If you own an independent estate agency, you’ve likely built your business through hard work, local knowledge, and strong client relationships. But what if you could scale your success, reduce operational strain, and tap into national brand power—all while retaining your entrepreneurial spirit?
That’s where a estate agency franchising comes in.
Understanding Estate Agency Franchising
Estate agency franchising is a business model where an independent operator (the franchisee) runs their own business under the brand, systems, and support of a larger franchisor. It’s a partnership that combines local expertise and independence with a national brand like Your Move and a multitude of central support resources.
In simple terms:
You own and operate your business, but with the backing of a trusted brand, proven systems, and ongoing support.
How Does It Operate?
Here’s how a typical franchise works:
1. Brand Licensing
You gain the right to use the franchisor’s brand name, logo, and marketing materials. If the brand is well-known and nationwide this will help boost your visibility and offer ready-made marketing materials, website and much more as well as lead referral opportunities from other locations.
2. Training and Onboarding
Franchisors provide comprehensive training on systems, compliance, marketing, and customer service—ideal for streamlining operations and upskilling your team.
3. Operational Support
From legal compliance (like AML and lettings regulations) to software systems and training, franchisors offer tools that reduce your admin burden.
4. Marketing and Lead Generation
Benefit from national advertising campaigns, SEO-optimised websites, and lead generation tools that would be costly to develop independently. Not only that centrally negotiated contracts can offer significant savings.
5. Ongoing Business Development
Franchisees often receive regular performance coaching, and invaluable access to a network of fellow business owners for shared learning and support.
Why Convert Your Independent into a Franchise?
If you’re already running a successful agency, you might wonder: Why change?
Here are some reasons to consider converting to a franchise.
1. Opportunity to grow your business
Franchising gives you an infrastructure to grow—whether that’s expanding into new territories or increasing your property portfolio with a lettings acquisition. Our franchising model includes financing options to help you grow your business.
2. Network with like-minded estate agency entrepreneurs
Many of our existing franchises find real benefit in the networking with fellow franchisees. With over 60 franchise partners there are many opportunities to share successes and challenges as well as feedback on lead generating campaigns and the latest proptech trials going on across the business.
3. Economies of scale cost savings
There are a number of benefits to being part of a large network of branches including savings across a number of areas including property portals, marketing, systems and client accounts for lettings.
4. More Time, Less Stress
With systems and support in place, you can focus on what you do best—building relationships and growing your business.
5. Exit Strategy
Franchising can make your business more attractive to buyers when the time comes to sell, thanks to its structure and brand affiliation and there is a robust resales programme across our business.
Is It Right for You?
Franchising isn’t for everyone but if you’re looking for:
- Support to grow your business
- Operational efficiencies
- Networking and support across all areas of estate agency
- A stronger brand presence
…then converting to a franchise model could be a game-changing move.
Final Thoughts
The estate agency market is evolving—fast. Regulation is tightening, competition is growing, and customers are more discerning than ever. Franchising offers a way to stay ahead, stay compliant, and stay profitable.
If you’re curious about what franchising could look like for your agency, now is the time to explore your options. The right franchise partner could help you unlock the next level of success. Speak to the Your Move Franchise Partnership team today.
Senior Marketing Manager
