2026: The Year Building Instead of Buying Makes a HUGE Comeback Thanks to AI

Is the advancement of AI bringing about the end of SaaS?

For years, the tech world has largely operated on a simple mantra: if you need a software solution, you buy it.

The Software as a Service (SaaS) model has dominated, offering convenient, subscription-based access to everything from customer relationship management to project planning tools.

But what if the very technology that powers these services—AI—is also making them obsolete?

From where I’m sat, I think we’re at the beginning of a significant shift: a powerful comeback for the “build rather than buy” philosophy.

The catalyst? AI coding assistants.

These intelligent tools are making it possible for even a single developer to construct production-ready systems with unprecedented speed and efficiency.

Imagine being able to craft a bespoke tool for your specific needs in a matter of weeks, a task that once required a team and months of effort. This newfound capability fundamentally changes the economic equation.

If individuals and small teams can rapidly build sophisticated, tailored solutions, the need to subscribe to off-the-shelf SaaS products diminishes. This isn’t just about saving money; it’s about gaining ultimate control and customisation.

Why commit to a long, inflexible contract for a commodity solution when you can build exactly what you need, often at a lower operational cost, and adapt it as your requirements evolve?

Let’s get into what I see on the horizon and what you need to know about it.