The verdict in three sentences
Running a property development on spreadsheets always ends in double reservations and lost payment schedules. A custom build at 12,000,000 to 35,000,000 FCFA centralises programmes, units, reservations and payments with a buyer portal. The real gain is measured in avoided reservation errors, each one costing dearly in disputes and trust.
Spreadsheets or dedicated software: the comparison
Spreadsheets are free but lock nothing: two salespeople can reserve the same unit, a schedule can be forgotten, a payment misallocated. Dedicated software enforces consistency. Here is the comparison for a developer running 3 programmes and 120 units.
| Criterion (2026 ballpark) | Spreadsheets | Custom software |
|---|---|---|
| Initial cost | 0 FCFA | 12,000,000 - 35,000,000 FCFA |
| Double reservation | high risk | automatic locking |
| Schedule tracking | manual | automatic alerts |
| Buyer portal | none | dedicated portal |
| Multi-programme consolidation | fragile | single dashboard |
| Maintenance / evolutions | 0 | 300,000 - 900,000 FCFA / month |
| Payment traceability | weak | complete |
| Rollout timeline | immediate | 6 - 10 months |
Spreadsheets suit a first small programme. As soon as you run several programmes in parallel, the cost of a single reservation error far exceeds the software investment.
The modules to budget
Developer software is built module by module. Here are the essential bricks and their FCFA ballpark to frame the budget.
| Module | What it delivers | Budget impact |
|---|---|---|
| Programme and unit management | sales plan, unit status | 3,000,000 - 7,000,000 FCFA |
| Reservations and options | locking, dated options | 2,500,000 - 6,000,000 FCFA |
| Payment schedules | client plans, auto follow-up | 3,000,000 - 8,000,000 FCFA |
| Secure buyer portal | documents, payment tracking | 2,500,000 - 6,500,000 FCFA |
| Developer dashboard | multi-programme consolidation | 2,000,000 - 5,000,000 FCFA |
| Post-launch maintenance | evolutions and support | 300,000 - 900,000 FCFA / month |
Allow 6 to 10 months for a full programmes + reservations + schedules + buyer portal scope.
Mini case study
Mr Ndiaye, a developer in Dubai, runs 3 programmes and 120 units. In 2026, with spreadsheets, he suffers about 4 reservation errors a year (double sale, unhonoured option), each costing on average 1,800,000 FCFA in compensation and lost trust, i.e. 7,200,000 FCFA/year.
A custom build at 22,000,000 FCFA plus 500,000 FCFA maintenance nearly eliminates these errors and automates schedule reminders. Cost over 36 months: 22,000,000 + 36 x 500,000 = 40,000,000 FCFA. From avoided errors alone (7.2M FCFA/year, i.e. 21.6M over three years) plus better-collected payments, the tool pays back in about four years, while professionalising the image with buyers and partner banks.
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FAQ
Why leave spreadsheets?
Because they do not lock reservations or alert on schedules. A single double reservation can cost over 1,500,000 FCFA in disputes.
What budget for custom developer software?
Between 12,000,000 and 35,000,000 FCFA depending on the number of modules and programmes, plus 300,000 to 900,000 FCFA/month maintenance.
Is the buyer portal really useful?
Yes: it reassures clients, cuts calls and centralises documents and payment tracking. Budget 2,500,000 to 6,500,000 FCFA.
How long for development?
Six to ten months for a full scope. A programmes + reservations MVP can ship in 4 months.
Does the software handle several programmes at once?
Yes, with a consolidated dashboard giving the sales and collection status per programme in real time.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your number of programmes, units and priority modules (reservations, schedules, buyer portal), and we will frame the FCFA budget. 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.
