The verdict in three sentences
For a notary/conveyancing practice, a vertical SaaS costs 50-120 EUR per user per month in 2026, while custom modules wired into the regulatory tool run at 30,000-80,000 EUR. Custom does not replace the regulatory tool: it surrounds it to streamline deeds, files and client relations. ROI is measured on file processing time cut by around 25 % and fewer re-entries.
Vertical SaaS vs custom modules: the 2026 comparison
The practice does not choose between regulatory and custom: it combines them. The question is what you add around them.
| Criterion | Vertical SaaS | Custom modules |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | 0-5,000 EUR | 30,000-80,000 EUR |
| Recurring cost | 50-120 EUR/user/month | Hosting 100-300 EUR/month |
| Regulatory tool integration | Standard | Full, tailored |
| Workflow customization | Limited | Total |
| Client portal / signature | Vendor-dependent | Custom |
| Time to deploy | 3-8 weeks | 3-5 months |
| Ownership | No | Yes |
For an 8-user practice at 85 EUR/month, SaaS is 8,160 EUR/year, or 40,800 EUR over five years.
The ROI: processing time and re-entries
The main gain comes from removing re-entries between tools and streamlining files. Simulation for an 8-person practice (2026 order of magnitude).
| Item | Before | After custom |
|---|---|---|
| Average file processing time | 40 d | 30 d |
| Files/year | 900 | 900 |
| Re-entry time/file | 45 min | 10 min |
| Re-entry hours/year | 675 h | 150 h |
| Average hourly cost | 45 EUR | 45 EUR |
| Re-entry cost/year | 30,375 EUR | 6,750 EUR |
| Annual saving | — | 23,625 EUR |
With a 23,625 EUR/year saving on re-entries alone, a custom module at 55,000 EUR pays back in under 2.5 years, before counting the 25 % shorter processing time.
Mini case study
Ms. Renaud runs a 7-person practice in Dublin handling 820 files/year. Re-entries between the regulatory software and office tools take 40 min/file, i.e. 547 h/year. She invests 48,000 EUR in custom modules (client portal, automated letter generation, regulatory connector) plus 2,400 EUR/year hosting.
Re-entries drop to 12 min/file, i.e. 164 h/year: a saving of 383 h valued at 45 EUR, so 17,235 EUR/year. Adding fees generated by shorter processing, the investment pays back in about 3 years and capacity rises.
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FAQ
Must I replace the notary's regulatory software?
No. Custom complements the regulatory tool, via connectors, to remove re-entries and streamline client relations.
How much do custom modules cost for a notary practice?
Between 30,000 and 80,000 EUR depending on the number of modules (portal, letter generation, dashboards, connectors).
Is vertical SaaS enough for a small practice?
Often yes under 5-6 users. Beyond that, or with specific workflows, custom becomes worthwhile.
What time gain can I expect?
File processing time cut by around 25 % is realistic, mainly through removing re-entries and automating letters.
Is compliance guaranteed?
Yes, with EU/local hosting, encryption, logging and retention obligations. Budget a compliance layer of 4,000 to 9,000 EUR.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your user count, current regulatory software and priority modules. Detailed quote within 48 h. 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.
