Franchise Loan Calculator

Calculate franchise business loan repayments and total costs. Free NZ franchise calculator including franchise fees, fit-out costs, and working capital requirements.

💡 Franchise Financing Tip: Budget 25-30% more than the quoted franchise fee. You'll need working capital, fit-out costs, and initial stock beyond the franchise purchase price.

Franchise Loan Calculator

Calculate your total franchise costs and loan repayments

$

Initial franchise purchase cost

$

Store fit-out, equipment, initial stock

$

3-6 months operating expenses

$

Lenders typically want 30-40% contribution

Franchise loans: 8.5-13% typically

Franchise Investment Summary

Monthly Loan Payment

$4,255

Total Investment

$300,000

Loan Amount

$200,000

Total Interest

$55,300

Your Contribution

33.3%

Investment Breakdown

Franchise Fee: $150,000
Fit-Out & Equipment: $100,000
Working Capital: $50,000
Total Required: $300,000

Popular NZ Franchise Cost Ranges (2025)

🍔 Food & Beverage

McDonald's

$1.5M - $3M+ total investment

Subway

$250K - $500K total investment

Hell Pizza

$350K - $600K total investment

Columbus Coffee

$400K - $650K total investment

🏠 Home & Property Services

CrestClean

$15K - $80K total investment

Snap-on Tools

$150K - $250K total investment

Hire A Hubby

$60K - $120K total investment

Jim's Mowing

$25K - $60K total investment

🏪 Retail & Services

The Warehouse

$2M - $5M+ total investment

Just Cuts

$150K - $300K total investment

Fastway Couriers

$80K - $200K total investment

NZ Post

$200K - $500K total investment

*Costs include franchise fee, fit-out, equipment, initial stock, and working capital. Actual costs vary by location and store size.

Franchise Loan Providers in NZ (January 2025)

🏦 Major Banks

ANZ Franchise: 8.50% - 11.95%
ASB Franchise: 8.75% - 12.45%
BNZ Franchise: 8.25% - 11.75%
Westpac Franchise: 8.95% - 12.25%
30-40% deposit, established franchises preferred

🚀 Specialist Lenders

Prospa Franchise: 11.90% - 18.90%
ScotPac: 10.50% - 17.50%
Bizcap: 12.50% - 19.90%
Capify: 13.90% - 22.90%
25-35% deposit, faster approval, more flexible

🏢 Franchisor Financing

Some franchisors offer in-house financing or partner with lenders:

  • • McDonald's has preferred lenders
  • • Subway partners with banks
  • • CrestClean offers payment plans
  • • Snap-on has equipment finance
Ask your franchisor about financing options

Hidden Franchise Costs to Budget For

⚠️ Upfront Costs Often Overlooked

  • Legal & Accounting: $5K-$15K for franchise agreement review, structure setup
  • Training & Travel: $3K-$10K for mandatory training (often interstate/overseas)
  • Marketing Levy: $2K-$20K upfront marketing fund contribution
  • Insurance: $5K-$15K/year (liability, property, business interruption)
  • Technology/Systems: $2K-$8K for POS, inventory systems, software

💰 Ongoing Costs (Monthly/Annual)

  • Royalty Fees: 5-8% of gross revenue (every month, forever)
  • Marketing Levy: 2-4% of gross revenue for national advertising
  • Technology Fees: $200-$1,000/month for franchisor systems
  • Mandatory Supplies: Often required to buy from franchisor at markup
  • Renewal Fees: $10K-$50K every 5-10 years to renew franchise

Reality Check: A franchise advertised as "$150K investment" typically costs $200K-$250K once you include all fees, working capital, and setup costs. Budget 30-50% more than the stated franchise fee.

Franchise vs Independent Business

✅ Franchise Advantages

  • Proven System: Established business model with track record
  • Brand Recognition: Customers already know and trust the brand
  • Training & Support: Comprehensive training and ongoing assistance
  • Easier Financing: Banks prefer established franchises (lower risk)
  • Bulk Buying Power: Lower cost of goods through franchisor

❌ Franchise Disadvantages

  • High Costs: Franchise fee + ongoing royalties (7-12% of revenue)
  • Limited Control: Must follow franchisor rules (menu, pricing, suppliers)
  • Locked In: Long contracts (5-20 years), hard to exit early
  • Brand Risk: National problems affect your local business
  • No Resale Guarantee: Franchisor may block sale or have right of first refusal

Ready to Finance a Franchise?

Get franchise loan quotes from multiple NZ lenders. We'll help you compare rates, terms, and find the best financing for your franchise investment.

Franchise Loan Calculator FAQ

How much deposit do I need for a franchise loan?

Most lenders require 30-40% deposit for franchise loans. For a $300K franchise, you'll need $90K-$120K cash. This is higher than equipment finance (10-20%) because it includes goodwill/intangibles. Some established franchises (McDonald's, Subway) may get 25-30% with strong financials. New/unproven franchises need 40-50%.

What interest rate can I expect for a franchise loan?

Franchise loan rates: 8.5-13% depending on the franchise brand, your deposit, and business experience. Established brands (McDonald's, Subway) get better rates (8.5-10.5%). Less-known franchises pay 11-13%. Your credit score, industry experience, and deposit size significantly affect the rate offered.

What's the true cost of buying a franchise in NZ?

Budget 30-50% more than the advertised franchise fee. If listed as "$150K", expect $200K-$250K total including: franchise fee, fit-out, equipment, stock, working capital, legal fees ($5K-$15K), training costs, insurance, and initial marketing. Then ongoing: 5-8% royalties + 2-4% marketing levy + technology fees. Get full disclosure document.

Is it easier to get a loan for a franchise vs independent business?

Yes, significantly easier. Banks view established franchises as lower risk due to proven systems, brand recognition, and franchisor support. Franchise loan approval rates are 60-70% vs 30-40% for independent startups. However, you'll still need 30-40% deposit, good credit, and industry experience. Unproven/new franchises don't get this benefit.

Should I use the franchisor's recommended lender?

Get quotes from both franchisor partners AND independent brokers. Franchisor lenders understand the brand (faster approval) but may not offer best rates. Compare 3-4 options. Watch for kickbacks - some franchisors get commissions from "preferred" lenders. Banks, specialist lenders, and brokers all compete for franchise loans. Shop around to save 1-2% on rate.

What happens if the franchise fails and I still owe money?

You're personally liable - franchise loans always require personal guarantees. If business fails, you must repay from personal assets (home, savings). Franchise agreements make it hard to exit early - often can't sell without franchisor approval. This is why 30-40% deposit is required - it shares the risk. Consider insurance products that cover loan repayments if business fails.