How much does bespoke software cost in the UK?
Comprehensive guide covering developer rates, pricing models, hidden costs, and ROI calculations.
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What this tool does
This free estimator helps you get a realistic budget range for your bespoke software project. Based on your project type, complexity level, industry sector, and required features, the tool calculates typical UK market rates to give you a ballpark figure for planning purposes. It also estimates ongoing costs like annual maintenance and cloud hosting.
The estimate is for guidance only. Actual costs depend on detailed requirements analysis. Contact us for a proper assessment and fixed-price quote.
Step 1: What type of project are you planning?
Internal tool
Staff portal, workflow tool, admin system
Web application
Customer portal, SaaS platform, booking system
Mobile app
iOS, Android or cross-platform
E-commerce platform
Custom online store, marketplace
Integration / API
Connect existing systems, build APIs
Enterprise system
Large-scale business platform
Step 2: How complex is your project?
Simple
Straightforward requirements
Standard functionality, minimal customisation, few integrations, single user type
Moderate
Typical business application
Custom workflows, 2-4 integrations, multiple user roles, standard reporting
Complex
Advanced requirements
Complex business logic, 5+ integrations, advanced security, real-time features, AI/ML components
Step 3: What industry sector is this for?
Regulated industries typically require additional compliance work
General / Other
No specific regulatory requirements
Retail / E-commerce
+15% for PCI DSS, consumer protection
Manufacturing
+20% for legacy integration, safety standards
Professional Services
+25% for legal, accounting compliance
Healthcare / NHS
+30% for NHS Digital, patient data
Financial Services / FCA
+50% for FCA, PSD2 compliance
Step 4: Select features you need
Choose all that apply - each adds to your estimate
SME / Mid-market
Your estimated project cost
£0 - £0
Expected: £0
Based on typical UK agency rates in 2025.
Estimated timeline
0-0 weeks
Red Eagle Tech's fixed-price promise
Unlike most agencies, we offer fixed-price quotes on most projects. This means:
- You know the exact cost upfront - no surprises
- If development takes longer than expected, we absorb the cost
- You pay for delivered outcomes, not time spent
This estimate is for guidance only. Actual costs depend on detailed requirements analysis. Contact us for a proper assessment and fixed-price quote.
When to use this tool
- Early budget planning - Get a realistic range before approaching agencies
- Internal business cases - Build a case for software investment with indicative figures
- Comparing options - Understand how different project scopes affect costs
- Vendor evaluation - Benchmark quotes you receive against typical market rates
How this estimate is calculated
This tool uses a methodology based on UK market research conducted in December 2025, combining parametric estimation with industry-specific adjustments. Here's what goes into your estimate:
Base cost by project type
Starting ranges based on typical UK agency rates for each project category, from simple internal tools to enterprise platforms.
Complexity multiplier
Simple projects use 70% of the base. Complex projects with advanced features typically require 150% of the base cost.
Industry adjustment
Regulated sectors (healthcare, finance) add 30-50% for compliance, security, and governance requirements.
Feature additions
Each selected feature adds its typical development cost. The minimum estimate assumes some efficiency from combining features.
Data source: Estimates are based on 2025 UK software development market rates, industry compliance research, and typical project patterns. The range format acknowledges that software estimation is inherently uncertain - actual costs depend on detailed requirements analysis.
Frequently asked questions
It's not possible to provide precise costs before understanding detailed requirements.
This tool provides a realistic range based on typical UK market rates. For an exact
fixed-price quote, you'll need a discovery session where a development team can
analyse your specific needs, integrations, and constraints.
Research shows approximately 70% of software projects exceed initial budgets.
The main causes are: inadequate initial scope definition (39% of failures),
scope creep without proper change control, underestimated technical complexity,
and insufficient budget for testing and quality assurance. Using a realistic
estimate range and budgeting for ongoing costs helps avoid surprises.
An estimate is an informed approximation that may change as
requirements become clearer - like what this tool provides. A quote
is a fixed-price offer that's typically binding once accepted. Red Eagle Tech
offers fixed-price quotes on most projects, meaning the price won't change even
if development takes longer than expected.
Regulated industries require additional work that adds 30-50% to project costs.
Healthcare software must comply with NHS Digital standards and patient data protection.
Financial services software requires FCA compliance, PSD2 implementation, and enhanced
security. This includes extra architecture review, documentation, testing, and
ongoing compliance maintenance.
Industry standard is to budget 15-25% of the initial build cost annually for
maintenance (bug fixes, security updates, minor improvements). Cloud hosting
typically costs £100-500/month depending on traffic and data volumes.
This tool shows these ongoing costs in your results to help you plan your
total cost of ownership.
To get the most accurate quote, prepare: a clear description of the business
problem you're solving; a list of must-have vs nice-to-have features; information
about existing systems that need integration; your timeline constraints and budget
range; and availability of stakeholders for requirements discussions. The more
detail you provide, the more accurate the estimate.
