From rising interest rates to shifting trade policies, entrepreneurs have had a few unpredictable years. But now, some are eyeing 2026 as an opportunity for economic comeback — and perhaps the right time to launch a new business. Maybe even a franchise business, specifically.
Here’s what those interested in franchise ownership in 2026 should consider:
Is Investing in a Franchise a Good Idea in 2026?
Of course, the answer to this question depends on your goals, situation, local market, and even the franchise you’re considering.
Franchises can be considered solid, potentially lower-risk investments. That’s because many franchises have well structured, established systems. And that kind of stability becomes all the more attractive when weighing the pros and cons of any new venture.
Essentially, instead of building every process, workflow, and marketing effort from the ground up, franchise owners get to step into a framework that already has traction.
Depending on the franchisor, that might include:
- Ongoing education opportunities
- Staffing or recruiting assistance
- Marketing and branding support
- Technology tools
- Operations guidance
This kind of support is especially helpful in highly regulated industries, like real estate, where staying compliant is complicated but critically important. Franchise systems can reduce trial-and-error and can help entrepreneurs avoid costly mistakes.
How Might Interest Rates Impact Franchising Growth in 2026?
One of the biggest economic trends in 2026 may just be shifting interest rates.
That’s right, after the aggressive rate hikes of 2022 and 2023, we’re finally seeing rates start to shift. What does that mean for franchising? It’s hard to say exactly – but staying informed is one of the smartest moves business owners can make.
How Is Technology Accelerating Franchising Growth?
Technology has played a large role in the overall growth of small businesses over the last few years, franchises included.
Automation, artificial intelligence, and even deeper CRM integrations have all helped to make a lighter operational lift for franchisees.
For example, many franchisors now provide centralized support for:
- Marketing and lead generation
- Compliance support
- Tech implementation and troubleshooting
- Customer communication and follow-up workflows
For franchise owners, this degree of support means they often have more time to focus on what actually matters: analyzing performance, implementing improvements, and, ultimately, scaling.
That includes meeting the increasingly digital needs of consumers, too.
It’s no secret that in today’s market, buyers expect a digital-first experience. And tech-forward franchise systems help entrepreneurs compete at a higher level from day one — without needing to build their own unique tech stack.
Why Does Local Expertise Still Matter — and How Does Franchising Amplify It?
It’s true that the current market is largely dominated by digital search. But, as it turns out, most shoppers still want to work with trusted local advisors.
Take real estate, for example. Per the 2025 Home Buyers & Sellers Generational Trends report by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), agents were still the most used information source in the home search. In second place? Mobile or tablet search devices.
That means that, as we head into 2026 and beyond, the “people factor” continues to matter. And franchising offers entrepreneurs the best of both worlds:
National, tech-forward infrastructure, platforms, and systems
paired with
A local presence that builds trust and community connection.
What Regulatory Pressures Make Franchising More Attractive?
In mortgage at least, compliance complexity has been rising across the industry, with 60% of lenders reporting struggles.
For real estate and mortgage professionals, that increasing complexity might include licensing requirements, documentation standards, and regulatory oversight. These factors continue to demand more time, attention, and precision than ever.
For independent brokers, this can create a heavy administrative burden.
But franchise systems can help owners stay compliant through:
- Required systems and controls
- Compliance guidance and updates
- Operational oversight and support
This helpful structure gives entrepreneurs more confidence that they can scale sustainably — and stay aligned with evolving regulatory expectations.
How Do Housing Demand Trends Support Franchising Growth?
Real estate pros already know: Housing demand isn’t going anywhere.
Should rates keep shifting, trends such as household formation, life-stage moves, and inventory turnover might contribute to encouraging more purchase activity.
That means some entrepreneurs will want to act fast, so they can tap into the lift. That’s a big part of why 2026 is looking intriguing for franchise activity.
Real Estate Professionals Are Looking to Diversify
Real estate agents, teams, and brokerages are increasingly looking for smart ways to diversify income, and adding mortgage to your business portfolio can offer a natural fit for those looking to expand their service offerings. As a mortgage brokerage franchise, Motto Mortgage provides a framework for marketing, operations, and support.
The model resonates with real estate pros primarily because:
- They already serve clients who need mortgage solutions
- They understand local market dynamics
- Franchise infrastructure can help cut down on startup friction
- Cross-business leads strengthen both sides of the operation
Essentially, for those in the real estate industry, franchising can be a great way to get into additional services, and those services can in turn help real estate agents, teams, and brokerages expand in a way that aligns with their strong, existing business patterns.
Final Thoughts — Is Now the Right Time to Tap into Franchising Growth?
As we wrap up 2025 and head into the new year, we may be looking at potentially stabilizing economic conditions, stronger access to capital, rising regulatory complexity, and increasingly high consumer expectations. Add those together, and continued franchising growth in 2026 just makes sense.
But making the right move is still critical. A strong franchise model can offer structure, resilience, tech-enabled efficiency, and long-term scalability. So, entrepreneurs can meet the moment as we head into 2026: clearer, more confident, and with the right support system behind them.
So, you tell us. Is it time?
Key Takeaways
- Franchising growth has the opportunity to strengthen in 2026.
- Access to capital, technology, and regulatory support will shape where entrepreneurs see opportunity.
- Mortgage and real estate–adjacent industries are positioned for renewed activity.
Franchise systems — like Motto Mortgage — offer support and a strategic pathway into the next market cycle.
Published on December 17, 2025
