The verdict in three sentences
For a Dubai developer running several off-plan projects, a spreadsheet stops coping once units pass 300. A local/custom build priced in local currency removes FX risk and dependence on a foreign suite billed in euros, while fitting local off-plan and escrow practice. A foreign licence stays defensible below 100 units; beyond that, owning the software cuts payment-schedule errors by 45%.
Custom build vs foreign licence: 2026 figures
International suites bill in euros or dollars, carrying FX risk and a poor fit to local rules. The custom build is a one-off investment in local currency (shown here as FCFA equivalent).
| Item | Custom build (FCFA) | Foreign licence (FCFA) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry cost | 11,000,000 – 19,000,000 | 0 |
| Subscription / month | 0 | 90,000 – 250,000 |
| Payment-schedule module | 4,000,000 included | often add-on |
| Hosting / month | 200,000 | included |
| Annual maintenance | 15% (1,650,000 – 2,850,000) | included |
| Billed in foreign currency | no | yes (FX risk) |
| Local off-plan/escrow fit | full | partial |
Over 3 years a licence at 180,000 FCFA/month is 6,480,000 FCFA in subscription; the build is 11,000,000–19,000,000 FCFA plus hosting and maintenance. Custom costs more upfront but becomes an owned asset with no FX exposure.
What the tool changes on project management
Tracking 300+ units on a spreadsheet multiplies schedule errors and missed drawdowns. An integrated tool makes each project's financial tracking reliable.
| Metric | Before (spreadsheets) | After (integrated tool) |
|---|---|---|
| Payment-schedule errors | frequent | -45% |
| Units tracked without spreadsheets | 0 | 300+ |
| Time to issue a drawdown request | 2 – 4 days | real time |
| Cash visibility per project | monthly | instant |
| Duplicated reservations | possible | blocked |
Cutting 45% of schedule errors means fewer late chases and protected cash flow on every off-plan project.
Mini case study
Mr. Rahman runs a development firm in Dubai with 3 projects totalling 320 units. On spreadsheets, his drawdowns produce 5–6 errors per quarter, each averaging two weeks of delayed collection. A custom build at 15,000,000 FCFA plus 4,000,000 FCFA for the payment-schedule module — 19,000,000 FCFA — plus 200,000 FCFA/month hosting is amortised over four years. By cutting errors 45% and speeding up drawdowns, he recovers about 8,000,000 FCFA/year of cash mobilised earlier, covering the investment by year three.
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FAQ
How much does custom development software cost in 2026?
Expect 11,000,000–19,000,000 FCFA equivalent for units + reservations + clients, plus 4,000,000 FCFA for the payment-schedule module. Hosting is around 200,000 FCFA/month.
Why prefer a custom build over a foreign suite?
A suite billed in euros exposes you to FX risk and fits local escrow rules poorly. A custom build in local currency is an owned asset matched to off-plan practice.
What is the delivery timeline?
Between 14 and 20 weeks depending on the number of projects and schedule complexity. A first release (units + reservations) can ship sooner.
Does the tool handle several projects in parallel?
Yes, each project has its own unit plan, schedules and cash view, with a consolidated dashboard — exactly what a spreadsheet cannot do beyond 300 units.
What does the 15%/year maintenance cover?
Fixes, regulatory changes, new projects and security maintenance. On a 15,000,000 FCFA build, that is about 2,250,000 FCFA/year.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your number of projects and units, drawdown needs and indicative budget; 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.
