Home Designer 2026 and beyond will be subscription based

[BalutFX]

Well, I guess it was inevitable, but I’m still not happy that the 2026 and beyond Home Designer line will no longer be offered as a one time purchase. Especially since the upgraded features will likely still be extremely minimal and severely limited from the Chief Architect Premium version. Here is the the text from today’s sales email:

 

Update: From the products page, looks like their 10% off sale for the 2025 versions ends August 4th, so that os probably right before the release date for the 2026 version. 

 

We are excited to announce the new version of Home Designer 2026 will be available later this summer. Our 2025 product line (Suite, Architectural, Professional) will consolidate into a single product that will be subscription based either monthly or annually.  This is your last chance to purchase Home Designer 2025 Suite, Architectural, or Professional

Edited yesterday at 03:16 PM by BalutFX
Added probable date for 2026 release

[y-g-m-n]

I hate subscriptions even though I tend to upgrade every year but it was always my choice...

 

Subscriptions force one to upgrade basically every year - I find the updates come more often but tend to be rushed and most updates are fixing issues from last updates.

 

I understand why software companies like subscriptions as they feel they get a more consistent revenue stream but I would have to guess it is less then before since some just say NOPE.

 

but if the subscription is cheaper per year then the upgrades from years past then OK.

But when I stop the subscription I feel the software should stay on computer and work but never get updated again.

 

Remember the only reason Software companies do updates/upgrades etc is to get you to send in more $$$$.

 

Sad day when 2026 comes out.