1987
33
$64,475
$42,625
$443,125
No
Christie’s International Real Estate stands as a premier global network specializing in luxury residential properties. Originating in 1987 as Great Estates, the brand was acquired by the renowned Christie’s auction house in 1995 and rebranded in 2011. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and currently under the ownership of @properties, Christie’s International Real Estate operates over 400 offices worldwide, with a significant presence in nearly 50 countries.
The franchise offers a unique value proposition by combining the prestige of the Christie’s brand with a comprehensive suite of real estate services. This affiliation provides franchisees with unparalleled access to a network of affluent buyers and sellers, enhancing marketing and positioning for premium properties.
Investing in a Christie’s International Real Estate franchise offers several compelling advantages:
Brand Prestige: Leverage the global recognition and trust associated with the Christie’s name.
Global Network: Access a vast network of over 10,000 agents across more than 400 offices worldwide.
Exclusive Listings: Benefit from exclusive listings and marketing opportunities through the Christie’s auction house.
Comprehensive Support: Receive extensive training and operational support to ensure business success.
Proven Business Model: Operate under a well-established and profitable business model with a focus on high-end properties.
Established Year and Brand Journey:
Christie’s International Real Estate traces its origins to 1987, when it was founded as Great Estates, a real estate network focused on high-end properties. In 1995, the prestigious Christie’s auction house acquired the network, seeking to expand its global reach into luxury real estate. The brand was officially rebranded as Christie’s International Real Estate in 2011, combining the credibility of Christie’s with the network’s real estate expertise.
Founders and Ownership:
Originally founded by a team of experienced real estate professionals, the company grew under the Christie’s umbrella to establish a global footprint. In 2021, Christie’s International Real Estate was acquired by @properties, a leading U.S. real estate brokerage, which now oversees the franchise’s operations in the United States. This ownership ensures strong corporate backing and access to advanced technology, marketing tools, and business networks.
Franchise Units:
Christie’s International Real Estate has 36 offices in the U.S., of which 33 are franchise units and 3 are corporate-owned offices. Globally, the brand maintains a presence in nearly 50 countries with over 400 offices, giving franchisees access to an expansive international network.
Market Presence in the USA:
In the United States, Christie’s International Real Estate focuses on major metropolitan and high-net-worth markets, providing luxury residential property services. The brand is recognized for its exclusive listings, premium marketing channels, and a network of affluent clients.
Industry Category:
The company operates in the luxury real estate brokerage sector, targeting high-net-worth individuals and premium residential properties. Christie’s International Real Estate stands out for combining traditional luxury real estate expertise with global marketing and auction capabilities, thanks to its association with the Christie’s auction house.
Other Relevant Information:
Christie’s International Real Estate franchisees benefit from a globally recognized prestigious brand, extensive training, operational support, and a strong marketing infrastructure.
The company emphasizes luxury property specialization, including estates, waterfront homes, urban penthouses, and historical residences.
Franchisees can leverage Christie’s international client base and affiliation with Christie’s auction house to access unique property listings and high-value transactions.
Christie’s International Real Estate provides extensive, structured support to ensure franchisee success at every stage of the business. Their support system spans pre-launch, operational, marketing, academic, and ongoing assistance, tailored to the luxury real estate sector.
Before opening a franchise, Christie’s offers guidance to establish a strong foundation:
Site Selection & Market Analysis: Assistance in choosing an optimal location based on demographic research, local real estate trends, and competitive landscape.
Office Design & Setup: Guidance on creating a professional, branded office space that reflects the prestige of Christie’s International Real Estate.
Licensing & Legal Compliance: Support with necessary licensing, regulatory compliance, and franchise agreements.
Initial Recruitment: Help identifying and hiring key team members, including sales agents, administrative staff, and managers.
Business Planning: Development of a tailored business plan, including revenue projections, marketing strategies, and growth objectives.
Franchisees receive in-depth operational guidance to run their business efficiently:
Business Management: Training on daily operations, client relationship management, team management, and financial oversight.
Real Estate Sales Training: Focused training on luxury property sales, high-end client engagement, negotiation skills, and transaction management.
