2026 comparison

Real estate network comparison: what the brochure doesn't say

Advertised split, real fees, support, prospects: we compare the models so you can decide with full knowledge. The figures below are orders of magnitude observed on the French market; your personalized comparison, with numbers based on your situation, is delivered during your review.

Four models, four logics

There is no best model in absolute terms. There is the one that matches your profile, your area and what you are aiming for.

Agent network

Independent under a national brand

Status
Independent commercial agent (sole trader or company)
Commission split
60 to 100% of fees depending on the network and the tier reached
Fixed fees
Monthly pack of roughly €0 to €400, plus possible start-up fees
Training and support
Initial remote training, coaching varies widely by network
Tools and brand awareness
Software, listing syndication, national brand more or less known
Autonomy
Total: from home, on your area, at your pace
Possible growth
Build a team, then open an office
Who it's for
Autonomous profiles, career changers or experienced agents who want to maximize their split

Traditional brokerage

Employee or attached commercial agent

Status
Employee (base + commissions) or commercial agent attached to the brokerage
Commission split
Most often 30 to 50% as a commercial agent; base + variable as an employee
Fixed fees
None: the brokerage carries the structure
Training and support
On the job, alongside the office manager
Tools and brand awareness
Storefront, local reputation, inbound contacts of the brokerage
Autonomy
Supervised: area, methods and hours of the brokerage
Possible growth
Office manager, partner, opening your own office
Who it's for
Beginners who want a framework, profiles who prefer the security of a base salary

Franchise or cooperative

Open or take over an office

Status
Business owner, manager of your office
Commission split
100% of the office's fees, minus royalties (often 5 to 8% of revenue) and marketing
Fixed fees
Entry fee often between €15k and €40k, plus premises, team and bank contribution
Training and support
Structured onboarding, network animation
Tools and brand awareness
Strong national brand, tools, shared listings, purchasing group
Autonomy
High on management, within the network's charter
Possible growth
Multiple offices, takeovers, succession
Who it's for
Experienced professionals (often €100k+ revenue) and executives changing careers with capital

Independent, no network

Your own brand

Status
Commercial agent or independent brokerage under your brand
Commission split
100%, no royalties
Fixed fees
All costs on you: software, listings, license, insurance, marketing
Training and support
None: organize it yourself
Tools and brand awareness
Built from scratch
Autonomy
Total
Possible growth
Join a network, affiliate, grow your brand
Who it's for
Highly experienced professionals with an established local reputation

Orders of magnitude observed on the French market in 2026. Each network applies its own schedule (tiers, fees, options), which may change. We check them with you during the review.

The seven questions to ask before signing

The ones we ask for you, fee schedule in hand, before introducing you to a network.

  1. 1

    What is the real commission split?

    After monthly fees, tiers, paid options and file fees. The advertised percentage is rarely what you earn in year one.

  2. 2

    Which fixed fees, and from when?

    Monthly pack, start-up fees, tools billed on top, free periods that end. All measured against your projected volume.

  3. 3

    What happens if I leave?

    Non-compete clause, fate of ongoing listings, notice period, portfolio. The most expensive items are in the contract, not the brochure.

  4. 4

    Who actually supports me?

    A sponsor, a manager, a regional team? How often, with what results? Ask to speak with an agent already in place.

  5. 5

    How many agents in my area?

    A well-known brand with thirty agents in your town is not worth the same as a brand to build on an open sector.

  6. 6

    What inbound contacts, what local awareness?

    Leads from the network, storefront, local advertising budget. Otherwise, everything rests on your prospecting.

  7. 7

    What prospects in three years?

    Team, partnership, opening or taking over an office: does the network have a path for profiles that progress?

Your personalized comparison, with numbers based on your situation

During the review, your advisor compares two to three networks suited to your profile: net split on your real revenue, twelve-month costs, support available in your area, prospects. You leave with a clear document that belongs to you.

  • Net split calculated on your figures
  • Full twelve-month cost, fees included
  • Agent density and potential of your area
  • Direct introductions to the shortlisted networks, if you wish
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Real estate network comparison 2026: agent networks, brokerages, franchises | Oratis