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The difference between a subscription and perpetual licence

All HBXL’s full licence software is available to buy outright (known as a perpetual licence) or on an annual subscription. You choose.

Which Option Works Best for You & Your Construction Business?

At HBXL, we give you options—because no two construction businesses are the same. Whether you prefer the flexibility of a Subscription or the one-off investment of a Perpetual Licence, this page will help you make the right choice for your needs, budget, and working style.

Quick Comparison

Annual SubscriptionPerpetual Licence
Cashflow friendly - low upfront cost
Higher initial payment
Software use for 12 months*Long-term financial benefit
No big capital expenditureUnlimited use of software
Subscription includes the Support & Updates PlanIt will never be switched off*
Always have the latest version
Includes the Support & Updates Plan in the first year
Can be turned into a perpetual licence at the end of the subscription periodAnnual Support & Updates Plan renewal fee in year two and onwards
*No access to projects/files on completion*Ageing versions of HBXL software may not work effectively

Keep a copy of the differences – download the factsheet.

Detailed Breakdown

Annual Subscription

Best for: Builders who want lower upfront costs, regular updates, and full support baked in.

 

✅ Key Benefits:

  • Lower upfront cost – pay annually, you can also split payments over 3 months with Paypal or Klarna

  • Always up to date – you’ll get the latest features and building regs as soon as they’re released

  • Support included – unlimited access to technical help and updates for the duration of your subscription

  • Easier budgeting – Pay once per-year, with all your support and updates included
  • Easily Upgradable – You can easily upgrade your subscription, or move over to a perpetual licence.

 

⚠️ Things to consider:

  • Potential higher long term cost – if you plan to subscribe for at least three years – it could be worth considering a perpetual licence

  • If you stop subscribing you lose access to past documents – unless you’re transferring to a perpetual licence

 

💡Great if you:

  • Don’t have the cashflow for a larger one-off payment

  • Want to test the software for a year before buying perpetually

  • Want to have all the latest tools, pricing and updates

  • Need any going ongoing technical support/advice on how to get the most out of your software

Perpetual Licence

Best for: Builders who prefer a one-time investment and want to own the software indefinitely.

 

✅ Key Benefits:

  • One-off payment – own your version of the software perpetually, meaning that you can use the software for as long as you have the ability to run it.

  • Optional Support & Updates Plan – includes tech support and new features (first year included, then renewable annually).

  • Works without a subscription – continue using the version you purchased, even if you don’t renew the Support & Updates plan

 

⚠️ Things to consider:

  • Without a Support & Updates Plan, your software won’t receive new features, pricing or legislation updates. If you choose to proceed without support & updates, an upgrade* may be required in order to get your software to the latest version further into the future.

    If your software requires an upgrade, you will need to pay a premium on top of a support & updates plan, but at a greatly reduced rate from a new perpetual licence.

 

💡Great if you:

  • Prefer having a one-off cost and owning the software

  • You want the flexibility of choosing whether you want to have the latest version of the software or not

  • Want to get the best return on purchase (because you will save more the longer you have/use it, over continually renewing your annual subscription.

Still not sure? Drop us a message, and we'll help!

Speak to our friendly team! We’ll help you weigh up your options based on how you work and what stage your business is at.

📞 Call us on 0117 916 7898
💬 Live chat available on the website
📧 Or drop us a message

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