The verdict in three sentences
A property SaaS (55 to 120 EUR/user/month, often with a 12-24 month commitment) starts fast but locks you into its data model and syndication. A custom transaction CRM at 38,000-80,000 EUR makes you the owner of your buyer scoring, mandate tracking and prospecting compliance. For a brokerage that signs 22% more mandates thanks to scoring, custom pays for itself in under two years.
SaaS vs custom: the 2026 comparison
SaaS pools costs but imposes its limits; custom costs more upfront and hands you back control of the data.
| Criterion | Property SaaS | Custom CRM |
|---|---|---|
| Entry cost | 0-2,000 EUR | 38,000-80,000 EUR |
| Subscription | 55-120 EUR/user/month | Maintenance 700-1,500 EUR/month |
| Commitment | 12-24 months | None (code owned) |
| 3-year cost (6 users) | 11,880-25,920 EUR | 63,200-134,000 EUR |
| Buyer scoring | Basic/absent | Custom |
| Listing syndication | Included (standard portals) | Custom + API |
| Prospecting compliance | Generic | Tailored to your process |
| Data portability | Limited | Total |
SaaS stays unbeatable in direct cost over 3 years. Custom wins as soon as scoring and syndication create measurable extra mandates and sales.
What a 38,000-80,000 EUR custom CRM covers
The value of a property CRM lies in scoring and mandate tracking. Here is a typical breakdown and schedule.
| Item | Scope | 2026 ballpark (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Specification | 3 weeks of workshops | 4,000-7,000 |
| Mandate management | Lifecycle, deadline alerts | 8,000-15,000 |
| Transaction pipeline | Offers, closings, deeds | 8,000-16,000 |
| Buyer scoring | Criteria, matching, prioritization | 6,000-14,000 |
| Listing syndication | Portal feeds, auto updates | 5,000-12,000 |
| Prospecting compliance | Consents, purge, traceability | 3,000-8,000 |
| Migration + training | Data migration, onboarding | 4,000-8,000 |
The 3-week specification is decisive: it freezes the scoring rules and mandate cycle, which prevents budget drift mid-project.
Mini case study
Mehdi runs a 6-agent brokerage that signs about 90 mandates/year, with an average commission of 6,500 EUR per sale. On his SaaS he pays 95 EUR/user/month, i.e. 6,840 EUR/year. Custom buyer scoring targets +22% signed mandates, i.e. ~20 more mandates/year. Even converting only one mandate in three into a sale, that means ~7 extra sales, or 45,500 EUR of additional annual commissions.
Project estimated at 58,000 EUR + maintenance 1,100 EUR/month (13,200 EUR/year). 3-year cost: 58,000 + 39,600 = 97,600 EUR. Against 45,500 EUR/year of new commissions, the investment is covered in about 22 months. Decision: custom, V1 focused on mandates plus scoring, syndication in batch 2.
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FAQ
What does a custom property CRM cost in 2026?
38,000 to 80,000 EUR depending on scope (mandates, scoring, syndication), plus 700 to 1,500 EUR/month maintenance. The 3-week specification drives the accuracy of the quote.
Why not stay on a property SaaS?
Over 3 years and 6 users, SaaS costs 11,880 to 25,920 EUR, far less than the build. But the 12-24 month commitment, limited scoring and poor data portability cap the growth of ambitious brokerages.
Does buyer scoring really improve the signing rate?
A realistic target is +15 to +25% signed mandates through better prioritization. On 90 mandates/year, that is 13 to 22 additional mandates.
How do you handle prospecting compliance?
The CRM logs consents, applies retention periods and automatically purges inactive contacts. It is a module to frame from the specification onward.
How long to deliver?
12 to 16 weeks after a 3-week specification. We deliver mandates and scoring first, then syndication and compliance refinements.
Let's scope your project. Give us your number of agents, your annual mandate volume and your indicative budget (38,000-80,000 EUR), and we will frame a signing-oriented CRM. 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.
