Client: Elite Destination Property (EDP)

Industry: Luxury Real Estate (UAE)
Service Provided: UI/UX Design, Full Stack Web Development
Tech Stack: Next.js, TailwindCSS
Timeline: 2 Months
Agency: Digix Planet

Introduction:
In the dynamic and competitive world of UAE luxury real estate, Elite Destination Property (EDP) emerged with a bold vision: to become the most trusted name in high-end property  investment by combining international market expertise with deep local knowledge. But their digital presence needed to match that ambition.

EDP approached Digix Planet to create their first-ever official website not just a visual platform, but a fully functional, client-focused digital solution that reflects their values of trust, transparency, and excellence.

About the Client – Elite Destination Property (EDP)
EDP is founded on a deeply rooted principle: when our investors win, we win. Their approach to real estate is relational rather than transactional and this was a guiding principle in how their digital platform had to be built.

Led by Abdul Basir Qayumi and Mirwais Janbaz, the EDP team blends over 15 years of experience across international property markets with local market fluency in the UAE. Their multilingual team brings personalized attention to clients investing in one of the world’s most exciting luxury markets, Dubai.

Their goal was simple yet powerful:
“Create a digital space that builds trust, communicates value, and allows us to manage listings dynamically.”

Project Scope & Client Vision
Initially, the project scope was straightforward:

• Clean, modern UI design reflecting EDP’s premium branding
• WordPress website with property listings
• Contact forms and inquiry system
• CMS for easy content and listing management
• Basic SEO structure

However, as the project evolved, it became one of the most technically ambitious builds we’ve taken on, primarily because of changing client expectations mid-way, and a fundamental shift in platform architecture.

The Challenge: Changing Requirements & Development Shifts

Phase 1: The WordPress Start
We began with UI/UX design based on the client’s verbal brief. After one round of requirements, we delivered a clean Figma-based prototype. But once presented, the client requested three entirely different redesigns, based on different inspirations, without aligning them to the originally approved scope.

Despite the moving targets, our design team adapted quickly. On the fourth iteration, we received final UI approval. Development began with WordPress as agreed.

Phase 2: WordPress Development Breakdown
Within the first week of WordPress development, things shifted again. The client submitted new, highly custom requirements for forms, filters, and property presentation, which deviated entirely from the confirmed UI design.

Issues encountered:

• Requests for advanced filter logic and property tagging
• Live search and query handling beyond WordPress’s default capability
• Multiple design changes that contradicted earlier approvals
• The need for custom property management features (without plugins)
• Client requested backend control for property listings and database modifications

Our developers concluded: WordPress would no longer serve the technical scope efficiently.

Pivoting to a Custom Solution: Rebuilding with Full Stack Tech
At Digix Planet, we prioritize transparency. We sat down with the client and walked through the limitations of continuing on WordPress given their updated vision. After clear alignment, we transitioned to a fully custom stack.

New Tech Stack:

• Frontend: Next.js (React-based)
• Styling: Tailwind CSS
• UI Components: Shadcn
• Backend: MongoDB
• Hosting: Migrated from shared hosting to VPS Hosting for speed and scalability

This transition required starting development from scratch, migrating the UI into React components, rebuilding every form, property schema, and admin interaction — all while staying within a tight deadline.

Additional Technical Challenges

Email and DNS Shift:
We had previously created a company domain email hosted via the shared hosting platform. Once the project moved to a VPS setup, email creation became more complex and required external configuration. Eventually, we purchased and configured a separate Email Box solution for professional delivery and inbox reliability.

Database Rework (x3):
During development, the client changed their data model for properties three times, including fields, filters, and form actions. Each time, our team adjusted the MongoDB schema and frontend forms accordingly — a challenging task due to frontend/backend coupling.

Client Lacked Technical Knowledge:
As a non-technical client, EDP often misunderstood the implications of certain changes, leading to confusion. Our team invested additional time into explaining concepts in simple terms, using screen recordings and visual walkthroughs to help the client understand feature limitations, timelines, and UX best practices.

Backend Panel Creation:
Eventually, the client requested a custom backend where they could upload new properties, update existing listings, and control homepage elements.

We built a clean and minimalistic Admin Panel using React, allowing them to:

• Upload property listings with images, videos, and metadata=
• Edit, delete, or archive listings
• Update featured sections on the homepage
• View customer inquiries
• Filter listings by location, property type, and price range
  

Timeline Breakdown:

Phase	Description	Duration
Week 1	UI/UX Finalization (4 design rounds)	1 week
Week 2–3	WordPress development (abandoned)	2 weeks
Week 4–7	Custom stack development	4 weeks
Week 8	Backend Panel + Final QA	1 week

Total Time: ~2 Months

The Final Product: A Custom-Built Property Platform
EDP’s website is now a fully scalable, fast, secure, and SEO-ready real estate platform tailored specifically for the luxury market.

Key Features:

• Modern, clean UI reflecting luxury real estate branding
• Custom-built filters for property type, price, location
• Property pages with rich media (images, videos, maps)
• Lead generation forms tied to each listing
• Backend admin panel for full listing control
• Responsive design for mobile/tablet
• VPS-level performance and uptime
• Google indexing + SEO foundation
• Security layers for admin protection

Results:

• First online presence launched for EDP
• 100% client ownership of property management via backend
• Faster performance and UX than WordPress alternative
• Secured hosting infrastructure for long-term growth
• Internal team trained on admin usage
• Improved investor trust through professional site
• Modern, scalable tech foundation for Phase 2 expansion

Client Feedback:
“It was a challenging process, but Digix Planet delivered what we truly needed. They helped us understand every part, supported us through each change, and built something that we can now proudly show to our investors and clients.”
— Abdul Basir Qayumi, Co-Founder, EDP

Lessons Learned:
This case taught us key lessons that we’ve since integrated into our internal processes:

Scope Lock-In is Critical:
Multiple design and functionality changes reinforced the need for strict scope freeze protocols.

Non-technical Clients Need Visual Guidance:
When working with clients without a technical background, real-time walkthroughs and diagrams can significantly reduce miscommunication.

WordPress Isn’t Always the Best Fit:
While quick to deploy, WordPress isn’t suitable for advanced property features, custom filtering, or frontend flexibility needed for premium real estate.

What’s Next for EDP?

• Add language switcher for international clients
• Integration with real estate marketplaces (Bayut, Property Finder)
• Google Maps + advanced location search
• Blog and SEO campaign
• CRM integration (Zoho or HubSpot) for inquiry management

Final Thoughts
The EDP project was not just a web development task
it was a test of adaptability, client empathy, and technical excellence.

At Digix Planet, we thrive on challenges. Whether it’s launching a new brand or rescuing a project from platform limitations, we deliver solutions that grow with your business.

Looking to launch your real estate platform?
Reach out to us at info@digixplanet.com or visit digixplanet.com

Let’s build your next success story
together.