- Harcourts started in New Zealand in 1888, introduced its franchise model in 1988 and entered Australia in 1997.
- Harcourts has offered several models, including traditional franchise, multi-office partner, virtual and joint venture arrangements.
- Third-party figures on joining fees and investment vary widely, so rely on the disclosure document.
Harcourts began in New Zealand in 1888 and introduced its franchise model in 1988. It expanded into Australia in 1997, starting in Queensland, and now operates hundreds of offices across Australia as part of an international network. Harcourts Group Australia acts as the master franchisor.
This guide explains the Harcourts franchise options, what has been reported about costs, and what to test before joining or buying an office.
Harcourts franchise at a glance
| Founded | 1888, New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Franchise model | Introduced 1988 |
| In Australia since | 1997 |
| Australian offices | About 400 (industry reporting) |
| Models offered | Traditional franchise, multi-office partner, virtual franchise and joint venture (Harcourts interview, 2017) |
| Reported joining fee | $5,000 to $10,000 for a five year term (Inside Franchise Business); other sources differ |
Figures come from the public sources listed at the end of this guide and can change. Treat them as a starting point and confirm current numbers in the franchise disclosure document.
How the Harcourts model works financially
Harcourts offices earn sales commission and property management income, with franchise fees and levies typically charged on commission. Harcourts has described a range of entry models, from a virtual franchise for those not ready for an office, through to joint ventures where Harcourts shares ownership. Each model has a different cost base and different rights.
Harcourts has previously said new owners should hold about 12 months of expenses in reserve. That is a useful reminder: real estate income can take months to build, while rent and wages start straight away.
The numbers to test before you buy a Harcourts franchise
- Gross commission income (GCI) by sales and property management, for at least three years.
- Rent roll size, fees per managed property, churn and the age of the management agreements.
- Agent splits and retainers, and how dependent the office is on one or two top agents.
- Franchise fees, royalties, marketing levies and technology fees as a share of GCI.
- Trust account records and audit reports, and any compliance findings.
- Lease, staffing and licensing requirements for the licensee in charge.
Buying an existing Harcourts office
When buying an existing Harcourts office, confirm which model it operates under, especially if Harcourts or another party holds a share. Ask for the rent roll schedule, trust account audits and agent agreements, and check the franchise term and renewal conditions.
How Franchise Co. can help with a Harcourts purchase
We work with buyers and owners of franchise businesses across Australia. For a Harcourts office we can:
- Review the numbers before you sign. Our business due diligence starts from $2,000 + GST and tests GCI, rent roll quality, agent splits and trust account compliance.
- Set up the structure and the books. Entity choice, GST, payroll and a chart of accounts that separates sales commission, property management income and agent payments. See accounting and tax and bookkeeping, BAS and payroll.
- Check your franchise fees. We reconcile royalties, marketing and technology fees to the sales they’re calculated on. See royalties and franchise fees.
- Plan the next office. If a second site is on the cards, we model the cash flow and funding first. See multi-site reporting.
Harcourts franchise FAQs
How much does a Harcourts franchise cost?
Reported figures vary. Inside Franchise Business reported a joining fee of $5,000 to $10,000 for a five year term plus lease and fit-out costs, while other third-party sources quote higher totals. Confirm current figures in the disclosure document.
What franchise models does Harcourts offer?
Harcourts has described traditional, multi-office partner, virtual and joint venture models.
When did Harcourts come to Australia?
Harcourts expanded into Australia in 1997, opening offices in Queensland.
Can you help with a Harcourts office purchase?
Yes. We review GCI, the rent roll, agent splits and fees as part of our business due diligence.
Franchise Co. is an independent accounting practice. We aren’t affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to Harcourts or Harcourts International. Harcourts is a trademark of its owner and is used here only to identify the brand this guide discusses.
Sources and further reading
- Harcourts International (Wikipedia)
- Franchise Business: What makes Harcourts successful
- ACCC: Franchise disclosure document
Sources checked November 2026. Franchise costs and fees change. Confirm current figures with the franchisor before acting.
This guide is general information for people considering a franchise in Australia. It doesn’t take your circumstances into account and isn’t personal tax, legal or financial advice.
Talk it through
Every franchise is different. Ask us how this applies to yours.
