Century 21 Real Estate Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Century 21 Real Estate LLC is an international franchise network offering residential and commercial real estate services. The brand was established in 1971 in Santa Ana, California, by Art Bartlett and Marsh Fisher, two entrepreneurs who sought to modernize the real estate industry through a strong franchise system.
The company’s headquarters are now located in Madison, New Jersey. Shortly after its creation, Century 21 adopted the franchise model and quickly became one of the most recognized names in real estate during the 1970s and 1980s.
Today, Century 21 operates in more than 86 countries, with about 14,250 independently owned offices and a network of over 147,000 real estate professionals. Its services include residential and luxury home sales, commercial real estate, and international property transactions.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Century 21 Real Estate franchise? It costs on average between $116,000 – $466,000 to start a Century 21 Real Estate franchised business.
This covers expenses such as office setup, technology systems, marketing materials, and initial working capital. The total investment varies based on several factors, including the office location, market size, and whether the franchisee decides to lease or purchase the business premises.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Facility and Space Planning | $9,000 – $17,500 |
| Security and Other Deposits | $7,500 – $17,700 |
| Furnishings and Communications Equipment | $27,000 – $87,500 |
| Prepaid Business Expenses | $3,000 – $4,600 |
| Additional Funds (first 3 months after opening) | $35,000 – $60,000 |
| Total Additional Investment for New Start-Up Office | $81,500 – $187,300 |
| Total Initial Investment for Conversion Office | $34,670 – $279,000 |
| Total Investment for New Start-Up Office | $116,170 – $466,300 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many Century 21 Real Estate locations are there?
As of the latest data, Century 21 Real Estate operates 1,784 franchise units across the U.S.
What is the total investment required to open a Century 21 Real Estate franchise?
The total investment required to open a Century 21 Real Estate franchise ranges from $116,000 to $466,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Century 21 Real Estate franchise?
Century 21 Real Estate franchisees pay an ongoing royalty fee of 6% of gross revenue from real estate sales and 1.5% of gross revenue from property management services. Franchisees also contribute 0.5% of gross revenue to a national advertising and marketing fund that supports brand awareness and promotional campaigns.
Who owns Century 21 Real Estate?
Century 21 Real Estate franchise is owned by Anywhere Real Estate Inc., a leading global provider of residential real estate services. Anywhere Real Estate Inc., formerly known as Realogy Holdings Corp., owns several well-known real estate brands, including Coldwell Banker, Sotheby’s International Realty, and Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate.
Disclaimer
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