ROOMS® vs other UK property franchises
If you are weighing up UK property franchise options, here is a straight comparison of how the ROOMS® HMO management model differs from traditional sales and lettings franchises.
| ROOMS® Franchise | Typical UK property franchise | |
|---|---|---|
| Core model | Freedom rent to rent co-living (HMOs), plus Concierge and Foundation management | High-street sales & lettings, or portfolio-building models |
| Initial fee | £20,000 + VAT per territory | Typically £15,000 – £100,000+ depending on brand and format |
| Premises required | No — start from home or an office as you grow | Often a high-street office from day one |
| Ongoing fees | Management service fee of 1.75% – 10% of turnover + VAT (min £200 + VAT/month) + 1% national marketing fund | Management service fee, usually plus a marketing levy |
| Territory | Exclusive, protected territory | Varies — some brands operate open or shared territories |
| Agreement | 5 years with free renewal | Commonly 5 – 10 years, renewal fees may apply |
| Service tiers | Freedom (our rent to rent product), Concierge and Foundation options for landlords | Usually a single lettings service ladder |
| Specialism | Freedom rent to rent expertise plus deep co-living, HMO licensing and compliance knowledge | Generalist residential focus |
Comparison figures for other franchises are indicative market ranges published by UK franchise directories and are provided for guidance only. Always check current terms directly with each franchisor.
Where ROOMS® is different
A sector the big brands avoid
Co-living management is operationally complex — licensing, compliance, room-by-room lettings. Most national franchises steer clear, which leaves a fast-growing sector to specialists.
Lower entry, lower overhead
No obligatory high-street premises means less capital tied up and a faster route to profitability than a traditional agency franchise.
Freedom margin plus recurring fees
Freedom rent to rent gives you margin on every property you control, and Concierge and Foundation add repeating monthly fees rather than one-off sales commission.