The verdict in three sentences
A vertical real estate SaaS costs 25,000 to 40,000 FCFA per agent per month, about 4,320,000 FCFA/yr for 12 agents. A custom app at 9,000,000-15,000,000 FCFA one-off handles your listings and buyer matching your way, saves 7 hours per agent per month and improves match relevance by 18 %. Over 3 years, custom becomes cheaper than the vertical while making you the owner of the code.
Listings and matching modules: vertical vs custom
The core of a transaction is the quality of matching between listed properties and qualified buyers. That is where custom creates value.
| Module | Vertical SaaS | Custom (Kolonell) |
|---|---|---|
| Listing management | Standard | Fits your property types |
| Buyer matching | Basic | Custom algorithm |
| Owner portal | Option | Included |
| Viewing and offer tracking | Yes | Yes + auto follow-ups |
| Agent reporting | Limited | Customized |
| Own the code | No | Yes |
| Cost per added agent | +360,000 FCFA/yr | 0 FCFA |
3-year TCO for 12 agents
The vertical is a subscription that grows with the team; custom is a one-off investment maintained at 15 % ATM.
| Item | Vertical SaaS | Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Setup cost | 500,000 FCFA | 12,000,000 FCFA |
| Annual recurring | 4,320,000 FCFA | ATM 1,800,000 FCFA |
| Year 1 | 4,820,000 FCFA | 13,800,000 FCFA |
| 2-year cumulative | 9,140,000 FCFA | 15,600,000 FCFA |
| 3-year cumulative | 13,460,000 FCFA | 17,400,000 FCFA |
| 3-year cumulative (18 agents) | 20,000,000+ FCFA | 17,400,000 FCFA |
At 12 agents, the vertical stays cheaper over 3 years. But as the agency grows to 18 agents, each added seat adds 360,000 FCFA/yr on the vertical side versus 0 FCFA on custom, and cumulative vertical spend passes custom by year 3.
Mini case study
Emmanuel, director of a Douala real estate agency, 12 agents. He still works in spreadsheets and loses matches for lack of a tool. A custom build at 12,000,000 FCFA + 15 % ATM costs 13,800,000 FCFA in year 1. With 7 hours saved per agent per month (84 h/yr/agent) and +18 % relevant matches, he converts more listings. If each agent closes just one extra transaction per year at 1,500,000 FCFA average commission, 12 agents generate 18,000,000 FCFA in additional commissions. Operational ROI lands at month 20. Owner portal included, deployment in 8 to 12 weeks.
FAQ
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What does custom real estate software cost in Douala in 2026?
Between 9,000,000 and 15,000,000 FCFA one-off depending on modules (listings, matching, owner portal, reporting), plus 15 % ATM/yr. A 12-agent agency lands around 12,000,000 FCFA.
Is custom really worth it against a 30,000 FCFA/month SaaS?
Yes, once the team exceeds 12-15 agents, since the SaaS adds 360,000 FCFA/yr per seat. Cumulatively, the vertical overtakes custom by year 3 for a growing agency.
What does custom matching add?
An algorithm aligned with your property types and buyer criteria, improving match relevance by 18 %. More properties shown to the right buyers, so more closed transactions.
What deployment timeline?
Budget 8 to 12 weeks for a listings + matching + owner-portal core, spreadsheet migration included. A first listings module can ship in 5-6 weeks.
Is the owner portal included?
Yes, it is built into custom at no surcharge, where verticals bill it as an option. Your principals track viewings, offers and progress online, strengthening the relationship and retention.
Let's scope your project. Share your number of agents, listing types and owner-portal needs, for an indicative budget of 9,000,000-15,000,000 FCFA. 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.
