The verdict in three sentences
For a Singapore managing agent combining strata management and lettings, automating quarterly charge calls is the first source of savings. A custom build in local currency includes strata accounting and an owner portal, with no foreign-currency billing. A foreign licence suits a small portfolio; beyond 600 units, custom cuts processing time by 50%.
Custom build vs foreign licence: 2026 figures
The foreign licence bills in hard currency and fits local strata rules poorly. The custom build is a one-off investment (shown as FCFA equivalent).
| Item | Custom build (FCFA) | Foreign licence (FCFA) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry cost | 8,500,000 – 15,000,000 | 0 |
| Subscription / month | 0 | 60,000 – 180,000 |
| Strata-accounting module | 3,500,000 included | often add-on |
| Owner portal | included | plan-dependent |
| Hosting / month | 160,000 | included |
| Annual maintenance | 15% (1,275,000 – 2,250,000) | included |
| Local accounting compliance | full | partial |
Over 3 years a licence at 150,000 FCFA/month is 5,400,000 FCFA in subscription; the build is 8,500,000–15,000,000 FCFA plus hosting and maintenance. Custom becomes an owned asset matched to strata accounting.
What the tool changes on charges and tracking
Managing 600+ units on spreadsheets lengthens charge processing and complicates owner accounts. An integrated tool automates and stabilises it.
| Metric | Before (spreadsheets) | After (integrated tool) |
|---|---|---|
| Time on quarterly charge calls | baseline | -50% |
| Units tracked | limited | 600+ |
| Owner-account production | manual | automatic |
| Owner access to documents | mail / email | online portal |
| Charge-allocation errors | frequent | near zero |
Halving time on quarterly charge calls, across four quarters and 600 units, recovers dozens of hours a year.
Mini case study
Mr. Tan manages a 620-unit portfolio across several strata schemes in Singapore. Each quarterly charge call takes about 40 hours of manual work — 160 hours/year. A custom build at 12,000,000 FCFA including the strata-accounting module (3,500,000 FCFA within a 15,000,000 FCFA scope), plus 160,000 FCFA/month hosting, is amortised over four years. Cutting charge-call time 50% recovers 80 hours/year, and the owner portal reduces document chasing, improving satisfaction and mandate renewals.
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FAQ
How much does custom strata software cost in 2026?
Expect 8,500,000–15,000,000 FCFA for strata + lettings + portal, including the strata-accounting module at 3,500,000 FCFA. Hosting is around 160,000 FCFA/month.
Why a custom build over a foreign licence?
A hard-currency licence costs 60,000–180,000 FCFA/month and handles local strata accounting poorly. A local-currency build is an owned asset compliant with local practice.
Is the owner portal included?
Yes, it is part of the build: each owner accesses charge calls, accounts and meeting documents, cutting mail chasing.
What is the delivery timeline?
Between 12 and 16 weeks depending on accounting complexity. Charge calls and the portal can be prioritised for quick use.
What does the 15%/year maintenance cover?
Fixes, regulatory changes, added schemes and security. On a 12,000,000 FCFA build, that is about 1,800,000 FCFA/year.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your unit count, charge-call and portal needs, and indicative 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.
