Century 21 plans India entry with 1,500 offices and 30,000 agents

Century 21 plans franchise-led expansion in India

US-based real estate franchise company Century 21 is preparing to enter the Indian market with a franchise-led model, setting its sights on 126 regions and cities and an ambitious five-year expansion plan.

The company expects to build a network of around 1,500 offices and 30,000 agents across India as the business scales. Century 21 currently operates across 82 countries and territories, with around 400,000 agents working under its global brand.

For its India launch, the company has divided the country into 126 regions. Entrepreneurs and business owners will have the opportunity to acquire individual regions and develop their own real estate networks with support from Century 21.

The company is taking a measured approach during the initial phase. Around six to 10 regions are expected to open in the first year, with investment increasing as the network expands. Century 21 has already made a significant investment in its India plans and is also in the process of raising additional capital, although it has not finalised its total investment commitment for the market.

Technology at the centre of the India strategy

Technology will form a major part of Century 21’s India operations. The company plans to adapt its technology platforms currently used in markets including the UAE, Australia and New Zealand for Indian requirements.

Its artificial intelligence-driven customer relationship management and sales transaction platform, ConnectR, is designed to link offices and agents, while providing access to property inventory and transactions across markets.

Century 21 also sees cross-border transactions as a potential differentiator, particularly between India and the UAE. Its India platform, Senda, will work alongside ConnectR to connect buyers with property opportunities in international markets.

The model could also help Indian developers reach overseas buyers, including non-resident Indians, through Century 21’s international network.

Focus on India’s growing real estate market

Century 21’s India strategy comes as the country’s residential and commercial real estate markets continue to expand. The company also plans to work with property developers, with developers already making early inquiries about its India operations.

Former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri has been appointed as the brand ambassador for Century 21 in India and the UAE.

The company expects its royalty-based revenue model to generate income from transactions completed through its franchise network. As the network grows, Century 21 aims to establish a larger presence across India while combining local franchise operations with its international property network.