The verdict in three sentences
For a developer, the choice is between an off-the-shelf solution (500 to 2,000 EUR/month) that deploys fast and custom software (60,000 to 120,000 EUR excl. tax) that matches your programs and buyer portal. The switch to custom is justified once you run several programs in parallel with complex price grids. Either way the goal is twofold: faster sales and zero double reservations on units.
Off-the-shelf vs custom: the 2026 figures
The developer market offers vertical subscription suites and custom development. Here are the 2026 orders of magnitude for a developer running 2 to 6 programs.
| Item | Off-the-shelf | Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | 500 - 2,000 EUR | 700 - 1,500 EUR (hosting + support) |
| Upfront investment | 3,000 - 10,000 EUR | 60,000 - 120,000 EUR excl. tax |
| Deployment time | 4 - 8 weeks | 4 - 7 months |
| Multi-program price grids | Standard | Custom |
| Personalized buyer portal | Limited | Full |
| Notary/bank integration | Vendor-dependent | Complete |
| Code ownership | No | Yes |
Custom at 90,000 EUR excl. tax equals roughly 6 to 8 years of subscription at 1,000 EUR/month. The calculation tips when personalizing the buyer portal and drawdowns becomes a differentiating commercial advantage.
The functions that win sales
The value of developer software shows in sales speed and the absence of unit errors. Here is the 2026 impact of key functions.
| Function | Role | Estimated impact |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time unit stock | Single availability view | Zero double reservations |
| Dynamic price grids | Adjustment by tranche | Margin optimized +2-4 % |
| Buyer portal (finishes) | Online option choices | -30 % back-and-forth |
| Drawdown tracking | Automated schedule | Secured cash flow |
| Notary/bank integration | Deeds and loans tracked | -15 days to signing |
| Sales dashboard | Live absorption rate | Earlier pricing decisions |
Mini case study
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Audrey is a program director at a regional developer selling 4 programs of 60 units a year, or 240 units. Previously, syncing availability between sales staff and head office was done by spreadsheet, with 2 double reservations a year on average — each costing about 8,000 EUR in commercial gestures and delays, so 16,000 EUR/year.
By investing 85,000 EUR excl. tax in custom software with real-time stock, dynamic price grids and a buyer portal, Audrey eliminates double reservations and speeds sales by 12 %. On program revenue of 45M EUR, collecting drawdowns even three weeks earlier is a major cash-flow gain. The software pays for itself within the first full program.
FAQ
Is an off-the-shelf solution enough to start? Yes, if you run one or two simple programs; at 500-2,000 EUR/month it gets you going in a few weeks. Custom becomes relevant beyond three simultaneous programs with complex grids.
How does the software prevent double reservations? Unit stock is centralized and updated in real time: as soon as a salesperson places an option, the unit switches for everyone. This function alone often justifies the investment.
Is the buyer portal really useful? Yes, it lets buyers choose their finishes and track their drawdowns online, cutting back-and-forth with your teams by 30 %. It is also a differentiating sales argument.
Can we integrate notaries and banks? Yes, integration tracks deeds and loan releases, which can shave 15 days off the time to signing. Include this block in the custom scope.
What is the deployment time? An off-the-shelf solution deploys in 4 to 8 weeks. Custom takes 4 to 7 months depending on modules (buyer portal, drawdowns, integrations). Plan a pilot program.
Let's scope your project. Tell us how many programs you run in parallel, your annual unit volume and your desired integrations (notary, bank, accounting) and we'll cost the most profitable scope. 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.
