The verdict in three sentences
An off-the-shelf tool like Hektor or Netty (50 to 130 EUR/user/month) is enough as long as your processes fit the standard. The moment you want automated rent invoicing wired to your accounting, fine-grained syndication and a listing-to-buyer matching engine that saves 15 hours a week, a custom build at 35,000-75,000 EUR pays off within 18 to 30 months. The real question is not the sticker price but the full three-year cost, maintenance included.
Off-the-shelf vs custom: the 2026 cost comparison
Real estate SaaS bills per user per month, with a subscription that runs as long as you stay a customer. Custom is an upfront investment followed by a proportionally lighter maintenance retainer.
| Criterion | Off-the-shelf (Hektor, Netty) | Custom build |
|---|---|---|
| Entry cost | 0-1,500 EUR (setup) | 35,000-75,000 EUR |
| Subscription | 50-130 EUR/user/month | Maintenance 600-1,400 EUR/month |
| 3-year cost (8 users) | 14,400-37,440 EUR | 56,600-125,400 EUR |
| Customization | Limited to options | Total |
| Portals included | Major listing sites (per plan) | Custom + direct APIs |
| Code ownership | No | Yes |
| Time to launch | 1-4 weeks | 10-16 weeks |
Across 8 users, SaaS stays cheaper for the first three years. Custom is justified when a measurable productivity gain (time, signed mandates) exceeds the cost gap, or when a business constraint fits no standard.
What a 35,000-75,000 EUR custom budget covers
Scope drives everything. Here is a typical breakdown for a property management plus transaction project for a Toronto brokerage.
| Module | Scope | 2026 ballpark (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Spec + UX | Workshops, mockups | 3,000-6,000 |
| Property management | Leases, auto invoicing, reconciliations | 10,000-18,000 |
| Transactions | Mandates, offers, closings, tracking | 8,000-16,000 |
| Portal syndication | Listing sites, XML feeds | 5,000-10,000 |
| Compliance fields | Regulatory fields, alerts | 3,000-6,000 |
| Listing-to-buyer matching | Automatic matching | 4,000-9,000 |
| Data migration + training | Migration, onboarding | 2,000-10,000 |
Maintenance (600-1,400 EUR/month) covers fixes, regulatory monitoring and updates to portal APIs, which change regularly.
Mini case study
Emily runs an 8-agent brokerage in downtown Toronto. On Netty she pays roughly 90 EUR/user/month, i.e. 8,640 EUR/year. Her pain: each agent spends nearly 2 hours a day manually matching properties to buyer requests. A custom matching engine would save 15 hours a week across the brokerage, about 660 hours a year valued at 35 EUR/h = 23,100 EUR/year of recovered time.
Project estimated at 52,000 EUR + maintenance 1,000 EUR/month (12,000 EUR/year). Over 3 years: 52,000 + 36,000 = 88,000 EUR, versus 25,920 EUR of SaaS. The 62,080 EUR gap is covered in under 3 years by the 23,100 EUR of annual productivity, not counting extra signed mandates. Decision: custom, with a V1 focused on property management plus matching to stay under 45,000 EUR.
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FAQ
How much does custom real estate software really cost in Toronto in 2026?
Expect 35,000 to 75,000 EUR depending on scope (property management alone vs plus transactions and syndication), plus 600 to 1,400 EUR/month maintenance. A focused V1 can start under 40,000 EUR.
Is custom more expensive than Hektor or Netty?
Short term yes: over 3 years and 8 users, SaaS costs 14,400 to 37,440 EUR versus 56,600 to 125,400 EUR. Custom pays off when the measured productivity gain exceeds the gap, often in 2 to 3 years.
Can you integrate major listing portals?
Yes, via standardized XML feeds and partner APIs. Budget 5,000 to 10,000 EUR for syndication and maintenance that absorbs frequent portal format changes.
How long to deliver?
10 to 16 weeks for a property management plus transaction scope, with 2 to 3 weeks of specification upfront. A large data migration can add 2 to 4 weeks.
Is automated rent invoicing reliable for accounting?
Yes, provided you integrate your accounting software and frame charge reconciliations. It is the module with the best return on administrative time.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your managed unit volume, target portals and indicative budget (35,000-75,000 EUR), and we will frame a profitable V1. 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.
