Christie's International Real Estate: A Global Leader in Luxury Property

Christie’s International Real Estate is a premier global franchise specializing in luxury residential properties. Founded in 1987 as Great Estates, it was acquired by the famed Christie’s auction house in 1995 and rebranded under its current name in 2011.

The franchise is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and operates under the ownership of @properties, a leading U.S. real estate brokerage that acquired the brand in 2021.

The franchise provides a wide array of services focused on the sale and marketing of upscale homes, estates, and developments. With more than 400 offices and around 10,000 agents in nearly 50 countries, Christie’s International Real Estate offers extensive global coverage.

The brand began franchising to expand its international network, offering entrepreneurs an opportunity to tap into the high-end property market.

What sets Christie’s International Real Estate apart is its deep connection to the Christie’s auction house. This partnership grants access to a network of affluent collectors and buyers, enhancing marketing and positioning for premium properties.

Training

Christie’s International Real Estate provides a structured training program for its franchisees to ensure alignment with brand standards and operational procedures. The training includes several key elements:

1. Initial Training Program
   Franchisees must attend an initial training program focused on operating the business and implementing the Brand Guidelines and Systems. Required attendees include the Responsible Broker, Office Broker, Marketing Director, and Agent Support Director. There is no fee for this training, though franchisees are responsible for travel and lodging expenses.
2. Customized and Ongoing Training
   Christie’s may develop customized training programs, mentoring, or specialty development modules for franchisees and their real estate agents. Participation in these programs is mandatory as outlined in the Operations Manual, and additional fees may apply.
3. Training Completion Requirement
   All required individuals must complete the initial training to the franchisor’s satisfaction. Failure to do so may result in termination of the franchise agreement.

Territory Protection

Christie’s International Real Estate may grant a “Protected Territory” to franchisees, which typically consists of a list of zip codes, counties, or geographic areas specified in the License Agreement.

If granted, this protection prevents Christie’s or its affiliates from establishing another franchise within that territory for the duration of the agreement, provided the franchisee remains compliant. However, the License Agreement does not guarantee a Protected Territory in all cases. In situations where no Protected Territory is designated, the franchisee has no territorial exclusivity and may face competition from other Christie’s affiliates, company-owned locations, or competing brands.

Even within a Protected Territory, Christie’s retains rights to engage in various real estate activities through digital platforms or from locations outside the protected area, and to modify territorial policies as stated in the Operations Manual. Franchisees are also not given rights to subfranchise or expand without a new agreement.