Technology Platforms: Hands-on training with Christie’s proprietary tools, CRM systems, listing platforms, and digital property showcase systems.
Compliance & Best Practices: Guidance on ethical real estate practices, contract management, and regulatory compliance.
Christie’s ensures franchisees can attract high-net-worth clients effectively:
Branding Materials: Access to branded marketing collateral, including brochures, signage, digital templates, and promotional assets.
Digital Marketing: Training and support for online marketing strategies, including social media campaigns, SEO, email marketing, and website management.
Public Relations: Assistance in crafting press releases, media outreach, and community engagement to build local brand authority.
Global Exposure: Franchisees benefit from Christie’s international network, including connections to the Christie’s auction house client base, helping to showcase listings globally.
Continual learning and growth are integral to Christie’s franchise model:
Professional Development: Workshops, webinars, and seminars on advanced sales techniques, market trends, and luxury real estate insights.
Networking Opportunities: Access to industry conferences, franchisee meetings, and global events to exchange best practices.
Ongoing Consulting: Regular support from corporate advisors in operations, marketing, and sales strategy to optimize franchise performance.
Technology Updates: Continuous updates to digital platforms and tools, ensuring franchisees remain competitive with the latest real estate technology.
Marketing Campaign Management: Assistance with local and international campaigns to promote high-end listings.
Lead Generation & Referrals: Guidance on generating high-quality leads and leveraging the Christie’s network for referrals.
Crisis Management & Advisory: Corporate support during challenging market conditions or operational issues to minimize risks.
Christie’s International Real Estate seeks franchisees who are driven, capable, and passionate about luxury real estate. The ideal candidate should possess a combination of business acumen, industry knowledge, and entrepreneurial spirit to successfully operate a high-end real estate office.
Proven experience in real estate, sales, or business management is highly valued.
Prior leadership experience, such as managing a team or running a business, helps in scaling a franchise operation.
Familiarity with luxury property markets, high-net-worth clients, or international real estate is a strong advantage.
Genuine interest in luxury residential properties and providing exceptional service to affluent clients.
Dedication to upholding the prestige and standards of the Christie’s brand.
Long-term commitment to growing the franchise in a competitive market.
Ability to meet the initial franchise fee, total investment range ($64,475 – $443,125), and working capital requirements.
Financial readiness to sustain operations until the business reaches break-even (typically 12–24 months).
Comfort with ongoing royalty and marketing fee obligations.
Preference for upscale, high-net-worth markets with strong demand for luxury properties.
Willingness to conduct market research and identify neighborhoods with the highest growth potential for luxury real estate.
Strong leadership and team management skills to recruit, mentor, and retain high-performing agents.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and networking skills to handle affluent clients and complex transactions.
Entrepreneurial mindset, resilience, and adaptability to navigate market fluctuations in luxury real estate.
Franchisees should be committed to maintaining the integrity, image, and quality standards of Christie’s International Real Estate.
Willingness to leverage global brand resources, marketing tools, and professional training to enhance local business performance.
| Category | Details / Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $64,475 – $443,125 | Varies depending on office size, location, and market conditions |
| Minimum Investment | $64,475 | Initial capital required to start a franchise |
| Franchise Fee | $42,625 – $50,125 | One-time fee for franchise rights |
| Royalty Fees | 5% of monthly sales | Ongoing fee paid to Christie’s corporate for brand support and services |
| Marketing Budget / Fees | Varies | Franchisees are encouraged to invest in local and digital marketing |
| Infrastructure / Setup Costs | Varies | Includes office design, furniture, technology, signage, and initial supplies |
| Working Capital | Sufficient funds recommended for initial operations | Covers employee salaries, utilities, and operational expenses until break-even |
| Expected ROI | High potential | Depends on market, property sales, and business execution |
| Break-Even Time | 12 – 24 months | Typical range based on location and market activity |
| Potential Revenue Streams | - Commission from property sales - Referral fees - Premium listing promotions - Affiliate services (mortgage, insurance, staging) | Luxury property transactions can yield high-value commissions |
