07 May 2026
Opening a brand new restaurant is one way into franchising. But there’s another route that more people should know about. Across the UK, existing Subway restaurants regularly come up for sale. You’re not buying a concept or a promise. You’re buying a running business with customers who come back every week, revenue that’s already proven, and a team who know the routine.
For the right buyer, a Subway resale can be a smarter entry point than a new build. Here’s how it works.
Why Buy an Existing Restaurant Instead of Starting Fresh
The appeal is straightforward. When you open a new restaurant, there’s always uncertainty. Will the location work? How long until you break even? Can you recruit and train a team fast enough? Those questions keep people up at night.
With a resale, most of that uncertainty disappears. The location has already proven itself. There’s revenue on the books. There are regulars. There’s a team in place who know the sandwich build, the prep routine and the rush patterns. You’re not starting cold. You’re stepping into something that’s already working.
The path to profitability is shorter too. No months of build-out. No start-up losses while you find your feet. The heavy lifting has already been done.
What Drives the Price
Every Subway resale is different. There’s no standard formula, but there are clear factors that influence what you’ll pay.
Weekly revenue is the single biggest factor. A store doing £4,500 a week is worth more than one doing £2,500. Buyers pay for proven performance, not potential. Ask for at least two years of weekly sales data and look at trends, not just averages.
Location quality matters enormously. A Subway in a busy shopping centre, train station or high-footfall high street commands a premium. A store in a quieter area will be priced accordingly. The lease terms matter too. A long lease with reasonable rent reviews is an asset. A short lease with break clauses is a risk you need to price in.
Condition of the fit-out makes a difference. Has the store been recently refreshed to the Fresh Forward design? Or is it due a refit? A modern, well-maintained store is worth more. An older store that needs investment can be a bargain if you factor the refit cost into your offer.
On top of the transfer price agreed between you and the seller, there’s a franchise fee for the new agreement with Subway. And you’ll need to meet the same financial requirements as a new franchisee: minimum net worth of £150,000 and £100,000 in liquid assets.
The Transfer Process
The first step is the same for everyone, whether you want to build a new store or buy an existing one: apply through the Subway website. The development team will then get in touch to guide you through the qualification process.
Only once you’re qualified as a franchisee will you get access to the restaurant-for-sale list and be able to connect directly with existing owners. At that stage you can explore both building and buying, depending on what matters most to you.
When you find a store you want to pursue, you negotiate the transfer price directly with the seller. Review the trading accounts, weekly sales reports, lease and equipment condition thoroughly — this is where an accountant or franchise solicitor earns their fee.
Once a deal is agreed, Subway needs to be notified to finalise the transfer. You sign the franchise agreement, complete the standard Subway training programme, and ownership officially passes to you.
Due Diligence: Don’t Skip This
Before you commit, check everything. Request and verify at least two years of weekly sales reports. Review the lease in full, especially the term, rent, break clauses and service charges. Assess the condition of all equipment. Review the staff situation including contracts, wages and any TUPE obligations. Check for outstanding debts or supplier arrears. Read the store’s online reviews on Google and TripAdvisor. Analyse local competition within a half-mile radius. And check for planned developments nearby that could affect footfall.
Bring in a franchise solicitor and an accountant with food retail experience. The money you spend on professional due diligence is the best money you’ll spend in the whole process.
Where to Find Subway Resales
The best stores go quickly. If you’re serious, register early and be ready to move when the right opportunity appears.
The right way to find available Subway restaurants for sale is through the official application process. Start by applying on the Subway website – once you’re qualified as a franchisee, the Subway development team will share a Restaurant for Sale List and connect you directly with sellers.
Please note that no resale transaction can be approved without franchisee qualification in place. We encourage all prospective buyers to complete the application process before making any arrangements with a seller.
It’s an Asset, Not Just an Income
One thing worth remembering: as a franchise owner, you can sell your restaurant whenever you choose. The sale price is yours to negotiate. A well-run Subway on a strong site appreciates in value over time. What you buy today, you can sell tomorrow at a profit. Many multi-unit operators started with a single resale and grew from there. Hear from partners who’ve done exactly that.
