Belgian estate agency franchises

If you've been dreaming of establishing your own estate agency for a while now, franchising may well be the ideal way to help you get started. Whether you're an industry expert or just starting out, estate agency franchising is renowned for offering a higher, more stable return for entrepreneurs, all whilst allowing estate agents to continue being in charge of their own businesses. But what exactly is franchising?  What is specific to franchising in Belgium in particular? How do you become a franchisee in Belgium? Here you'll find all you need to know about Belgium's franchising market.

What is a franchise?

Franchising is a system based on a partnership between an independent agent, which is called the franchisee, and a well-established larger company, known as the franchiser.  In Belgium, franchising can be used in the marketing of products and new technologies and — in the case of estate agency franchising — for services too. The franchiser offers the franchisee the right to operate using their licence and grow their own business using their industry expertise.

This model presents a number of advantages for both the franchiser and franchisee.  For the Belgian franchiser, franchising offers the opportunity to expand their portfolio.  By sharing investments with franchisees, franchisers can accelerate their national — or even global — expansion.  The franchisee therefore benefits from the franchiser's tried-and-tested methods. This therefore allows them to minimise the risks associated with setting up their own business without any support.  The partnership with a well-established firm can also help in securing funding from banks.

Franchising in Belgium

Franchises are thriving in Belgium! That said, not all types of franchise benefit from the same popularity.  Before setting up a franchise, you should consider doing a market research study to help inform your decision. As an estate agency franchisee, it's important to know that the service sector is thriving following a range of models which have seen great success in Belgium, including pharmacies, supermarkets, hospitality, restaurants, etc.

According to the Belgian Franchise Federation, Belgium has around 3,500 franchisees across 100 brands.  Many are part of the distribution sector. Across the others, the food industry is also thriving. Equally, in the construction sector, Belgian companies are taking advantage of the franchising model.

How do I become a franchisee in Belgium?

If the model sounds interesting to you, you'll of course want to know how to get your franchise up and running.  Belgium is the ideal country to establish yourself in the franchise market; the Laruelle law guides franchisers in drafting the Pre-contractual Information Document (Document d’Information Précontractuel, hereafter D.I.P.).  This sets out a legal framework for the partnership between the franchisee and franchiser, protecting the former by ensuring that the latter provides a D.I.P. in advance, though also through allowing the franchiser to protect themselves against subsequent disputes.  As a franchisee, it would be advisable to familiarise yourself with this law before starting out in the industry. The D.I.P. is a document containing important information about the franchiser, and they are required by law to supply this to future franchisees before any contract is signed.

However, before applying to become a franchisee, it is crucial that you carry out a self-assessment of your current situation.  Evaluate your financial and personal situation, as well as your mid- to long-term- objectives. After, you should start looking for an appropriate franchiser corresponding to your needs.  Evaluate the franchising network with regard to its profitability, the quality of its initial and ongoing training, industry know-how, etc. As this decision is a fundamental turning point in the future of your business, don't hesitate to reach out to professionals such as lawyers or accountants, as well as other existing franchisees.

Launch your own franchise in Belgium

Now you've got a first impression of what a franchise is, the only thing left to do is launch your own! Do your self-assessment and begin researching your potential future franchiser. Belgium has a range of excellent franchisers: Engel & Völkers, for example, already has an established franchising network. Do your research, get to know the industry, and ask for your D.I.P. Then you'll be able to set up your dream estate agency!