How much does bespoke software cost in the UK?
Short answer: it depends on scope, but published UK figures put agency day rates at roughly £400 to £900, and small business systems at roughly £5,000 to £50,000. Here's what drives the number, and how to bring it down.
Typical UK and international rates
| Market | Typical rate | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| UK contract software developer | Median £525 a day (middle half £428 to £575) | ITJobsWatch, six months to Oct 2026 |
| UK software agency | Roughly £400 to £900 a day | Elastic Mint UK cost guide |
| Asia, incl. India (vendor firms) | Senior $31 to $41 an hour; junior $24 to $31 | Accelerance 2026 rate survey |
| Europe, incl. Central and Eastern Europe (vendor firms) | Senior $64 to $76 an hour; junior $31 to $39 | Accelerance 2026 rate survey |
Sources: ITJobsWatch, Elastic Mint, Accelerance. Figures as published; rates vary by seniority and scope.
What drives the price
- Number of screens, user types and workflows
- Integrations with existing systems such as accounting, CRM or ERP
- Data migration from spreadsheets or old software
- Security, sign-in and audit requirements
- Ongoing support. Published guides put upkeep at around 15 to 20% of the build cost a year
How to bring the cost down
Start with the smallest version that makes or saves money, then grow it. Own the code so you never pay per seat. And choose a team that uses AI to cut build time without cutting corners on review.
We keep costs down by changing how software is built, not by paying people less. AI drafts the code, tests and documentation from a specification we agree with you. Senior engineers then review, harden and sign off every release before it reaches your users.
You get a fixed quote, a UK contract, UK working hours and software you own outright, with payment plans to spread the cost.
Frequently asked questions
What is a typical UK software developer day rate?
ITJobsWatch puts the UK contract median at £525 a day for the six months to October 2026. Agencies typically charge roughly £400 to £900 a day.
What does a small business system cost?
Published UK guides put small and medium business builds at roughly £5,000 to £50,000, depending on scope. We give a fixed quote after a short conversation.
What are the ongoing costs?
Hosting, monitoring, security patches and small improvements. Published guides suggest 15 to 20% of the build cost a year; we agree support on a clear service level.
Fixed price or day rate?
We quote a fixed price for an agreed specification, so you know the cost before work starts. Payment plans are available.
Tell us what you'd build
A senior software engineer reads every enquiry and replies within two working days with an honest view of cost and timeline. Payment plans are available.
Last updated 19 October 2026.