Epcon Communities Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Epcon Communities Franchise is a real estate development franchise specializing in single-story, low-maintenance homes crafted for adults aged 55 and older. Founded in 1986 by Ed Bacome and Phil Fankhauser in Dublin, Ohio, the brand has become a leader in creating vibrant, maintenance-free residential communities for active adults.
The company began franchising in 1995 under the name Epcon Communities Franchising, Inc. From its headquarters in Dublin, Ohio, it provides franchise owners with access to exclusive floor plans, established construction systems, marketing resources, and purchasing programs designed to simplify operations.
Epcon’s model emphasizes a proven pre-sale strategy that helps franchisees achieve successful community openings and consistent sales performance. Over the years, the company has delivered more than 30,000 homes within over 450 communities across the United States.
Each Epcon home typically spans 1,300 to over 3,000 square feet and features open designs, private courtyards, and resort-style amenities. With exterior maintenance and landscaping handled by the HOA, residents enjoy a stress-free, upscale lifestyle tailored to modern active living.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Epcon Communities franchise? It costs on average between $1,066,000 – $5,100,000 to start a Epcon Communities franchised facility.
This includes expenses related to land development, home construction, site improvements, and initial operating costs. The total investment varies based on several factors, such as the size of the community, local real estate costs, and whether the franchisee develops the land or purchases pre-developed lots. Epcon Communities offers 2 types of franchises:
| Concept | Initial Investment |
|---|---|
| Epcon Communities Project (30-Unit Project) | $3,413,025 – $5,099,553 |
| Epcon Communities Project (When Purchasing Developed Lots) | $1,065,525 – $1,426,725 |
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Epcon Communities Project (30-Unit Project). For more information on costs required to start a Epcon Communities franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Land Purchase | $600,000 – $1,300,000 |
| Financing Costs for Land Acquisition and Development | $0 – $106,828 |
| Due Diligence and Land Entitlement | $42,500 – $105,000 |
| Land Development and Site Improvements | $1,950,000 – $2,600,000 |
| Large Pavilion Community Amenity | $75,000 – $96,000 |
| Vertical Construction Costs for Model Home Unit | $214,800 – $264,600 |
| Vertical Construction Costs for First Unit Offered | $214,800 – $264,600 |
| Upfront Sales and Marketing | $130,000 – $150,000 |
| Training Salary for In-House Sales Consultant | $20,800 |
| Direct and Indirect / Overhead Project Costs | $65,000 – $75,500 |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $75,000 |
| Initial Marketing Program Membership Fee | $5,000 |
| Mortgage and Security Agreement Fees | $300 – $1,200 |
| Marketing Program Fee | $3,125 |
| Initial Training Program | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| BuildTopia Software License | $2,700 – $5,400 |
| Additional Funds (3-Month Period) | $12,000 – $24,000 |
| Total | $3,413,025 – $5,099,553 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Epcon Communities franchise? A Epcon Communities franchised business makes on average $592,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
Download the Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Epcon Communities locations are there?
As of the latest data, Epcon Communities has 89 units across the United States.
What is the total investment required to open a Epcon Communities franchise?
The total investment required to open a Epcon Communities franchise ranges from $1,066,000 to $5,100,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Epcon Communities franchise?
Epcon Communities franchisees pay a royalty fee of approximately 1% to 2% of gross revenue. In addition, there is a marketing or advertising fee that is typically around 1% of gross revenue, although in some cases it may be charged as a fixed monthly amount, such as $625 per month.
Who owns Epcon Communities?
The franchise is owned by co-founders Ed Bacome and Phil Fankhauser, who established Epcon Communities Franchising, Inc. in 1995 in Dublin, Ohio.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This content has been made for informational and educational purposes only. SharpSheets is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing any franchisor mentioned on this website. Where noted, figures are taken from the franchisor’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). In some cases, we may provide independent calculations or estimates based on publicly available information. We do not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the information presented in the article. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other professional advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, advertisement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.
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