Which factors push the price up?

Integrations (banking, VeriFactu, payment gateways, ERP), the number of roles and permissions, migrating old data, and ongoing maintenance. A screen is cheap; making the system talk to your bank and to the tax authority is what takes the effort.

How do I avoid overpaying for custom software?

Start with the module that hurts most rather than everything at once, insist on weekly releases, ask for source code and data in the contract so you aren't tied in, and be wary of a fixed price agreed before integrations have been discussed.

Does it work out better value than off-the-shelf software?

In the medium term, yes: off-the-shelf is cheaper in month one and more expensive every year, because you pay per-user licences and you adapt to it. Custom software adapts to how you work, the code is yours, and it pays for itself in 1-3 years.

How much does custom software cost in 2026?

Q: How much does custom software cost in 2026?

It depends on scope. A one-off module or integration runs from €1,500 to €4,000; a full application or portal from €8,000 to €25,000; a complex platform with electronic invoicing, banking integration and AI starts at €25,000 and is built in phases.

It's the first question on every project, and the honest answer is: it depends on scope. But "it depends" doesn't help you decide. Here are real 2026 ranges for Spain and, above all, what makes a quote go up or down.

Indicative ranges by project type

A one-off module or integration (connecting your website to your invoicing, an internal dashboard, an automation): 1.500–4.000 €.
A full application or portal (CRM, client portal, order manager): 8.000–25.000 €.
A complex platform (multi-role, electronic invoicing, banking integration, AI): from 25.000 € and delivered in phases.

As a market reference: a freelancer working from templates delivers websites at €500–2,000, a mid-sized agency charges €3,000–10,000, and a studio specialising in custom product work sits at €1,500–6,000 per piece depending on scope.

What actually moves the price

1. Integrations

Connecting to banking (Norma 43/CSB43), the tax authority (VeriFactu), payment gateways or an existing ERP is where the effort goes. A pretty screen is cheap; making it talk to your bank and to the tax authority is not.

2. Roles and permissions

A single user is simple. Administrators, operators, clients and partners with different permissions multiply the logic.

3. Data and migration

Starting from scratch is fast. Migrating years of spreadsheets, duplicates and dirty data takes time — and it's where most of the value is won.

4. Maintenance

Software is never "finished": it evolves. A monthly fee for fixes and improvements stops the project rotting within six months.

Custom software vs. off-the-shelf

A generic tool is cheaper in month one and more expensive every year: you pay per-user licences, you adapt to it, and you end up with five programs that don't talk to each other. Custom software adapts to the way you work, not the other way round, and the code is yours. Only 17% of Spanish SMEs have their CRM integrated with their accounting: that's where the competitive edge is.

How not to overpay

Start with the module that hurts most, not with "everything at once". You prove the value with little money.
Insist on weekly releases: by day 7 you should already see something working.
Ask for source code and data in the contract: no lock-in, you can leave whenever you want.
Be wary of a fixed price agreed before anyone has discussed integrations.

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How much does custom software cost? 2026 pricing guide