A guide to home services franchises
Home services franchises cover an enormous spectrum of businesses that help people look after their properties, pets, and households — making this one of the most diverse and accessible sectors in UK franchising. With 92 live opportunities on the directory and investment levels ranging from £1,500 to £150,000, there is genuinely something here for almost every budget and background. Whether you are drawn to cleaning, property maintenance, pet care, or estate agency, home services offer the chance to build a locally rooted business with strong community ties and — in many cases — a loyal, repeat customer base.
How much does a home services franchise cost?
The investment required varies considerably depending on the type of business, the equipment involved, and the level of support provided. Here is a broad breakdown of what to expect across the range:
- Under £5,000 — entry-level opportunities: Some of the most accessible franchises in the UK sit in this bracket. Fantastic Services (£1,500), Penny Lane Homes (£1,995), Diamond Home Support (£2,495), and Domestique (£4,495) all offer routes into home services with a modest upfront commitment.
- £5,000–£14,999 — established service brands: This mid-range includes a wide variety of models. Examples include Garolla (£5,000), Nicenstripy (£5,000), Cleanhome (£7,995), GutterPRO (£9,850), Metro Plumb (£10,000), Marla Custom Blinds (£11,995), and Barking Mad Dog Care (£14,995).
- £15,000 and above — larger or more infrastructure-heavy businesses: Opportunities such as Aire Serv (£17,000), Mould Doctor (£17,000), and others in the broader directory reflect businesses requiring greater investment in equipment, vehicles, or territory rights, with investment running up to £150,000.
Types of home services franchise
- Domestic cleaning and housekeeping: A consistently high-demand sector with strong potential for recurring revenue. Examples include Cleanhome, Nationwide Cleaners, and Cleaning Doctor.
- Property maintenance and trades: Covering everything from guttering to garage doors and plumbing. Representative brands include GutterPRO, Garolla, Metro Plumb, and Rooflines.
- Pet care and animal services: One of the fastest-growing sub-sectors in home services. Brands such as Barking Mad Dog Care, Wagging Tails, Petpals, The Cat Butler, and Animals at Home serve the UK’s large and growing pet-owner population.
- Estate agency and property services: Franchise models that bring professional property services to local markets, including Century 21 UK, The Good Estate Agent, and Pride Road.
- Specialist home improvement and décor: Niche but rewarding opportunities focused on bespoke products for the home, such as Marla Custom Blinds and Dress My Windows.
- Home care and support services: Franchises delivering personal and household support, including My Homecare and Promedica Plus UK.
Is a home services franchise right for you?
Home services franchises tend to suit people who enjoy working in their local community, take pride in delivering reliable, high-quality service, and want the independence of running their own business with the backing of a proven brand. Many opportunities in this category are well suited to career changers — prior trade or industry experience is rarely essential, as most franchisors provide comprehensive training. Look carefully at whether a franchise offers an exclusive territory, what the ongoing fee structure looks like, and whether the customer base lends itself to repeat business rather than purely one-off transactions.
It is also worth considering the lifestyle each model involves. Some home services franchises are largely management-focused, allowing you to grow a team, while others are more hands-on and owner-operated. Think honestly about the hours, physical demands, and growth ambitions that suit you before shortlisting opportunities.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a home services franchise cost in the UK?
Investment levels on this directory start from as little as £1,500 — for example, Fantastic Services — and extend up to £150,000 for larger, more established operations. The majority of listed opportunities fall between £5,000 and £20,000.
Do I need experience in the trade to run a home services franchise?
Not necessarily. Most franchisors in this category provide full training and ongoing support, meaning a motivated attitude and good customer service skills are often more important than prior experience in the specific field.
Are home services franchises good for repeat business?
Many are. Cleaning, pet care, and maintenance franchises in particular tend to build loyal, regular client bases, which can provide a more predictable income stream than purely project-based work.
Can I run a home services franchise part-time or as a lifestyle business?
Some franchises in this category are designed with flexibility in mind, particularly in pet care and cleaning. It is always worth discussing your intended working pattern with the franchisor during your initial enquiry.
What ongoing fees should I expect?
Most franchises charge a management service fee, typically a percentage of turnover, plus potential marketing contributions. Always review the full franchise agreement carefully and seek independent legal advice before signing.
