6 Lower-Cost Franchise Opportunities to Invest in 2025

With a new year right around the corner, the dreams many people have of being entrepreneurs and business owners may feel out of reach with the current economic challenges of continued inflation, supply chain issues, high rent, and labor costs.

 Even for franchises, which comprise 10% of all U.S. businesses and offer well-known brands and proven business models, the road to business success can be difficult.

However, the difference between success and failure may be as simple as selecting the right business within the right industry.

Understanding Franchise Costs Across Industries

According to Franchise Business Review data, the average franchise business will cost $150,000, with 37% of franchises classified as food-related and the rest spread across 28 other sectors. Mobile and home-based businesses tend to be the cheapest, while full-service restaurants are some of the most expensive (those looking to launch a new McDonald’s franchise can expect to invest between $1,314,500 and $2,306,500).

While the costs to open franchises often include substantial overhead, real estate, and operational expenses, making them a considerable investment, there are numerous low-cost franchises to buy that offer the potential for high returns without the big price tag, and offer

significantly reduced overhead and greater operational flexibility.

Home Services: A Lower-Cost Franchise Option

One industry that offers promising low-cost franchise opportunities is home services.

This field includes a variety of essential services that homeowners regularly need, making them recession resilient.

By focusing on essential services and minimizing real estate or storefront costs, these franchises present an attractive option for entrepreneurs looking for a lower financial barrier to entry and higher potential margins. Among the best low-cost franchises to buy, home services businesses provide owners with the flexibility to invest less upfront and get their business off the ground quickly.

Top Affordable Franchise Opportunities to Consider

Consider these lower-cost franchises in the home services sector which offer brand recognition, proven business models, and franchise support/resources that minimize your risk and increase your chances of success.

1. Molly Maid®

Residential house cleaning has become one of the fastest-growing industries in the country. Featured on the Franchise 500 List and as one of America’s top global franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine, Molly Maid is a cleaning franchise with low costs, high name recognition, and reliable demand.

 The proven system paired with strong support makes managing the business more efficient and scalable. The house cleaning franchise business runs on a predictable Monday-to-Friday schedule, providing franchise owners with a flexible work/life balance, and Molly Maid’s strong national brand recognition and simple business model present owners with an opportunity for income with time to enjoy their successes.

2. Window Genie®

Window Genie is more than just a window cleaning business – it offers additional home maintenance services such as window tinting, pressure washing, gutter cleaning, and holiday lighting. The multi-service approach helps franchisees capture a wider range of customers while keeping startup costs relatively low.

The franchise system and corporate support are key drivers of the work-life balance and cost-effectiveness of owning and managing a Window Genie.

3. HouseMaster® Home Inspections

In the home inspection industry, HouseMaster has carved out a respected name, offering franchisees the chance to enter a niche market with minimal upfront costs. The nature of home inspections allows owners to operate without an office, focusing on customer service and providing inspections directly at client homes.

In addition to being a franchise with low startup costs, this highly scalable business model reduces ongoing operational costs significantly because home-based operations eliminate the need for commercial space or significant staffing as you grow your business. With a solid reputation and demand driven by real estate transactions, HouseMaster franchisees are poised to capitalize on a consistent stream of business.

4. Real Property Management

With the increasing demand for rental properties, Real Property Management offers a cost-effective way to break into the booming property management industry. Real Property Management offers several things franchise owners are looking for, including high potential, recurring revenue streams, and the ability to scale operations as you grow.

Real Property Management provides a low-cost entry into a profitable industry, with training and operational support that helps new franchisees manage the complexities of property management with confidence.

5. Dryer Vent Wizard®

Dryer Vent Wizard is one of the only national providers of dryer vent cleaning, installation, and repair services in the U.S., offering unparalleled expertise in a heavily underrepresented market. Owners are able to manage a team of technicians to perform the services in client homes, and the business can expand rapidly as your customer base grows. While you may eventually need to invest in additional vans and staff as your business grows, you control the rate of growth of your costs based on your business needs.

6. The Grounds Guys®

If you're passionate about working outdoors, The Grounds Guys provides a solid, affordable entry point into the ever-needed landscaping and lawn care industry. With an established reputation and a scalable business model, franchisees can expand their operations as demand increases.

Starting with minimal equipment and staff, The Grounds Guys provides a cost-effective option for those who want to build a business that serves residential and commercial clients. The flexibility to work outdoors and grow your business organically makes this franchise appealing to entrepreneurs looking for lower overhead and strong customer demand.

Prepare for the Future with a Strategic Franchise Investment

Owning a franchise does not have to involve a significant financial burden along with the startup and brand-building challenges other businesses face. By exploring the lower-cost franchise opportunities that Neighborly®’s 19 North American brands offer, you can find opportunities that offer rewarding potential returns without requiring large initial investments.

To explore how the franchising model is an excellent way to help entrepreneurs prepare for success and hit the ground running in today’s fast and furious business world, download our Recession Planning eBook