If I choose to purchase the building for my Goldfish Swim School, will I have a lease deposit or rent?
Goldfish_Swim_School Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If you choose to purchase the building you will not have a lease deposit or rent.
3 Real Estate/Rent. You must lease or otherwise provide a suitable facility for the operation of the franchised swim school. Typically, the facility will range in size from 6,000 to 9,500 square feet. It is difficult to estimate lease acquisition costs because of the wide variation in these costs between various locations. Lease costs will vary based upon square footage, cost per square foot and required maintenance costs. The low estimate is based on an assumption that you will own your property and, therefore, have no security deposit or rent obligations in the initial period. The high estimate is based upon an assumption that you will lease your property and includes 3 months rent and a security deposit. Some landlords may refund the security deposit if you cancel the lease before you occupy the premises. The estimated range of costs in
this category includes your costs to enter into a lease agreement for the facility and rental expense for the opening period of operations (3 months). These estimates do not include property acquisition or real estate costs.
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (FDD pages 21–27)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Goldfish Swim School FDD, if you choose to purchase the building for your Goldfish Swim School location, you will not have a lease deposit or rent obligations. The estimated initial investment for real estate/rent can range from $0 to $82,000. The low end of this estimate assumes that you will own the property, eliminating the need for a security deposit or rent during the initial period.
However, the FDD notes that these estimates do not include property acquisition or real estate costs. The document also states that the typical facility size for a Goldfish Swim School ranges from 6,000 to 9,500 square feet. The cost to lease a facility depends on square footage, cost per square foot, and required maintenance costs.
While purchasing the building eliminates lease deposits and rent, it introduces other significant costs, such as property acquisition. Prospective franchisees should carefully consider the financial implications of both options, comparing the long-term costs and benefits of owning versus leasing the facility. It is important to consult with financial advisors and real estate professionals to make an informed decision that aligns with your financial goals and business strategy.