How to Budget for a Web Project in 2025: A Realistic Guide for Businesses
Budget with Confidence. Build with Clarity.
Your essential guide to planning and investing in a web project in 2025.
Navigating the world of web development costs can feel like deciphering a secret code. One agency quotes £2,000, another £20,000 for what seems like a similar project. This disparity often stems from a lack of transparency about what’s included. At Home Brunch, we believe an informed client is our best partner. This guide will demystify the costs, provide realistic price ranges for 2025, and show you how to frame your web project not as an expense, but as a smart business investment.
Understanding the Cost Spectrum – What Are You Actually Paying For?
The first step is understanding that cost is directly tied to functionality. A simple informational site costs less than a complex, interactive application. Here’s a breakdown of typical project types and their price ranges for UK businesses in 2025.
1. Basic Brochure Website (£1,000 - £4,000)
What it is: A simple, informational site with 5-10 pages (Home, About, Services, Contact), a contact form, and basic SEO setup. Often built on platforms like WordPress or Squarespace.
Ideal for: Small businesses, tradespeople, and freelancers who need a professional online presence to generate leads.
What influences cost: Number of pages, custom design vs. template, basic content population.
2. Advanced Business Website (£4,000 - £10,000)
What it is: A more complex site with custom design, integrated blogging, advanced contact forms, newsletter signups, and potentially simple e-commerce functionality or third-party integrations (e.g., a live booking system).
Ideal for: Growing businesses that rely on content marketing, lead generation, and basic online transactions.
What influences cost: Level of custom design, number and complexity of integrations, e-commerce features (number of products, payment gateways).
3. Custom Web Application (£10,000 - £25,000+)
What it is: A fully tailored software solution built to solve a specific business problem. Think client portals, custom CRM systems, complex booking platforms, or data management tools.
Ideal for: Businesses needing to automate internal processes, manage complex data, or offer a unique interactive service.
What influences cost: The single biggest factor is development time. Complexity, number of user roles, security requirements, and data handling all play a huge role.
4. Mobile Application (£15,000 - £50,000+)
What it is: A native (iOS/Android) or cross-platform application.
Ideal for: Businesses aiming to enhance customer engagement, loyalty, and provide a dedicated mobile service.
What influences cost: Native vs. cross-platform development, number of features, complexity of the backend, and app store submission fees.
The Hidden Costs of a Web Project (Beyond the Initial Quote)
A common mistake is only budgeting for the initial build. To avoid surprises, factor in these ongoing costs:
Domain Name: (£10 - £20/year) Your website's address.
Web Hosting: (£50 - £500+/year) The server where your site lives. Cost varies based on traffic and resource needs.
SSL Certificate: (Often included with hosting) Essential for security and SEO.
Maintenance & Support: (£50 - £200/month or a retainer) Crucial for security updates, bug fixes, and keeping software current. This is non-negotiable for business-critical sites.
Content Updates: (Variable) If you need the agency to make regular content changes, this is typically an additional hourly or monthly cost.
Framing Your Web Project as an Investment, Not a Cost
Shifting your mindset is key. Instead of asking "How much does it cost?", ask "What is the return on investment (ROI)?".
For a Website: ROI is measured in leads and sales. A £5,000 website that generates £50,000 in new business is a 10x return.
For a Web App: ROI is measured in efficiency and scalability. A £15,000 custom CRM that saves your team 20 hours per week in admin work pays for itself in a matter of months by freeing up time for revenue-generating activities.
For a Mobile App: ROI is measured in customer loyalty and lifetime value. An app that increases repeat purchases by 30% directly boosts your revenue.
How to Get an Accurate Quote (And Questions to Ask)
To ensure you’re comparing apples to apples, provide agencies with a clear brief. Ask potential partners:
Is this a fixed-price project or will I be billed hourly?
What is included in the quoted price? (Design, development, content, SEO?)
What is your process for handling change requests?
Do you provide post-launch maintenance and support? What are those costs?
Can you show me examples of similar projects you’ve delivered within this budget?
Conclusion: Your Next Steps
Budgeting for a web project is a crucial first step in your digital journey. By understanding the cost drivers, planning for ongoing expenses, and viewing the project through an ROI lens, you can make a confident and informed investment in your business’s future.
Ready to Move from Budgeting to Building?
Now that you have a realistic understanding of costs, let's discuss your specific vision. At Home Brunch, we provide detailed, transparent quotes based on your unique requirements.
Contact Home Brunch today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll help you define your project scope, outline a clear budget, and build a digital solution that delivers a tangible return on your investment.