If you’re considering an exit, timing could make a meaningful difference.
New Zealand’s business sales market is currently favouring well-prepared sellers, with strong conditions creating real opportunity.
At ABC Business Sales, we’re seeing a clear shift: steady buyer demand, tightening supply, and consistent deal flow shaping a highly competitive market for quality businesses.
This is the only report in New Zealand that combines national sales data, platform trends, and ABC’s in-house deal intelligence, giving business owners and buyers a clear view of what’s driving the market right now.
High demand. Low supply. Strong outcomes.
The data tells a clear story for owners considering a sale in the next 12–24 months:
- 514 businesses sold (+21%, record high)
- 26,774 active buyers (+4%)
- 3,385 listings (-2%)
- 35:1 buyer-to-seller ratio
The result? Increased competition, stronger offers, and efficient timeframes for well-positioned businesses.
Market snapshot (March 2026)
- Median time to sell: 136 days
- Average price (excl. hospitality): $814,698 (+6%)
- Hospitality price: $245,367 (+11%)
- Median multiple: 3.66x EBITDA
- Hospitality multiple: 1.98x
Values remain resilient, with multiples holding near the top of the range.
Why this matters for sellers
Buyers aren’t just active, they’re decisive. With fewer businesses available, competition is supporting price and improving deal quality.
For prepared sellers, this creates a clear opportunity to maximise both value and terms.
Who’s buying?
A motivated, fast-moving buyer pool is driving the market, from expansion-focused business owners to new entrants and professionals stepping into ownership.
Most are growth-focused and ready to act, meaning strong businesses are transacting efficiently.
What’s next?
Conditions are expected to remain favourable. Supply is likely to stay tight, while buyer demand continues to build, supporting stable pricing, with potential for further upward pressure.
In short: the market isn’t slowing, it’s stabilising at a high level.
Selling well isn’t just about the numbers. It’s about timing, preparation, and understanding what today’s buyers are really looking for.
Our archive of Quarterly Market Intelligence Reports helps you track how market conditions shift over time, so you can make better-informed decisions when it matters most.
➡️ View all our past Quarterly Market Intelligence Reports
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