How Much Does MVP Development Cost in the UK?
A transparent breakdown of MVP development costs in the UK for 2026. What affects pricing, typical ranges, and how to budget for your first product.
One of the first questions founders ask when considering an MVP is: "How much will it cost?" It is a fair question, and one that deserves a straight answer. The problem is that most agencies give you a vague "it depends" and push you toward a sales call.
Here is an honest breakdown of what MVP development costs in the UK in 2026, what drives the price up or down, and how to budget sensibly.
Typical MVP cost ranges in the UK
Based on our experience and the broader UK market, here are realistic ranges:
| Complexity | Description | Typical Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple | Landing page with basic functionality, single platform, limited integrations | £10,000 - £25,000 | 4-6 weeks |
| Moderate | Web app or mobile app with user accounts, a core feature set, basic payments | £25,000 - £50,000 | 8-12 weeks |
| Complex | Multi-platform (web + mobile), marketplace features, real-time data, advanced integrations | £50,000 - £100,000+ | 12-16 weeks |
These figures are for UK-based development studios with senior engineers. Costs vary depending on team size, location, and experience level.
What affects the cost?
1. Number of platforms
Building for web only is cheaper than building for web, iOS, and Android. Cross-platform frameworks like React Native help reduce the cost of mobile by sharing a single codebase across platforms, but there is still additional work for app store submission, device testing, and platform-specific behaviour.
2. Feature complexity
A simple CRUD app with user accounts costs significantly less than a real-time marketplace with payments, geolocation, and messaging. The biggest cost driver is always scope. Ruthlessly cutting features to the essential set is the single most effective way to reduce cost.
3. Design requirements
A functional UI using an existing component library costs less than a fully custom design system with bespoke illustrations and animations. For an MVP, we typically recommend investing in a clean, professional interface without over-designing. You can refine the visual polish after you have validated the product.
4. Third-party integrations
Every external service (payment processing, email providers, analytics, CRM systems, APIs) adds integration work. Stripe, for example, is well-documented and relatively quick to integrate. A bespoke ERP integration could take weeks.
5. Backend complexity
A straightforward backend with Supabase or Firebase can be set up quickly. Custom backend logic, complex data models, real-time subscriptions, or advanced security requirements add time and cost.
How to reduce MVP costs without cutting corners
- Prioritise ruthlessly. Focus on the one or two features that directly test your core hypothesis. Everything else can wait for version two.
- Use proven tools. Off-the-shelf authentication (Supabase Auth, Clerk), managed databases, and established payment processors (Stripe) save weeks of development.
- Start with one platform. If your users are primarily mobile, start with a mobile app. If they are web users, start with web. Do not build both until you have validated demand.
- Invest in the strategy phase. Spending time upfront on scoping and feature prioritisation prevents expensive mid-build changes.
- Choose a fixed-scope engagement. Fixed-price projects give you cost certainty. Time-and-materials engagements are flexible but can overrun.
What you should get for your money
A reputable UK MVP studio should deliver:
- Full source code: you own 100% of the IP
- Deployed, working product in production
- Documentation and handover materials
- Post-launch support period
- App store listings (if mobile)
Be wary of any studio that does not give you full ownership of the code, requires ongoing licensing fees for your own product, or is vague about what is included in the price.
Getting a quote
The best way to get an accurate estimate is to have a detailed conversation about your specific requirements. At Shacksolutions, we offer a free strategy call where we discuss your idea, help you define the MVP scope, and provide a transparent, itemised quote. No obligation, no pressure.
If you have an idea you want to explore, get in touch and we will give you a straight answer on what it will cost.
Ready to build your MVP?
Book a free strategy call and let's discuss how to bring your idea to life.
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