As 2025 comes to a close, Australia’s business sales market has demonstrated steady and rational growth. According to Bsale’s recently released Q4 2025 Market Report, transaction activity remained strong throughout the year, with the December quarter recording the highest level of completed sales, while average asking prices eased slightly. This indicates a market that is active yet disciplined.
The Bsale report states:
“Australia’s business sales market ended 2025 in a much stronger position than it began. The December quarter stood out, delivering the highest number of businesses marked as sold for the year, despite a softening in average asking prices. This combination sends an important message: deals are being done not because prices are being pushed higher, but because buyers and sellers are meeting in the middle.”
Over the year, the number of businesses listed for sale increased steadily. The national average asking price rose from $616,974 in March to $658,623 in December, while the total value of businesses on the market grew from $9.2 billion to A$10.56 billion. Market confidence improved, yet pricing remained measured, with transactions largely occurring within practical and financeable price ranges.
Performance varied across states. New South Wales and Victoria recorded steady growth, while Queensland led the nation in average prices. Smaller markets such as Tasmania and the Northern Territory experienced greater volatility, often influenced by a limited number of high-value listings. Among capital cities, Hobart recorded the highest average asking price ($727,831), followed by Brisbane ($689,727). Although Sydney and Melbourne had the largest number of listings, their average asking prices were below the national average, largely due to a higher proportion of lease-based and small service-oriented businesses.
By industry, hospitality remained the largest category by transaction volume, though with relatively lower average asking prices (approximately $300,000–$400,000). Asset-intensive sectors such as engineering, manufacturing, and construction recorded average prices well above the national level. Service-based and essential industries—including mechanical services, supermarkets, and community retail—continued to show stable performance.
“Q4 transaction data shows that 733 businesses were sold, representing a 17% increase quarter-on-quarter and a 66% increase year-on-year. The average asking price of sold businesses was approximately $487,000, compared with the national average asking price of $659,000.”
These figures suggest that buyers are becoming more selective, favouring small to mid-sized businesses that are easier to transact and transfer. While the market remains active, pricing has stayed resilient, with deal momentum driven by execution and preparation rather than price inflation.
Looking ahead to 2026, the market is expected to remain selective. Sellers will need to price realistically and prepare thoroughly, while buyers are likely to continue prioritising cashflow strength, systemised operations, and verifiable earnings. Regional and mid-market opportunities are expected to remain attractive, and technology-enabled and contract-based businesses should also draw interest where revenues are clearly defined.
Overall, 2026 is likely to reward well-prepared sellers with realistic pricing, and buyers who focus on stability, systems, and cashflow. For clients considering the sale or purchase of a business, timing and pricing discipline will be critical. If you would like to explore current opportunities or receive professional advice on buying or selling a business, please feel free to contact us — we are here to provide end-to-end support and expert guidance.
