1977
1000
$100,000
$40,000
$350,000
No
Engel & Völkers is a globally recognized luxury real estate franchise that has redefined high-end property brokerage with its European sophistication, personalized service, and global reach. Originating in Hamburg, Germany, Engel & Völkers has grown into one of the world’s most respected real estate brands, serving clients in over 30 countries with more than 1,000 offices worldwide. In the United States, the brand has established a strong reputation for connecting discerning clients with premier residential and commercial properties through innovation, professionalism, and an elite network of advisors.
The Engel & Völkers franchise system is built on a unique combination of heritage, modern marketing, and a client-first philosophy. Its boutique shop concept, cutting-edge technology, and renowned brand image make it an exceptional opportunity for real estate entrepreneurs who aim to lead in the luxury market. With a focus on lifestyle, culture, and premium service, Engel & Völkers helps franchise partners build a trusted business that caters to an affluent and loyal clientele.
Investing in an Engel & Völkers franchise means joining one of the world’s most prestigious real estate networks with access to global connections and premium brand recognition. The company’s success lies in its blend of local expertise and international credibility, offering franchisees the ability to attract top-tier listings and high-net-worth clients.
Franchise owners benefit from:
World-Class Brand Recognition: Engel & Völkers is synonymous with luxury, trust, and exclusivity.
Comprehensive Training and Support: From technology to marketing, the brand ensures each franchise partner operates with excellence.
Innovative Marketing Tools: State-of-the-art digital tools, CRM systems, and global listing platforms enhance lead generation and sales efficiency.
Strong Global Network: Franchisees gain international exposure through global cross-promotion, referrals, and collaborative marketing.
Growing U.S. Market: With continuous expansion across major American cities, franchisees can leverage a proven business model that thrives in both established and emerging real estate markets.
Founded: 1977
Founder: Christian Völkers
Headquarters: Hamburg, Germany
Industry: Luxury Real Estate Brokerage
U.S. Headquarters: New York City, USA
Franchise Units: Over 1,000 global locations, with hundreds of offices across the United States
Engel & Völkers began its journey in 1977, when Christian Völkers opened the first real estate office in an upscale Hamburg neighborhood, introducing a new level of sophistication and professionalism to the property market. The company was built on a simple but powerful vision — to deliver exceptional real estate services defined by integrity, passion, and exclusivity.
From a small boutique agency, Engel & Völkers rapidly expanded across Europe, developing a reputation for representing the finest homes and most discerning clients. By combining traditional values with an innovative, forward-thinking approach, the brand evolved into one of the most prestigious real estate franchises in the world.
In 2006, Engel & Völkers entered the United States, bringing its globally successful model to a thriving American luxury property market. The brand quickly gained traction in high-value regions including New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Scottsdale, Dallas, and Atlanta. Its signature “shop concept” — boutique-style real estate offices that reflect elegance, comfort, and brand consistency — became a hallmark of Engel & Völkers’ identity and elevated the standard for real estate offices nationwide.
Today, Engel & Völkers operates in over 30 countries across five continents, with more than 16,000 licensed real estate professionals. The company’s portfolio spans residential real estate, commercial properties, luxury rentals, yachting, and private aviation, giving franchisees a diversified platform to serve affluent clients worldwide.
In the USA, Engel & Völkers stands out not just for its global reach but for its commitment to personalized service, technology-driven marketing, and community engagement. Its advisors are known for deep local expertise combined with international exposure — a balance that enables them to cater to the evolving needs of high-net-worth buyers and sellers.
Backed by decades of experience, robust franchise infrastructure, and an unmatched global brand presence, Engel & Völkers continues to redefine luxury real estate and remains one of the most sought-after franchise opportunities for professionals looking to operate in the high-end property sector.
Engel & Völkers ensures every franchise partner receives exceptional support and education to operate a successful and profitable brokerage.
Pre-Launch Support:
Detailed market analysis and territory planning.
Assistance with location selection and interior design following the signature Engel & Völkers shop model.
Comprehensive onboarding process and training modules for owners and advisors.
Operational Support:
Ongoing access to the company’s CRM, listing platform, and transaction management tools.
Support in hiring and developing real estate advisors aligned with the brand’s culture and service standards.
Continuous coaching and best practice sharing from experienced regional directors.
Marketing & Branding Support:
Professionally crafted marketing campaigns tailored to luxury audiences.
Access to premium print and digital advertising templates.
Social media strategy, SEO tools, and global listing exposure through the Engel & Völkers network.
Ongoing Training:
Engel & Völkers Academy offers continuous professional development courses.
