The verdict in three sentences
For a single branch, off-the-shelf software at 50-200 EUR/month is the right call: instant start, portal syndication included, no technical risk. Once you run several branches or specific processes (mandates, matching, network reporting), custom at 25,000-70,000 EUR excl. VAT becomes profitable over 3 years. The only figure that settles it is the 3-year TCO, subscriptions and lost hours included.
Off-the-shelf vs custom: the decision grid
The right reflex is to compare not sticker prices but total cost of ownership over 36 months, including subscriptions, syndication and adaptations.
| Criterion | Off-the-shelf software | Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Entry cost | 0 to 2,000 EUR | 25,000 to 70,000 EUR excl. VAT |
| Subscription | 50 to 200 EUR/month/branch | Hosting 40 to 120 EUR/month |
| Portal syndication | Included | To integrate (API) |
| Customisation | Low | Total |
| Multi-branch | Paid per branch | Unlimited |
| Data ownership | Shared | 100 % yours |
| Time to launch | Immediate | 3 to 6 months |
3-year TCO by number of branches
The tipping point is read in the TCO. Here is a 2026 order of magnitude (average subscription 120 EUR/month/branch off-the-shelf).
| Number of branches | Off-the-shelf 3-year TCO | Custom 3-year TCO |
|---|---|---|
| 1 branch | ~4,500 EUR | ~35,000 EUR |
| 3 branches | ~13,000 EUR | ~40,000 EUR |
| 6 branches | ~26,000 EUR | ~48,000 EUR |
| 10 branches | ~43,000 EUR | ~58,000 EUR |
| 15 branches | ~65,000 EUR | ~70,000 EUR |
Mini case study
Karim runs a network of 8 real estate branches in Lyon: 34 negotiators, 900 active mandates. His current SaaS costs 150 EUR/month per branch, i.e. 14,400 EUR/year, with no consolidated network reporting. He commissions custom software at 52,000 EUR excl. VAT with portal syndication, automatic buyer-property matching and a multi-branch dashboard. Over 3 years, SaaS would have cost about 43,000 EUR; custom comes to 52,000 EUR + 10,000 EUR maintenance, but saves him 12 reporting hours per month and lifts the match rate by 15 %. Beyond year four, he has no more per-seat subscription.
FAQ
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From how many branches does custom pay off?
As an order of magnitude, around 6 to 10 branches the 3-year TCO converges, and beyond 10 custom pulls ahead, especially if you add negotiators each year.
How is portal syndication handled in custom?
Via portal APIs (listings, updates, removal). It is a module to price separately, typically 5,000 to 12,000 EUR excl. VAT depending on the number of portals.
Do you lose features by leaving an established SaaS?
Not if the spec captures your real usage. You instead drop unused functions and add your specifics (network reporting, negotiator commissions).
Who owns the data in custom?
You, entirely, with hosting you control. It is a strong argument for a network wanting to master its client file and statistics.
How long to switch without disrupting business?
Expect 3 to 6 months of development, then a gradual branch-by-branch switch with migration of the existing file, without commercial downtime.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your number of branches, negotiators and mandates, plus your target portals: we will compare your 3-year TCO and price the custom build. 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.
