How long does the business sale process take?
If you’re thinking about selling your business, one of the first questions you’re likely to ask is:
“How long does the business sale process take?”
It’s a common—and important—question. In fact, according to Google’s Keyword Planner, variations of this query are searched over 1,300 times per month in Australia alone, making it one of the most-searched questions about business sales. And for good reason. Whether you’re planning for retirement, moving into a new venture, or simply ready for a change, timing your exit properly is key to a smooth transition and maximising value.
At Core Business Brokers, we’ve helped hundreds of business owners across Sydney, greater NSW and Australia sell their businesses successfully. Here’s what you need to know about the timeline, what influences it, and how to prepare.
What Is the Average Time to Sell a Business in Australia?
The average business sale in Australia takes 6 to 9 months from listing to settlement. But keep in mind—this is just an average. Some businesses sell in under 3 months, while others can take over a year, depending on several key factors.
Smaller businesses often sell faster—sometimes within 3–6 months. Mid-market businesses and more complex operations can take longer due to more extensive due diligence and negotiations.
What Are the Stages of Selling a Business?
Let’s break the business sale timeline into key phases:
- Preparation (1–2 months)
- Financials reviewed and normalised
- Business valuation
- Exit strategy/succession planning
- Information Memorandum (IM) created
- Marketing & Buyer Search (2–6 months)
- Business listed (on-market or confidential/off-market)
- Enquiries handled, qualified buyers approached
- Initial buyer meetings and Q&A
- Negotiation & Offer (1–2 months)
- Offer made and accepted (non-binding Heads of Agreement or Term Sheet)
- Basic terms negotiated
- Due Diligence & Contracts (1–3 months)
- Buyer investigates financials, legal and operational documents
- Final contract drafted (usually a Business Sale Agreement)
- Landlord consent, lease assignments, employee agreements finalised
- Settlement (2–4 weeks)
- Final payments made
- Transition plans activated
What Can Slow Down a Business Sale?
Several factors can extend the timeline:
- Poor financial documentation
- Overpricing the business
- Limited buyer pool (industry-specific businesses)
- Lease complications
- Legal issues or unresolved liabilities
- Lack of a professional advisor or broker
At Core Business Brokers, our Sydney business broker team works proactively to mitigate these issues early, keeping your sale on track.
Can You Speed Up the Business Sale Process?
Yes—here’s how:
- Engage an experienced broker to guide you and pre-qualify buyers
- Prepare a detailed Information Memorandum to answer common buyer questions upfront (your broker will create this for you from the information you provide)
- Ensure clean, transparent financials—ideally three years of accountant-prepared financials
- Have legal documents ready early—including lease agreements, supplier contracts, and employee terms
- Be realistic with your price expectations—we understand that there’s an emotional component to selling your business, and provide you with data-driven insights to help establish realistic expectations for the best possible price. Our goal is to sell for the best achievable price without wasting time on the market by pricing too high.
The more prepared you are, the shorter the timeframe. Critically, it is imperative that the seller continues to run the business at this point and we at Core do all the hard work in qualifying the correct buyer.
When Is the Best Time to Sell a Business?
Another highly searched phrase on Google—and for good reason. The best time to sell is when your business is performing well, growing, and you’re not in a rush. Seasonal businesses should aim to list well before peak periods to give buyers time to evaluate.
Buyers love businesses that are stable and offer upside potential. Planning ahead is critical, and we recommend allowing at least 12 months of planning time before your ideal exit date. Core can assist you in preparing the business for sale so that all aspects are in place to obtain the optimum price.
So, how long does the business sale process take?
On average, 3- 6 months and sometimes 9 months, but with the right preparation, professional guidance, and market knowledge, it can be faster—and far more successful.
At Core Business Brokers, we’re more than brokers. We’re business exit specialists, helping you maximise value and minimise stress. Whether you’re ready to list or just exploring options, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Thinking of Selling? Let’s Talk.
If you’re considering selling your Sydney business—or simply want to understand your options—get in touch with our team at Core Business Brokers today.
- Call us on (02) 9413 2977
- Email Roy, Rad, Warren or Natalie to get the conversation started
- Navigate around our website or Facebook page to learn more about us, our process and our decades of experience in the Sydney Business Sale Industry
