Resources & Guides
Franchise Resources & Guides
Plain-language guides on buying, selling, and leasing franchise locations in Canada. Written by Summitly's franchise advisors at Coldwell Banker Summit Realty, updated as the market changes.
Coldwell Banker Summit Realty, Brokerage (905) 553-8500
Browse by topic
- Buying
- What to know before you sign on a franchise location.
- Selling
- Price, prep, and process for selling a franchise.
- Leasing
- Commercial lease rules every franchisee should understand.
- Common Mistakes
- The errors that cost franchise owners the most.
- FAQs
- Plain answers to the questions we hear most.
Latest guides
16 guides- BuyingHow to buy a franchise in Canada — a step-by-step guideBuying a franchise in Canada involves more than picking a brand. From researching opportunities to signing a lease, here's how the process actually unfolds and where buyers typically need expert help.9 min read
- BuyingHow much does a franchise cost in Canada? Full breakdown by industryFranchise costs in Canada range from under $50,000 for home-based service franchises to $2,500,000+ for full restaurant builds. Here's the full breakdown by industry and what each line item actually covers.8 min read
- SellingHow to sell your franchise — valuation, approval, and clean handoverSelling a franchise in Canada is more structured than selling an independent business. The franchisor must approve your buyer and the lease must transfer cleanly. Here's how the process unfolds and where Summitly helps.10 min read
- LeasingFranchise commercial lease essentials — what every franchisee should understandThe franchise agreement gets most of the attention, but the commercial lease often has bigger long-term financial impact. Here are the lease clauses that matter most and where franchise buyers regularly get caught.11 min read
- Common MistakesThe 7 biggest mistakes Canadian franchise buyers makeAfter thousands of franchise transactions, the same mistakes show up again and again. Here are the seven errors that cost franchise buyers the most money — and how to avoid each one.9 min read
- FAQsHow to finance a franchise purchase in Canada — CSBFP, BDC, and major banksMost Canadian franchise buyers finance 50–70% of the investment. Here's how the Canada Small Business Financing Program, BDC, and the major banks each fit — and what to expect from each.8 min read
- BuyingBest franchise opportunities in Canada for 2026 — by investment rangeWhich franchises are worth a serious look in 2026? We grouped the strongest current Canadian opportunities by total investment range, from under $100,000 to $2,000,000+, so you can compare brands at the level you can afford.11 min read
- BuyingWhat is a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)? How to read it before signingA Franchise Disclosure Document is the single most important document in a franchise purchase. Here's what it contains, what the law requires, and the specific sections you should read most carefully before signing.10 min read
- SellingFranchise valuation multiples in Canada — by industry and unit sizeWhat's your franchise worth? Most Canadian franchises trade for 2–5× normalized EBITDA, but the right multiple depends on the brand, the unit's track record, the lease, and dozens of other factors. Here's how the math actually works.9 min read
- Common MistakesFranchise buyer due diligence checklist — what to verify before you signBefore signing any franchise agreement, work through this comprehensive due diligence checklist. Skipping items is what costs first-time buyers the most — every line here represents a real problem someone has actually faced.10 min read
- FAQsFranchise vs independent business — which path is right for you?A franchise gives you a proven system, brand recognition, and support — at the cost of ongoing fees, restricted flexibility, and franchisor approval over major decisions. Here's how to think about which path fits.7 min read
- FAQsWhat does a franchise REALTOR actually do? A plain answer for buyers and sellersA franchise REALTOR handles the real estate side of franchise deals — site search, lease negotiation, and resale brokerage. Here's what that actually looks like and where it differs from a regular commercial agent.9 min read
- SellingHow long does it take to sell a franchise in Canada? A real timeline breakdownMost franchise sales in Canada take 4–9 months from listing to closing. Strong brands move faster; complex deals with PIPs or lease issues can stretch to 12+ months. Here's the actual phase-by-phase breakdown.8 min read
- Common MistakesHidden costs when buying a franchise location — the line items the FDD doesn't quite spell outMost franchise buyers in Canada blow past their initial budget by 15–25%. The FDD covers the obvious costs, but the surprises live in build-out overruns, CAM, working capital gaps, and pre-opening marketing. Here's what to budget for that you probably haven't.10 min read
- LeasingLease assignment when you sell your franchise — what landlords and franchisors actually look forThe commercial lease has to transfer cleanly when you sell. Most deals die here when landlords block assignment, franchisors hold up approval, or hidden lease clauses surface. Here's how to clear this step on the first try.9 min read
- BuyingSite selection for franchise buyers — what the franchisor's real estate team is actually evaluatingThe franchisor's real estate team approves or rejects sites based on specific brand criteria. Knowing what they actually look for saves weeks of touring sites that will never get approved.10 min read
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