The verdict in three sentences
Custom real estate development software costs EUR 60,000 to 200,000 and ships in 5 to 9 months, versus rigid off-the-shelf tools billed by subscription. It centralizes programs, units, reservations, payment calls and a buyer portal, where most developers still run on spreadsheets. For a developer delivering more than 150 units a year, the cash-flow and sales-tracking gains cover the investment in under two years.
What development software covers in 2026
Scope drives price. Here are the typical modules and their development ranges.
| Module | Description | 2026 order of magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| Programs & units | Price grids, availability, options | EUR 12,000 - 30,000 |
| Reservations & sales | Sales pipeline, options, cancellations | EUR 10,000 - 25,000 |
| Payment calls | Schedules by construction progress | EUR 12,000 - 28,000 |
| Buyer portal | Documents, custom works, site updates | EUR 15,000 - 40,000 |
| Reporting & cash flow | Dashboards, forecasts | EUR 8,000 - 22,000 |
| Integrations (accounting, notary, CRM) | APIs and flows | EUR 10,000 - 35,000 |
A full project combines several modules; the total range of EUR 60,000 to 200,000 reflects module count and integration depth.
Off-the-shelf vs custom: 3-year total cost
Off-the-shelf is fast but bounded; custom fits your development process.
| Criterion | Off-the-shelf | Kolonell custom |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | EUR 5,000 - 20,000 | EUR 60,000 - 200,000 |
| Annual subscription | EUR 8,000 - 30,000 | 15 - 20% of build |
| 3-year TCO (10 users) | EUR 45,000 - 110,000 | EUR 90,000 - 130,000 |
| Fit to your process | Low to medium | Total |
| Custom buyer portal | Often absent | Fully custom |
| Code ownership | No | Yes |
Below 5 programs a year, off-the-shelf often suffices. Beyond that, custom avoids the spreadsheet workarounds that cost hours and cash-flow errors.
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Mini case study
Sophie, program director at a developer in London, manages 6 programs and 220 units a year across a dozen shared spreadsheets. Payment calls are entered by hand, on average 3 weeks late on some schedules, creating a cash-flow gap valued at EUR 180,000. A custom platform at EUR 110,000 automates payment calls by construction progress and opens a buyer portal. As a result, calls go out on time, sales tracking is real-time, and admin time drops by about 1.5 FTE, i.e. EUR 60,000/year. The investment is covered in under 24 months.
FAQ
How long to deliver development software? From 5 to 9 months for a solid V1, starting with programs and reservations, then payment calls and the buyer portal in increments.
Can it connect to the notary and accounting? Yes, via API or structured export. Accounting flows and notarial document exchange run EUR 10,000 to 35,000 depending on automation depth.
Is the buyer portal worth it? Yes: it sharply cuts calls and emails, strengthens the developer's brand and secures the client relationship over projects lasting 18 to 30 months.
What if my processes change? Custom evolves with you via ongoing maintenance (15 to 20% of build per year). A new schedule type or report is added without switching tools.
Is custom only for large developers? No, but it pays off beyond 100 to 150 units delivered a year. Below that, a well-configured off-the-shelf tool is often cheaper.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your unit volume, priority modules (payment calls, buyer portal, reporting) and an indicative budget, and we will frame a priced 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.
