Buyer guide
UK custom software cost guide for service businesses
Published supplier ranges and UK contractor day rates make one thing clear: a production booking system or client portal is not a £200–£2,000 commodity. Use this guide to budget honestly before you request a quote.
In 2026, UK software developer contract medians sit around £500+/day. Senior solo delivery commonly prices fixed work from that baseline. That is why NorthIRdev publishes starting investments rather than unrealistically low package ladders.
- Discovery: £1,250 focused · £2,500 complex
- Website sprint: from £2,500 · typically £3,000–£5,000
- Automation / internal tool: from £5,000 · typically £5,000–£12,000
- Client portal / booking platform: from £12,500 · typically £15,000–£35,000
- Complex multi-role platforms: from around £30,000, phased
- Advisory / change work: £600/day when scoped
Hosting, domains, third-party SaaS, content, and open-ended feature changes are usually separate. VAT treatment is confirmed on the written quote when applicable.