The verdict in three sentences
A developer running programs on spreadsheets and a generic ERP bleeds cash on late drawdown calls and time on delivery warranty. Custom software (55,000 to 130,000 EUR, 18 to 28 weeks) unifies program, units, reservations, financing and warranty with accounting and notary links. The payback comes first from secured drawdown cash flow, not from ease of use.
The modules that structure the tool
A developer needs a full chain from land to snag-list clearance, not a generic CRM. Here are the typical modules and their budget weight.
| Module | Content | 2026 order of magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| Program & land | Developer P&L, macro planning | 8,000 - 15,000 EUR |
| Unit grid | Types, prices, live stock | 6,000 - 12,000 EUR |
| Reservation | Prelim. contract, options, cancellations | 10,000 - 20,000 EUR |
| Financing | Staged drawdown calls, reminders | 12,000 - 24,000 EUR |
| Delivery warranty | Snags, warranty period, tickets | 9,000 - 18,000 EUR |
| Integrations | Accounting, notary, e-signature | 10,000 - 25,000 EUR |
A first scope (units + reservation + drawdown calls) ships in 18 to 20 weeks; warranty and advanced integrations follow in phase 2.
Vertical ERP vs custom: what you actually compare
Vertical ERPs like Primpromo cover development well, but carry recurring license costs and limited fit to your financing schemes.
| Criterion | Vertical ERP (Primpromo et al.) | Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | 20,000 - 40,000 EUR setup | 55,000 - 130,000 EUR |
| Recurring | 8,000 - 20,000 EUR/yr | support 10-15% of build/yr |
| Drawdown calls | vendor standard | fit to your deeds |
| Ownership | license | code + database yours |
| Extensibility | vendor roadmap | your control |
| Notary integration | via connector | custom |
Over 5 years the cost gap narrows, and custom pulls ahead once you juggle several concurrent programs with proprietary financing rules.
Mini case study
Sonia, program director at a regional developer in Bordeaux (3 active programs, 210 units, 46M EUR revenue). Drawdowns are tracked on spreadsheets; 6% of deadlines slip, tying up on average 380,000 EUR of cash for 25 extra days. She invests 96,000 EUR in a custom tool with automated reminders and a collection dashboard. Cutting delays from 6% to 1.5% frees roughly 280,000 EUR of usable cash and removes 8 h/week of manual tracking. The build is covered by the first delivered program.
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FAQ
What budget should I plan for custom developer software in 2026?
Between 55,000 and 130,000 EUR depending on modules. A units + reservation + drawdown core starts around 55,000-70,000 EUR; warranty and accounting/notary integrations add to the bill.
Can it connect to accounting and the notary?
Yes. Exchanges with accounting (entries, margin VAT) and the notary office (deeds, escrows) are scoped up front; budget 10,000 to 25,000 EUR for integrations.
How long until we're operational?
A first program can run on the tool in 18 to 20 weeks. Multi-program rollout follows without a rebuild.
Can drawdown tracking really be automated?
Yes: per-unit schedule, triggers by construction progress, reminders and a collection dashboard. It's the fastest-ROI module.
What if our program volume grows?
The custom architecture absorbs the load with no per-program license fee, unlike most vertical ERPs.
Let's scope your project. Share your number of programs, unit volume and priorities (reservation, drawdown calls, warranty) and we'll price the core and later phases. 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.
