Melbourne is Australia's most active city for business sales. With more than 783 businesses currently listed across the metropolitan area and Victoria responsible for close to a quarter of the nation's economic output, it is no surprise that sellers, buyers and brokers are busier here than anywhere else in the country. If you are thinking about selling your business in Melbourne, this guide covers everything you need to know — from what the current market looks like to how to find the right broker and what your business is likely worth.

The Melbourne Business Market in 2026

The Melbourne market has continued to strengthen through 2025 and into 2026. Consumer confidence is recovering as interest rate cuts filter through household budgets, and the pool of active buyers is deep across all categories. Hospitality, health and beauty, retail, trade services and professional services are all seeing strong buyer demand in Melbourne's metropolitan suburbs.

Victoria's state government has consistently maintained one of the most business-friendly regulatory environments in Australia, and Melbourne's status as the country's de facto startup and small business capital means the city attracts buyers from interstate and internationally, particularly for businesses in the technology, education and professional services sectors.

The average business listed on Australian marketplaces is currently asking around $659,000. In Melbourne's inner suburbs — Fitzroy, Collingwood, Brunswick, Richmond, South Yarra — premium hospitality and retail businesses regularly transact above this figure. In outer suburban and growth corridor areas such as Werribee, Pakenham and Melton, well-run trade, service and food businesses are attracting strong buyer interest from owner-operators looking to escape the CBD premium.

What's Selling in Melbourne Right Now

The following categories are consistently the most active in the Melbourne market:

  • Cafes and coffee shops — particularly those with strong weekly takings, good lease terms and an established neighbourhood following
  • Cleaning and facility services — commercial cleaning businesses with contracted clients are highly sought after
  • Health, beauty and wellness — hair salons, beauty clinics, day spas and allied health practices
  • Childcare and education — a growing category driven by demand and government funding
  • Trade and construction services — electrical, plumbing, landscaping and building businesses with existing contracts
  • Professional services — accounting practices, marketing agencies, IT services and consultancies

How Businesses Are Valued in Melbourne

Most Melbourne businesses are valued using the seller's discretionary earnings (SDE) or EBITDA multiple method. For small owner-operated businesses, SDE is the most relevant measure — it represents the total economic benefit to a working owner after all operating costs are accounted for.

In the current Melbourne market, small businesses typically sell for between 1.5x and 3.5x SDE depending on category, location, lease quality and how transferable the business is. Businesses in premium inner-city locations with long leases and strong recurring revenue attract the top of that range. Businesses in competitive categories with short leases or heavy owner dependency attract the lower end.

A cleaning business generating $180,000 SDE in Melbourne's eastern suburbs might attract 2.5x, giving a value of $450,000. A well-positioned cafe in Brunswick with $150,000 SDE and a five-year lease remaining might attract 2.8x — $420,000. A B2B services business with recurring contracts and $250,000 EBITDA could attract 3.5x or higher.

Victoria-Specific Legal Requirements

When selling a business in Victoria, there are specific legal obligations sellers must comply with. The most important is the Section 52 statement, a mandatory disclosure document required under the Sale of Land Act 1962. This document discloses key information about the business including lease details, financial records and any encumbrances. For more information on businesses for sale in Victoria, including comparable listings to benchmark your asking price, see AllBusiness.com.au.

Your solicitor will prepare the contract of sale and the required disclosures. It is essential to use a commercial lawyer experienced in Victorian business sales, not a residential conveyancer. Buyers in Victoria are also entitled to a cooling-off period under certain conditions, and the contract terms around GST, stock at valuation and employee entitlements must be handled correctly to avoid disputes at settlement.

Finding a Business Broker in Melbourne

Melbourne has one of the deepest broker communities in Australia. When selecting a broker, look for membership of the Australian Institute of Business Brokers (AIBB) and demonstrated sales experience in your specific industry. You can connect with experienced Melbourne brokers through AllBusiness.com.au — free matching service with no obligation.

Broker commissions in Melbourne typically range from 8% to 12% of the sale price for businesses under $500,000, with lower percentage rates for higher-value transactions. These fees are almost always earned back through the higher sale price and shorter time on market that experienced brokers achieve compared to private sales.

How Long Will It Take to Sell?

In Melbourne's current market, well-priced businesses in strong categories typically sell within three to six months. Businesses priced aggressively or in slower categories may take nine to twelve months. The single biggest factor determining time on market is whether the asking price reflects current market conditions. Overpricing is the most common reason Melbourne businesses sit unsold for extended periods.

Ready to Sell Your Business in Melbourne?

AllBusiness.com.au connects Melbourne business owners with experienced, licensed brokers who specialise in your industry. The matching service is completely free and carries no obligation. Submit your details and receive broker introductions within 24 to 48 hours.