How Long Does It Take to Build Custom Software?
Custom software usually takes 8–12 weeks for an MVP, 3–6 months for a growth product, and 6–12+ months for enterprise-grade systems. The exact timeline depends on scope, complexity, integrations, and decision speed.
This guide breaks timelines down phase by phase, with real examples and ways to ship faster without cutting quality.
What Determines a Custom Software Timeline?
Five variables decide how long your build will take:
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Scope & features (MVP vs full product)
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Complexity (AI, real-time, fintech, compliance)
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Platforms (web only vs web + mobile)
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Team size & seniority
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Decision speed (client feedback cycles)
takeaway: Clear scope + fast decisions = faster delivery.
Typical Timelines by Project Type
| Project Type | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Proof of Concept (PoC) | 2–4 weeks |
| MVP (core features) | 8–12 weeks |
| Growth-stage product | 3–6 months |
| Enterprise software | 6–12+ months |
| AI-heavy systems | 4–9 months |
Phase-by-Phase Timeline Breakdown
1) Discovery & Planning (2–4 weeks)
What happens
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Business goals & KPIs
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Feature prioritization
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Architecture planning
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Risk & compliance review
Why it matters:
Skipping discovery saves 2 weeks and loses 2 months later.
2) UX/UI Design (2–3 weeks)
What happens
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Wireframes
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Clickable prototypes
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User flows & journeys
Output: Designs that reduce rework during development.
3) Development (8–24+ weeks)
What happens
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Frontend & backend development
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APIs & integrations
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Feature iterations in sprints (1–2 weeks)
Typical pace
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MVP: 4–6 sprints
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Growth product: 8–12 sprints
4) QA, Security & Compliance (2–4 weeks)
What happens
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Manual + automated testing
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Load & security testing
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Bug fixing
For fintech or enterprise products, this phase can extend.
5) Deployment & Launch (1–2 weeks)
What happens
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Cloud setup & CI/CD
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Monitoring & backups
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Production release
Example Timelines (Realistic Scenarios)
Example 1: Startup MVP (SaaS)
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Features: auth, dashboard, payments
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Timeline: 10 weeks
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Team: PM + 3 engineers + QA
Example 2: FinTech Loan Platform
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Features: LOS + LMS, KYC, reporting
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Timeline: 4–6 months
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Includes compliance & integrations
Example 3: Enterprise Internal Tool
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Features: role-based access, analytics, ERP sync
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Timeline: 6–9 months
What Slows Projects Down 🚧
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Unclear requirements
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Frequent scope changes
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Delayed feedback
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Junior-heavy teams
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Late security planning
Most delays are process-related, not technical.
How to Build Faster (Without Breaking Things)
Proven accelerators
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Start with an MVP
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Use proven tech stacks
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Senior-led architecture
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Parallel design + development
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Weekly demos & fast approvals
Speed comes from experience, not shortcuts.
Agile vs Waterfall Timelines
| Agile | Waterfall |
|---|---|
| Incremental releases | Big-bang delivery |
| Faster feedback | Late surprises |
| Better for startups | Risky for change |
insight: Agile delivers value sooner.
Can You Launch While Building?
Yes. Most teams:
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Launch MVP early
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Gather user feedback
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Improve continuously
This reduces risk and improves ROI.
Who Delivers Predictable Timelines?
Teams with:
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Strong discovery phase
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Senior engineers
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Clear sprint rituals
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Transparent communication
That’s why many companies choose partners like EngineerBabu—for predictable delivery, not rushed promises.
FAQs
Q: Can custom software be built in 30 days?
Only very small tools or PoCs.
Q: Why do timelines extend?
Scope creep and delayed decisions.
Q: Is faster always better?
No. Rushed builds increase long-term cost.
Q: Should I wait for full build to launch?
No. Launch early with an MVP.
Final Takeaway
Custom software timelines are predictable when scope is clear, teams are senior, and decisions are fast. Start small, launch early, and scale confidently.
