What is the procedure for an Engel & Volkers franchisee to relocate their Approved Location?
Engel_Volkers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Generally, you will receive the right to operate an Engel & Völkers Residential Real Estate Brokerage at a specific location as specified in Appendix 1 of your Franchise Agreement ("Approved Location"). You will have exclusivity with regard to your Engel & Völkers Residential Real Estate Brokerage in a specific area called the "Protected Area", which will be an area defined by US postal zip codes. By "Exclusivity" we mean that we will not open or grant to anyone else the right to open another Engel & Völkers Residential Real Estate Brokerage in your Protected Area during the term of your Franchise Agreement. "Exclusivity" does not mean that we, our affiliates, or other franchisees are prevented from soliciting clients, marketing our residential real estate brokerage services, or concluding real estate transactions in your Protected Area.
You will operate only from one Approved Location and you must receive our written consent before relocating. You may not open an Engel & Völkers Residential Real Estate Brokerage outside your Protected Area. Nothing prevents you from advertising your Residential Real Estate Brokerage services in
Source: Item 12 — TERRITORY (FDD pages 54–56)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Engel & Volkers's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees operate at a specific location, referred to as the "Approved Location," which is detailed in Appendix 1 of the Franchise Agreement. Engel & Volkers grants franchisees exclusivity within a defined "Protected Area," typically delineated by U.S. postal zip codes, meaning the company will not establish or authorize another Engel & Volkers Residential Real Estate Brokerage within that area during the agreement's term.
However, this exclusivity does not prevent Engel & Volkers, its affiliates, or other franchisees from soliciting clients, marketing services, or conducting real estate transactions within the franchisee's Protected Area. Franchisees are restricted to operating solely from their Approved Location and must secure written consent from Engel & Volkers before relocating. Furthermore, franchisees are prohibited from opening an Engel & Volkers Residential Real Estate Brokerage outside their Protected Area.
The FDD does not provide specific details on the exact procedure a franchisee must follow to request relocation of their Approved Location, but it does state that written consent from Engel & Volkers is required. A prospective franchisee should inquire with Engel & Volkers about the specific steps, criteria, and potential costs associated with relocating an Approved Location to fully understand the requirements and implications before signing the Franchise Agreement.