Century 21 is preparing to enter India through a franchise-led model spanning 126 regions and cities, Business Standard reported on September 8, 2026. The company aims to build a network of about 1,500 offices and 30,000 agents within five years.
Peter Matthews, group chief executive officer for Century 21 UAE and India, said entrepreneurs and business owners will be able to acquire individual regions. Six to 10 regions are expected to open in the first year.
The India operation is intended to connect domestic buyers and investors with properties in Century 21’s international markets while giving overseas clients access to Indian property. The company expects cross-border transactions, particularly between India and the UAE, to distinguish the business, but it has not set a percentage target.
Indian clients seeking property in the UAE will be able to register their requirements with a Century 21 agent in India. Agents can then show them matching pre-release or exclusive listings.
Century 21 plans to earn revenue through transaction royalties. A franchise owner will collect the transaction revenue and pay a royalty to the regional owner, which will then pay a royalty to Century 21.
The company’s Connector tool will maintain a database of non-resident Indians, intended to help Indian developers and sellers reach potential buyers through its international network. Century 21 also plans to adapt technology used in the UAE, Australia and New Zealand for India, including its ConnectR customer relationship management and sales platform.
Century 21 is raising capital for the launch and has not finalised its total investment. Marketing is expected to be a major expense. Matthews also said developers had made inquiries before the company formally announced its India entry.
Century 21 is a residential real estate franchise system that licenses its trademarks and provides members with education and marketing support. The New Jersey-based company operates in 82 countries and territories and has about 400,000 agents. It has appointed former India cricketer Ravi Shastri as brand ambassador for India and the UAE.
The company will enter a market where RE/MAX India reports more than 52 offices across more than 19 cities. India’s seven largest residential markets recorded about 101,650 home sales in the first quarter of 2026, up 9% from a year earlier, according to ANAROCK.
Business Standard reported the plans and posted a summary on X on September 8, 2026.
