for simpler alternatives quickly.

Solution: Offer optional promotions like featured ads and boosts while keeping core features free and accessible.

Challenge 7: Scalability and Future Growth

Sudden user growth can break poorly planned systems. Traffic spikes during promotions or seasonal demand may cause crashes and service downtime.

Solution: Design a modular architecture with load balancing and auto-scaling to support long-term growth.

With proper planning, scalable architecture, and user-focused design, these challenges can be managed effectively. This complete guide to Gumtree-like app development helps businesses build a reliable, secure, and scalable classified marketplace platform like Gumtree. 

How Can JPLoft Help You Build an App Like Gumtree? 

JPLoft helps businesses turn marketplace ideas into scalable and reliable digital products. With strong experience in building classified and marketplace apps, our team understands what it takes to create a platform like Gumtree that users trust and use daily. 

JPLoft, a top mobile app development company in Australia, focuses on building apps that are simple to use, fast to load, and ready to scale as your user base grows. Our process starts with understanding your business goals, target users, and monetization plan. Based on this, we design a clear app structure with the right features, a clean UI, and smooth user flow. 

From secure user accounts and ad posting to location-based search and in-app messaging, we build every feature with performance and usability in mind. Our developers also pay close attention to backend stability and admin control. 

We develop strong moderation tools, analytics dashboards, and scalable architecture to support long term growth. Our team follows a transparent development process with regular updates, clear timelines, and quality testing at every stage.

Whether you want to launch an MVP or a full-featured marketplace app, JPLoft provides end-to-end support from idea validation to launch and post-launch improvement. We help you build a Gumtree-like app that delivers real value and sustainable results.

Conclusion 

Working on how to make an app like Gumtree is a strategic process that blends smart planning, user-focused design, and scalable technology. A successful classified marketplace is defined by how easily users can post listings, find local deals, and communicate with confidence. 

From choosing the right feature to make an app like Gumtree to monetization, every decision impacts long-term growth. Starting with a clear MVP helps control cost and risk while validating your idea in the real market. As users grow, investing in performance, safety, and usability becomes essential. 

A flexible backend, clean interface, and location-based search keep the platform reliable and engaging. With the right development approach, businesses can create a marketplace app that supports trust, drives daily activity, and generates steady revenue. 

Careful execution and continuous improvement are the keys to building a competitive and sustainable app, following this Gumtree-like app development guide.