Custom software at Dolphiq is a digital product, such as an online portal or web application that is developed specifically for your organization, fully tailored to your processes, way of working, and USPs. Not ‘standard’, off-the-shelf software, but a bespoke solution made just for you, based on industry standards.
What will custom software cost in 2026?
Having custom software developed is a strategic investment that can significantly boost your company's efficiency and competitiveness. Pricing and rates depend on several factors, such as the complexity of the project, the technologies used, and the experience of the development team.
The question is similar to: what does a car, a house, or a renovation cost? That question can really only be answered once it's clear what the minimum requirements for the end result are.
Author: Allard Rothengatter
Published: 12 May, 2026
What is custom software? In short
Cost estimate for custom software in 2026
It's difficult to provide a specific cost estimate for custom software. It strongly depends on the complexity and scope of a project. You could say that costs start at €15,000 and can go up to €80,000 or more.
'Small' project · €15,000 – €30,000
Think of a website, a prototype, or a clearly defined project with specific functionalities and a short turnaround time (6 to 8 weeks).
'Medium-sized' project • €30,000 – €80,000
For example, an MVP or a 'my environment' where users can log in and manage personal data. The turnaround time for this is between 8 and 16 weeks.
Large, complex project • €80,000+
This could be an online portal combined with a new or existing business information system. Both the price and turnaround time depend heavily on complexity and scope.
What factors influence the cost of custom software?
- Quality and strategy: Software that works now is different from software that will still run smoothly in five years. A well-thought-out architecture, strategic choices, and a focus on the long term ensure your investment continues to deliver value in the future.
- Complexity and features: The more features and complexity the application has, the higher the investment.
- Technologies used: Standard components and frameworks will shorten development time and reduce costs, while specific custom requirements can increase the investment.
- Experience of the team Experienced developers and specialized professionals usually charge higher rates, but need less time and deliver a product that is future-proof.
What does custom software cost? This question is similar to: 'what does a house cost?'. "You only know once you know what you need and why."
– Allard, CEO van Dolphiq
More value for the same budget thanks to AI
Because we increasingly develop with AI, we spend less time on execution tasks, such as development. The time we save is used to think strategically with you about the best solution, add more value, and build more features within the same budget.
What are you investing in with custom software?
Design, strategy, and planning
Mapping out the challenge and strategy, defining the architecture, and creating a concrete plan.
Front-end development
Interface, design, and everything the user sees and interacts with.
Back-end development
Logic, database, and integrations with other systems (API integrations).
Testing and quality assurance
Thorough testing to ensure the software runs stably, quickly, and securely.
The 3M model by Dolphiq
For the next steps, we use the 3M model. Not the tape brand, and not an attempt to stick you to Dolphiq. Just a way to keep further development and maintenance predictable. So we can work together on software that remains future-proof.
Support
1
Must
This is the part every client uses to guarantee the quality of the application. Think of SLA reports, support and consulting, error monitoring, and minor updates. The number of support hours you need is agreed upon in advance based on your application landscape.
Change
2
May
These are small optimizations and improvements that we continuously implement, without the need for separate planning or estimates. You know there is a fixed number of hours available each month. The advantage: fast turnaround and room for improvements that make the system or management better.
Features
3
Maybe
New functionalities or major expansions fall under this. These always involve a sales process, with an estimate, planning, and refinement. This way, you stay in control of the budget and know in advance what you get for your investment.
Frequently asked questions about the cost of custom software
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Een gemiddelde maatwerk software applicatie kost tussen de €15.000 en €80.000+. De exacte prijs hangt af van de complexiteit, het aantal functionaliteiten en de gewenste integraties. Bij Dolphiq start maatwerk vanaf €15.000.
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Naast de eenmalige ontwikkelkosten heb je terugkerende kosten voor hosting, onderhoud en eventuele doorontwikkeling. Bij Dolphiq werken we hiervoor met ons 3M-model (Moet, Mag, Misschien), waarin we de kosten van support, optimalisaties en nieuwe functionaliteiten helder en voorspelbaar maken. De SLA (Service Level Agreement), met afspraken over support, beschikbaarheid en updates, valt onder "Moet" en zorgt voor een stevige basis na oplevering.
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Drie dingen maken het verschil: heldere specificaties vooraf, gebruik van standaard componenten en frameworks, en een realistisch budget dat past bij de complexiteit. Vraag offertes op bij meerdere bureaus om vergelijking mogelijk te maken.
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Dat hangt sterk af van de omvang en complexiteit van het project. Een klein project hebben we vaak binnen 6 tot 8 weken live, een middelgroot project duurt 8 tot 16 weken en grotere, complexe projecten lopen tussen de 16 en 30 weken. We werken in sprints van twee weken, zodat je tussentijds kunt bijsturen op basis van nieuwe inzichten.
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We bepalen de prijs op basis van een aantal factoren: de complexiteit van het vraagstuk, het aantal functionaliteiten, de gewenste integraties met andere systemen en de mate van maatwerk in het ontwerp. Na een intake en eventuele workshop maken we een onderbouwde indicatie, zodat je vooraf weet waar je aan toe bent.