How Much Do Multi-Family Offices Charge?
Short answer. Many multi-family offices charge 80 to 150 basis points for core services, with additional fees for work such as real estate, investment banking, direct investments, insurance, or multi-generational planning. The final cost depends on the services included, the arrangement, and the needs of the families being served.
Many multi-family offices charge 80 to 150 basis points for core services, with additional fees for work such as real estate, investment banking, direct investments, co-investments, insurance, or intensive multi-generational wealth planning. That range is a starting reference, not a complete quote. Ask what the core fee covers and which services trigger extra charges.
Ask What the Fee Includes
The label multi-family office can describe different service models. One office may focus on investment oversight and reporting, while another may also coordinate real estate transactions, insurance, or family planning work. These differences affect the fee and make comparisons difficult unless you define the services you need.
Request a written description of the core scope, additional services, and how each fee is calculated. Clarify whether expenses from outside providers are separate. Ask how the office handles work that falls outside the agreed scope. A clear service list makes it easier to compare proposals and see whether the price fits the actual support your family will receive.
Consider the Fit and Scale
A multi-family office serves several families, so its team and processes need to meet varied needs. An office built around public markets and real estate may be asked to support a family considering co-investments or an operating business. Find out whether the office has experience with the work you expect and how it decides which requests it can handle.
If you are evaluating an office, look at the fit between its services and your priorities, the people responsible for your account, and the reporting you will receive. Fee levels alone do not show whether the arrangement is suitable. Compare the expected cost with the time, coordination, and specialist work the office will provide. You can also compare the economics of an in-house model with the single versus multi-family office break-even calculator.
Account for Structural Costs
Opening an office to serve families outside the founding family can bring additional operating and compliance work. The rules depend on the structure and services, so talk with your attorney and compliance specialist before making a change. Be clear about which families can be served, what advice is being provided, and whether your proposed structure meets applicable requirements.
For related context, read how single and multi-family offices differ, how to choose a multi-family office, and how to think about a family office budget. A useful comparison puts scope, fee terms, and the work your family expects in the same document.
Most multi-family offices charge 80 to 150 basis points in fees to their clients for core services
Sources: The Single Family Office. Informational only, not financial, legal or tax advice.