The True Cost of Building an MVP in the UK
Understanding MVP costs is crucial for budgeting and fundraising. Here's a transparent breakdown of what you'll actually spend in 2025.
TL;DR Cost Summary
| MVP Type | Agency | Freelancer | No-Code | DIY |
|----------|--------|------------|---------|-----|
| Simple | £15-30K | £8-15K | £2-5K | £0-1K |
| Medium | £30-60K | £15-30K | £5-15K | £1-5K |
| Complex | £60-150K | £30-60K | £15-40K | £5-20K |
What Determines MVP Cost?
1. Complexity of Features
2. Design Requirements
3. Platform Choice
4. Backend Complexity
Cost Breakdown by Provider Type
UK Development Agency
UK Freelancer (Senior)
Offshore Development
No-Code/Low-Code
Real MVP Cost Examples
Example 1: Task Management App
Example 2: Marketplace MVP
Example 3: SaaS Dashboard
Hidden Costs to Budget For
Design (if not included)
Infrastructure
Third-Party Services
Legal
Post-Launch
How to Reduce MVP Costs
1. Ruthless Feature Prioritisation
Cut features that aren't essential for validating your core hypothesis.
2. Use Existing Tools
Authentication, payments, email—use services, don't build.
3. Choose One Platform
Start with web or iOS, not both. Validate first.
4. Design Systems
Use Tailwind UI, Chakra, or similar to reduce design costs.
5. No-Code Where Possible
Landing pages, admin panels, and simple features can be no-code.
Funding Your MVP
**Bootstrapping Options**:
**Investment Options**:
What You Should Actually Budget
For a typical UK MVP in 2025, budget:
| Item | Conservative | Realistic | Generous |
|------|-------------|-----------|----------|
| Development | £15,000 | £30,000 | £60,000 |
| Design | £3,000 | £7,000 | £15,000 |
| Infrastructure | £500 | £1,500 | £3,000 |
| Legal | £500 | £1,500 | £3,000 |
| Contingency (20%) | £3,800 | £8,000 | £16,200 |
| **Total** | **£22,800** | **£48,000** | **£97,200** |
The right budget depends on your specific needs, but now you know the realistic ranges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum budget for an MVP in the UK?
You can build a simple MVP for as little as £5,000-£10,000 using no-code tools or offshore developers. For a quality agency-built MVP, budget at least £20,000-£30,000.
How long does it take to build an MVP?
Typical MVPs take 6-12 weeks to build. Simple products can be done in 4-6 weeks, while complex ones may take 12-16 weeks.
Should I use an agency or freelancer?
Agencies offer reliability and full teams but cost more. Freelancers are cheaper but carry more risk. For critical products, agencies are often worth the investment.