Your business blueprint
Positioning, clients, services, operating model and adviser questions.
Download PDFStart your own business
Starting your own real estate business.
Starting an agency or switching brands? Make your next move with a clear view of the model, the money, the responsibilities and the support you need.
Your next chapter
Start something new. Or find a better fit.
A strong sales record is a starting point. Build the financial, operational and legal foundations for a business that can stand on its own.
Step 1
Am I ready?
An honest check of your foundations, not a pass or fail. Unticked items become questions to resolve before you commit.
0 of 8 ticked. Nothing is saved.
Build more of these foundations first. There's no rush.
Step 2
What does your own business look like?
Make an informed choice
Compare the model. Not just the logo.
These are decision points, not promises from a particular provider. Ask for the actual agreement and a written scope before comparing offers.
Brand & identity
- Independent
- Build and own your brand
- National support
- Your identity, with agreed network endorsement
- Franchise
- Operate under the franchise brand
Systems & support
- Independent
- Choose and fund your own suppliers
- National support
- Choose a support scope; check exclusions
- Franchise
- Use the systems required by the agreement
Costs to compare
- Independent
- Set-up, suppliers, staff and ongoing overheads
- National support
- Service fees, revenue share and extra charges
- Franchise
- Entry fee, royalties, marketing levies and renewals
Control & territory
- Independent
- Set your own strategy and service standards
- National support
- Check brand rules and referral/territory terms
- Franchise
- Check territory protection and operating obligations
Exit & client data
- Independent
- Confirm ownership and portability of your systems
- National support
- Agree data access, export rights and notice terms
- Franchise
- Check restraint, de-branding and exit obligations
Legal responsibility
- Independent
- Your business must meet its obligations
- National support
- Support does not automatically transfer your obligations
- Franchise
- Brand support does not replace your licence obligations
Your location
The numbers behind the move
Know your runway.
Use your own figures in Australian dollars. Include the full cost of running the business and supporting yourself, not just your brand fee.
- One-off: licences, legal advice, branding, deposits and systems
- Monthly: staff, rent, portals, marketing, insurance and support fees
- Cash flow: settlement delays, tax reserves and a slower start
A planning estimate, not a forecast or financial advice. No income is assumed. Use consistent figures after allowing for GST and tax with your accountant. A settlements estimate applies only to sales-led businesses.
Your cash-flow check
- Monthly cash requirement
- —
- Set-up + six months of costs
- —
- Runway after set-up (no income)
- —
- Settlements / month to cover costs
- —
Step 3
What do I legally need?
New South Wales
Regulator: NSW Fair Trading
Licensing: Class 1 Licence (Real Estate) for the licensee-in-charge, plus a corporation licence if trading through a company.
Across Australia
- ABN, business name and, if a company, ASIC registration
- GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold
- Confirm when a trust account is required, approved banking and audit rules with your regulator
- Professional indemnity and public liability insurance
- Workers compensation if you employ staff
- Privacy obligations for client data
- AML/CTF obligations for designated real estate services apply from 1 July 2026; check AUSTRAC enrolment and compliance requirements
Go to the source
A general starting point only, not legal or financial advice. Requirements change. Always confirm with your regulator, an accountant and a lawyer.
From decision to action
A plan for opening your doors.
01
Before you commit
Validate your pipeline and cash runway. Decide which services you will offer, who your clients are and what makes your business different. Speak with an accountant and a lawyer.
02
Before you sign
Compare independent, supported and franchise costs. Obtain written service scopes and contract advice. Confirm the required individual and business licences for your location.
03
Before you open
Complete registrations and licences; arrange insurance, banking, trust arrangements where required, AML procedures, client authorities, systems and employment documents.
04
Your first 90 days
Review cash flow, pipeline conversion, service delivery and compliance regularly. Check what support is actually being delivered and resolve gaps before adding fixed costs.
Put it on paper
Your working documents.
Blank, fillable PDF worksheets for your own figures, decisions and adviser conversations.
Brand & support due diligence
A side-by-side worksheet for fees, support, client data and exit terms.
Download PDFLaunch & switching checklist
Track licences, money, systems, staff and the transition to your next chapter.
Download PDFBefore you choose a partner
Ask the uncomfortable questions.
- 01Who owns the brand, clients and database, and can I export my data when I leave?
- 02What is the total cost: set-up, monthly fees, revenue share, marketing levies and exit?
- 03Which AML, trust accounting and compliance tasks do you perform, and which remain mine?
- 04What staff, marketing and transaction support is included, with what response times?
- 05Are referrals, territories or leads exclusive, and is anything guaranteed in writing?
- 06Can I speak with current members and someone who has recently left?
- 07What happens if the support is not delivered or I want to change direction?
Questions worth settling first.
Does a strong sales record mean I’m ready?
Not on its own. Test cash flow, compliance, management capacity and legal rights to clients and data. A checklist identifies gaps; it does not certify that you are ready to open.
Can I take my client database to a new brand?
Do not assume so. Employment and franchise agreements, privacy rules, client authorities and intellectual property can restrict use. Get advice before exporting records or contacting clients.
Can a support provider take over my compliance?
A provider may carry out agreed tasks, but outsourcing does not automatically transfer your statutory responsibility. Confirm the scope, oversight, records and liability with your adviser and regulator.
Do Australia and New Zealand have the same rules?
No. Licensing, trust accounting, employment, tax and anti-money-laundering rules differ. Australian states and territories also differ. Start with the official regulator for the location you will operate in.
Should I commit before my licences are approved?
Confirm requirements and realistic processing times first. Ask a lawyer about conditions in any agreement and do not trade before the relevant approvals are in place.