The verdict in three sentences
For a block management agent with 65 developments and 4,800 units in Dublin, custom management software costs between 16,500 and 41,500 EUR depending on scope. The investment is justified by a single metric: bringing service charge arrears from 22% to 12% through automated reminders and a transparent owner portal. Compliance with the Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 (AGMs, budgets, sinking fund) must be built in from day one.
The modules that reduce arrears
In Dublin, most arrears do not come from owners acting in bad faith but from a lack of information: a late service charge demand, an unclear amount, no simple way to pay. The software tackles these causes one by one.
| Module | Function | Estimated impact (2026 estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| Service charge demands | Calculation by participation shares, quarterly issue, SMS, WhatsApp and email | Demands issued in 1 day instead of 2 weeks |
| Owner portal | Balance, history, documents, AGM minutes | 40% fewer phone calls |
| Online payment | Card, SEPA direct debit, bank transfer | 35% of payments online in year one |
| Automated reminders | Reminder at D+10, D+30, formal demand at D+60 | Arrears from 22% to 12% in 18 months |
| Maintenance requests | Tickets, contractor tracking, photos | Average response time cut by 5 days |
| Budget and accounting | Annual budget, sinking fund, bank reconciliation | Year-end close in 3 weeks instead of 2 months |
| AGMs | Notices, attendance, votes, minutes | MUD Act compliance documented |
Budget: from core to full platform
Cost depends on the number of modules and the level of bank integration. A core system can start fast, then grow.
| Scope | Content | Budget (excl. VAT) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core | Units, shares, service charge demands, receipts, reminders | 16,500 to 22,000 EUR | 10 to 12 weeks |
| Core + owner portal | Web and mobile portal, documents, online payment | 24,000 to 30,500 EUR | 14 to 16 weeks |
| Full platform | Maintenance, accounting, AGMs, dashboards | 35,000 to 41,500 EUR | 5 to 6 months |
| Annual maintenance | Hosting, security, minor upgrades | 15% of initial budget per year | Ongoing |
| Data migration | Import of 65 developments and existing balances | 1,400 to 2,800 EUR | 2 to 3 weeks |
Compared with software billed per unit, a custom solution avoids a bill that grows with every new development. At 4,800 units, a subscription at 0.30 EUR per unit per month already represents 17,280 EUR per year.
MUD Act and data protection
The Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 governs owners' management companies, AGMs, annual service charge budgets and the sinking fund. The software must trace every notice, keep minutes and produce the financial statements presented to owners. Personal data falls under GDPR and the Irish Data Protection Act 2018: EU hosting, role-based access and a documented processing register.
Mini case study
Sean, managing director of a block management agency in Dublin, manages 4,800 units with average service charges of 2,200 EUR per unit per year, i.e. 10.56 million EUR billed. With 22% arrears, 2.3 million EUR are missing every year for owners' management companies. Dropping to 12% recovers 1.06 million EUR more, enough to fund maintenance and secure contract renewals. On the agency side, its 8 property managers save about 25% of their time, the equivalent of 2 positions at 4,500 EUR per month loaded cost, i.e. 108,000 EUR per year. A platform at 38,000 EUR pays back in under 5 months on this internal gain alone.
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FAQ
How much does block management software cost in Ireland?
In 2026, a custom tool ranges from 16,500 to 41,500 EUR depending on modules. Per-unit software costs 0.20 to 0.50 EUR per unit per month.
Does the software comply with the MUD Act 2011?
Yes, AGMs, annual budgets, the sinking fund and accounts are designed around the Act. Document templates are validated with your legal adviser.
Can owners pay online?
Yes, by card, SEPA direct debit or bank transfer. Card fees run around 1.5% to 2.5% depending on the contract.
How quickly do arrears fall?
The first effects appear in the first quarter with automated reminders. The 12% target is realistic within 12 to 18 months.
Can we start with only some developments?
Yes, a 2-month pilot on 10 developments validates processes before moving all 65.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your number of developments, units and current arrears rate: we will scope the work, the indicative budget and the timeline. 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.
