RE/MAX Holdings Enters Libya with Master Franchise, Opens Baku Office as Regional Hub

RE/MAX Holdings pushes into Libya with master franchise deal

RE/MAX Holdings is expanding its global franchising footprint by selling master franchise rights in Libya, aiming to introduce its franchise model and technology to a market it sees as ready for modernization. The new Libyan operation is headquartered in Tripoli and is led by Region Owners Zyead Ghattour and Alhareth Ghattour alongside Regional Director Ali Milad, executives who bring more than a decade of experience in the Libyan market and international brand franchise management. The leadership says Libya needs a structured, professional approach to real estate and plans to move quickly: the region aims to sell and open its first independently owned and operated RE/MAX offices in Tripoli within months.

RE/MAX outlines a phased expansion strategy to scale across Libya as the sector matures, leveraging the franchisor’s playbook to build national standards. The company intends to supply local agents and offices with its ecosystem of AI-driven tools, a global referral network and established operational systems designed to increase agent productivity and consistency in client service. Executives characterise the push as an effort to bring more transparent and credible services to buyers and sellers, with the new leadership framing their mission as “now, not tomorrow” to signal urgency in setting new market norms.

The Libyan move forms part of RE/MAX’s wider strategy to combine local market leadership with global technology and branding to accelerate agent success and professionalize markets where formal systems are still developing. Senior Vice President Shawna Gilbert says the openings reinforce RE/MAX’s goal of delivering “world‑class professionalism everywhere people buy and sell homes or properties,” and the company expects the master-franchise model to capture long-term market potential as Libya’s real estate sector strengthens.

Baku office opens as regional hub

Separately, RE/MAX opens a new office in Baku, Azerbaijan, positioning it as a local hub to connect Azerbaijani agents to the company’s international network and pipeline. The office exemplifies RE/MAX’s strategy of pairing local market leaders with global tools to expand agent reach and referral flows across borders.

Global reach and industry implications

The latest moves extend RE/MAX’s presence across more than 120 countries and territories and underline franchising as a vehicle for exporting real estate best practices. Industry observers say such initiatives can accelerate market formalization by introducing standardised training, technology and cross-border referrals, particularly in emerging or transitional markets.