Overview
Raine & Horne is a long-established Australian real estate brand serving property sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants. Its core activities include residential sales and property management, alongside commercial and rural property services. Individual offices vary in their specialisms, reflecting their local markets and the experience of their principals.
The business operates as a franchise network rather than a single centrally owned estate agency. Local operators run their businesses under the Raine & Horne name, supported by network-level systems and resources. That distinction matters: the brand provides a common identity, but local leadership, staff capability and client relationships remain central to an office’s performance.
History and growth
Tom Raine and Joseph Horne established the business in Sydney in 1883. Its early development was closely connected with the city’s property market, before expansion took the name into other Australian markets. The Horne family has remained associated with the business across successive generations, giving the organisation an unusually long continuity of family involvement.
Franchising began in 1976 and became an important mechanism for expansion beyond the original business. It allowed independent agency owners to operate under a common identity while retaining responsibility for their local enterprises. Over time, the network broadened its service offering and geographic reach, adding specialist operations and overseas representation. Its history provides brand recognition, although that does not remove the commercial challenges facing individual offices.
Global footprint
Australia remains Raine & Horne’s home market and the centre of its identity. The network includes offices in metropolitan, suburban and regional locations, serving markets with different property prices, transaction volumes and rental conditions. Its overseas activities have included New Zealand and markets in Asia and the Pacific, although international coverage should not be assumed to be uniform or permanent.
A current, consistently defined global office and country total is not stated here. Network descriptions can count residential offices, specialist businesses and international affiliates differently. Prospective operators should consult the brand’s current office directory and request a dated network summary, particularly when assessing local coverage, neighbouring franchisees or the scope of international referrals.
How the franchise model works
A Raine & Horne franchise gives an agency access to the brand and agreed network services under a franchise agreement. The local owner is responsible for operating the agency, employing or engaging staff, developing listings and maintaining client relationships. Revenue typically comes from sales commissions and property management fees, with additional services depending on the office’s capabilities and licences.
The network offers marketing, training, technology and business support. These resources can help an operator establish consistent processes, but they do not replace local prospecting or management. Applicants should establish precisely which services are included, which attract separate charges and how support is delivered. Territory provisions, renewal arrangements and obligations on leaving the network depend on the relevant agreement.
Investment and requirements
A standard current franchise fee and comprehensive investment range are not publicly disclosed in a form suitable for a single network-wide quotation. Prospective franchisees should request the franchise disclosure documents, proposed agreement and a full schedule of establishment and recurring charges directly from Raine & Horne. Costs can differ substantially between converting an established agency and opening a business without an existing client base.
Beyond franchise charges, expenditure may include premises, fit-out, signage, insurance, technology, recruitment and working capital. Purchasing an agency or rent roll introduces additional costs. Operators must also meet the real estate licensing and business requirements applicable in their jurisdiction. Applicants should ask about the brand’s expectations for industry experience, leadership capability, financial resources and participation in training.
What franchisees should consider
Real estate is a relationship-led business with income exposed to local transaction activity. An office can face slower sales while still paying wages, rent and technology costs. A property management portfolio may provide recurring fee income, but it brings staffing demands, service obligations and the risk of losing landlord clients. The balance between sales and management therefore deserves close examination.
Recruitment and retention are particularly important because experienced agents often bring strong personal client relationships. Prospective owners should examine nearby competition, the available sales territory and any overlap with other network offices. Discussions with existing franchisees can help clarify the practical value of training, technology and operational support. Questions should cover business conditions during quieter periods, not only performance in rising markets.
Competitive landscape
In Australia, Raine & Horne competes with major agency networks including Ray White, LJ Hooker, Harcourts and Century 21, as well as independent firms. Competition occurs at several levels: recruiting productive agents, winning sales listings, attracting landlords and securing suitable franchise operators. A prominent national name is one factor in these decisions, alongside local reputation and service quality.
Property portals and digital marketing have changed how agencies reach potential clients, but local knowledge and the ability to convert enquiries into instructions remain important. Franchise applicants should compare the substance of competing offers rather than brand visibility alone. Relevant differences include training provision, technology integration, marketing charges, territory arrangements and the degree of operating autonomy.
Outlook
Raine & Horne’s prospects are linked to its ability to retain capable operators and keep its support relevant to changing agency practices. Digital lead management, efficient administration and consistent client communication are important across the sector. Technology can reduce some repetitive work, but its usefulness depends on staff adoption, data quality and integration with everyday agency processes.
The network’s long history and established identity provide continuity in a competitive market. They are not, however, a substitute for sound local execution. Housing turnover, financing conditions, rental market pressures and the availability of experienced staff will continue to influence office performance. For prospective franchisees, the central question is how the network’s actual support and contractual terms fit the business they intend to operate.
Raine & Horne franchise: frequently asked questions
How much does a Raine & Horne franchise cost?
A standard current franchise fee and comprehensive investment range are not publicly disclosed for a single network-wide quotation. Applicants should request the franchise disclosure documents and a complete fee schedule. The overall outlay will depend on whether they convert an existing agency, start a new office or purchase an established business or rent roll.
How many Raine & Horne locations are there?
Raine & Horne has an extensive Australian office network and overseas representation, but a current, consistently defined global total is not provided here. Published figures may treat specialist offices and international affiliates differently. The current office directory and a dated network summary from the franchisor are the appropriate starting points for checking coverage.
When was Raine & Horne founded?
Tom Raine and Joseph Horne founded the business in Sydney in 1883. It subsequently expanded beyond its original market, with franchising beginning in 1976. The Horne family has remained associated with the organisation across successive generations, while local franchise operators have played a central role in developing the wider agency network.
What support does Raine & Horne provide to franchisees?
The network offers access to its brand, marketing resources, training, technology and business support. The precise package and any additional charges should be confirmed during the application process. Franchisees remain responsible for running their local businesses, including staffing, prospecting, client service and meeting the requirements that apply to their agency.
Do you need real estate experience to open a Raine & Horne franchise?
Applicants should confirm Raine & Horne’s current selection criteria directly rather than assume a universal experience threshold. Running an agency requires relevant commercial and leadership capabilities, and the business must meet local licensing requirements. Prospective operators should ask how the network assesses industry experience, staffing plans, financial resources and the proposed ownership structure.
Latest Raine & Horne news
Our news engine monitors Raine & Horne announcements. New reports will appear here as they are published.
Figures are approximate and based on publicly reported information. Franchise costs and terms change; prospective franchisees should obtain the brand’s current disclosure documents and take independent legal and financial advice. Profile updated October 2026.