Regular regional conferences and global summits to network and exchange insights.
Updates on market trends, technological tools, and client engagement strategies.
This full-spectrum support system empowers franchisees to build profitable, sustainable, and reputable real estate businesses under a world-class brand.
The Engel & Völkers franchise is designed for professionals and entrepreneurs who are passionate about luxury real estate, leadership, and community engagement. Ideal franchise partners share the brand’s vision of delivering world-class service, building trusted client relationships, and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.
Here’s what defines the perfect Engel & Völkers franchisee:
The most successful Engel & Völkers franchise owners often come from a real estate, brokerage, or property management background. Individuals who already have experience leading or managing a team of real estate agents will find the transition to an Engel & Völkers shop seamless. However, the brand also welcomes business-minded entrepreneurs who are new to real estate but have strong leadership and management capabilities.
Engel & Völkers seeks owners who can inspire and lead high-performing teams, set ambitious goals, and uphold the luxury brand’s reputation in their local market. A franchisee should have strong interpersonal skills, a drive for excellence, and the ability to cultivate long-term client relationships with integrity and discretion.
Franchise partners should have an appreciation for luxury design, high-end service, and lifestyle branding. The Engel & Völkers experience extends beyond real estate—it’s about selling a lifestyle. Franchisees who understand this emotional and aspirational side of the business can connect more effectively with affluent clients.
Owning an Engel & Völkers franchise requires a commitment to quality and consistency, including the investment needed to maintain the brand’s premium image. Ideal investors should have:
A minimum liquid capital of $150,000
The ability to invest between $100,000 – $350,000 depending on location and market size
Financial stability to sustain business operations during the initial setup and growth phases
Franchisees should have strong local market insights, a deep understanding of their community’s demographics, and the ability to network with local businesses, developers, and luxury clientele. The ideal candidate is active in their community, visible in local events, and respected as a trusted business leader.
Engel & Völkers franchise partners are not just business owners — they are brand ambassadors. They must embody the company’s values of competence, exclusivity, and passion in every client interaction and business decision. The brand expects franchisees to uphold its global service standards while adding their own local expertise and authenticity.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the Engel & Völkers franchise investment requirements and financial structure for the U.S. market. These figures are based on industry data and typical startup costs for real estate franchises within the Engel & Völkers system. Actual costs may vary by location, market size, and individual business plans.
| Financial Element | Estimated Cost (USD) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $40,000 – $50,000 | One-time fee for brand licensing, training, and setup support. |
| Total Initial Investment | $100,000 – $350,000 | Includes franchise fee, build-out, equipment, technology, and startup working capital. |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $150,000 | Minimum available cash or liquid assets required to qualify for franchise ownership. |
| Net Worth Requirement | $400,000 – $500,000 | Recommended total net worth to ensure financial stability and long-term success. |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross commission income | Paid monthly; covers continued access to systems, tools, and brand resources. |
| Marketing & Brand Fund Fee | 1% of gross commission income | Contributes to national and global brand marketing initiatives. |
| Office Build-Out & Interior Design | $25,000 – $75,000 | Cost for setting up the Engel & Völkers “shop” — the signature boutique-style office concept. |
| Technology & Software Setup | $5,000 – $10,000 | Includes CRM system, proprietary digital tools, and backend software. |
| Initial Training Program | Included in Franchise Fee | Covers pre-launch and ongoing education for owners and advisors. |
| Working Capital (First 3–6 Months) | $25,000 – $50,000 | Funds to cover operating expenses until revenue stabilizes. |
| Employee Recruitment & Onboarding | $5,000 – $15,000 | Hiring and training real estate advisors, office managers, and support staff. |
| Insurance, Legal & Licensing Fees | $3,000 – $10,000 | Includes necessary business licenses, insurance, and real estate broker registrations. |
| Average Break-Even Period | 12 – 24 Months | Dependent on location, market conditions, and operational efficiency. |
| Estimated ROI | 18% – 25% annually | Typical return based on brand performance and established franchise data. |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Varies by region | Residential and commercial real estate sales, rentals, new development marketing, aviation, and yachting divisions. |
Summary of Investment Potential
An Engel & Völkers franchise provides a high-value opportunity for investors looking to enter or expand within the luxury real estate sector. The investment offers strong brand equity, diverse income streams, and the backing of a world-renowned network with over 40 years of success.
While initial costs are moderate compared to other luxury franchises, the potential for long-term profitability and brand prestige is significant. The Engel & Völkers franchise model is designed for sustainable growth, with most franchisees seeing steady business momentum within the first 18–24 months of operation.
