

Engel & Völkers is a prestigious real estate franchise renowned for its focus on luxury properties and high-end clientele. Established in Hamburg, Germany, in 1977 by Dirk Engel and Christian Völkers, the brand has grown into a worldwide name with operations spanning more than 30 countries.
Since transitioning to a franchise model in 2006, Engel & Völkers has empowered independent professionals to offer its signature premium services under its globally recognized brand. The company specializes in the sale and leasing of upscale residential homes, commercial properties, and development ventures.
What sets Engel & Völkers apart is its commitment to the luxury market, a unified and elegant brand presentation, and a vast international network that enhances client reach and service quality.
The franchise also extends beyond real estate, offering elite brokerage services in the yachting and private aviation sectors—an added value for affluent customers seeking comprehensive lifestyle solutions.
Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Engel & Völkers provides a detailed and multi-layered training structure designed to ensure franchisees and their teams are fully equipped to operate under the brand's standards. Here are the training programs provided by the franchisor:
Engel & Völkers provides franchisees with a “Protected Area,” which is typically defined by U.S. postal zip codes. Within this territory, the franchisor agrees not to place another Engel & Völkers Residential Real Estate Brokerage, as long as the franchisee is not in default.
This exclusivity applies to the establishment of physical brokerage locations and is intended to preserve market integrity for each franchisee. However, this territory protection does not prevent other franchisees, affiliates, or the franchisor from advertising, marketing, or even soliciting clients within the Protected Area.
They may conduct national or internet-based promotions that reach customers in any region, including areas granted to other franchisees. The franchisor also reserves the right to reduce the Protected Area if the franchisee fails to open agreed-upon additional locations.
Below are some of
Engel & Völkers Residential Real Estate Brokerage
key competitors in the
Broker/Realtor
sector.

190
$35,000
$177,000
$424,000
n.a.
$0
$xxx,xxx
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.

3% Realty is a real estate brokerage franchise offering full-service residential listing and buyer representation at a flat three-percent commission, serving cost-conscious home sellers and buyers, and known for streamlined systems, MLS exposure, and Canada-wide recognition as a lower-commission brand.
?
?

Assist-2-Sell is a real estate brokerage franchise offering full-service, flat-fee home listing and buyer representation, serving residential sellers and buyers, and known for discount commissions, strong marketing systems, and a proven model that competes with traditional high-commission brokerages.
?
?

Windermere Real Estate is a real-estate brokerage franchise offering home-buying, selling and leasing services across multiple states, serving agents and clients, and known for community-centred culture, advanced marketing tools and proven franchise systems.
?
?

Intero Real Estate Services is a real-estate brokerage franchise offering full-service buying, selling and leasing of homes and commercial properties, serving agents and clients, and known for strong training, agent-centric model and technology-enabled branding.
?
?

Valbridge is a valuation-services franchise offering real-estate appraisal, review and consulting services for commercial and residential markets, serving lenders, brokers and property-owners, and known for national network, compliance focus and high-quality data standards.
?
?

Harcourts is a real-estate brokerage franchise offering residential and commercial brokerage services, serving property buyers, sellers and agents, and known for innovative tools, global network backing and culture focused on growth and professionalism.
?
?
Choosing a franchise goes beyond reviewing fees and financials — it requires an honest assessment of your goals, skills, and risk tolerance. This article outlines the key questions prospective owners should ask before committing. It helps clarify whether the opportunity aligns with your lifestyle, long-term plans, and operational preferences.
Speaking with current and former franchisees is one of the most reliable ways to understand how a franchise really operates. This guide explains how to conduct validation calls, what questions to ask, and how to identify patterns in feedback. It provides a practical framework for uncovering real performance expectations and support quality.
Not all franchise opportunities offer the same potential. This article breaks down how to evaluate a brand’s industry, financial health, support systems, and competitive positioning. It helps prospective buyers compare options and identify franchises with strong long-term viability.
A clear, well-structured business plan is essential for securing financing and preparing for the realities of franchise ownership. This article explains how to build a plan that covers market analysis, operations, staffing, and local marketing. It also outlines how to create realistic pro forma financials, including revenue projections, startup costs, and break-even analysis. Readers gain a practical framework they can use when applying for loans or planning their first years of operations.