Founding a franchise in the real estate industry

Why the Real Estate Industry Is So Attractive for Franchise Founders

While the German franchise landscape is diverse and multifaceted, the real estate industry continues to attract particular interest. Sectors such as skilled trades (6%), gastronomy (20%), and retail (22%) together account for roughly half of the domestic franchise market share—but it’s the service sector that leads the way, commanding an impressive 52% market share.

As the demand for services continues to grow globally and the sector establishes itself as one of the most important pillars of the modern economy, recent studies estimate that around 70% of the workforce in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) is already employed in service-related roles. A key driver of this dynamic growth lies in the franchise economy itself, with approximately 370 franchise concepts currently offering prospective founders a structured and accessible entry point into the services sector.

Franchise opportunities in the service industry are incredibly versatile—ranging from tutoring companies to management training, fitness studios, and IT services. This makes the sector especially appealing for aspiring franchise partners. One particularly sought-after segment is the real estate industry, which proves to be an exciting and rewarding field for both experienced professionals and newcomers alike. While established brands like Engel & Völkers can significantly grow their brokerage operations and client base through franchising, first-time founders benefit from a well-prepared and proven path into the property business.

That level of preparation is one of the key strengths of real estate franchising. Whereas independent start-ups risk underestimating the demands of the market—or struggle to establish a business model that’s viable long term—Engel & Völkers franchise partners are equipped to avoid these common pitfalls. Curious about how to become a partner and what specific benefits a collaboration offers? Learn more in the next section—or speak directly with one of our expansion managers.

Why You Can Conquer the Real Estate World Faster and More Easily with Engel & Völkers

Although you will operate as a self-employed real estate agent within an exclusive license area in Germany or Austria, Engel & Völkers offers you a highly secure and professionally supported business model. Our real estate franchise not only stands for a proven concept with international prestige but also provides a comprehensive range of services that go far beyond the start-up phase.

As a franchise partner, you gain immediate access to our tried-and-tested business system, which has been successfully established on the market for decades. Our focus on premium real estate – one of the most stable and crisis-resistant asset classes – offers you financial resilience even during challenging times such as inflation or global uncertainties.

But our success is about more than just the product. Franchise systems like Engel & Völkers are exceptionally adaptable to external change. The key lies in the strong community, internal cohesion, and a culture of mutual support – traits that make our system flexible, dynamic, and simultaneously robust. This creates a business environment that offers founders a high degree of security while still allowing room for personal development.

Your Advantages as an Engel & Völkers Franchise Partner at a Glance:

• Ongoing support and comprehensive assistance – not only during the start-up phase but throughout your daily operations

• Access to an established and internationally recognized brand name that builds instant trust with clients

• Simplified team and client acquisition thanks to professional standards, existing networks, and strong brand visibility

• Modern training and education programs through our dedicated Engel & Völkers Academy

• Marketing and advertising support on both local and global levels

• Exclusive marketing rights for your license area in Germany or Austria

• Representation of a global premium brand with over 40 years of real estate experience

Kickstart your franchise career now in one of the most promising industries – with a strong partner at your side.

Engel & Völkers Franchise: Write Your Own Success Story as Our Partner

Are you convinced of the profitability of the real estate industry and eager to enter this field with confidence and without losing time? Whether you’re a career changer or bring industry experience, your franchise journey with Engel & Völkers will be a resounding success. From day one, you’ll position yourself as a respected industry professional backed by decades of brand expertise.

Get in touch with our expansion managers today and secure your exclusive license territory in Germany or Austria. We look forward to hearing from you!