Does Engel & Volkers help franchisees obtain the required permits for their premises?

According to Engel & Volkers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Engel & Volkers will not assist franchisees in obtaining the necessary permits for their premises. While Engel & Volkers will approve the franchisee's chosen location, they explicitly state they will not help with conforming the premises to local ordinances and building codes, obtaining required permits, or with construction, remodeling, ADA compliance, or decorating. This responsibility falls solely on the franchisee. Engel & Volkers' approval of a location is focused only on whether the location meets their brand standards.

This means that prospective Engel & Volkers franchisees must independently navigate local regulations and permitting processes. This can involve significant time, effort, and expense, as franchisees will need to research local requirements, prepare applications, and potentially work with contractors or consultants to ensure compliance. The FDD notes that the ability to obtain building permits can affect the time it takes to open the franchise.

Typically, franchisors offer varying levels of support in site selection and build-out. Some may provide extensive guidance, while others, like Engel & Volkers, place more responsibility on the franchisee. This approach allows Engel & Volkers to maintain brand standards without directly managing the complexities of local regulations, but it also requires franchisees to be proactive and resourceful in managing these aspects of their business launch. Prospective franchisees should carefully consider their own capabilities and resources in this area before investing in an Engel & Volkers franchise.