Is now the right time to sell your business? The data says yes
The market is shifting, and sellers are in the best position we’ve seen in years.
At ABC Business Sales, we guide business owners through every step of the sale process, and timing is everything.
Our latest Quarterly Market Intelligence Report (September 2025) shows the clearest signal yet that the market has tipped in favour of well-prepared sellers. Demand is surging. Listings are falling. And deals are moving faster than they have in years.
If you're planning to sell in the next 12–24 months, this report could help you sell smarter, faster, and with more confidence.
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.
What does the next year look like?
Based on nationwide sales trends and real-time broker insights, here’s what ABC forecasts for the next 12 months:
- Listings will stay tight through March, then lift ~5%
- Buyer enquiry will keep growing, though at a slower pace (+15%)
- Average prices (excl. hospitality) are forecast to rise ~5%
- Multiples are expected to hold or increase slightly (+2–3%)
In short: sellers who prepare well and act early are likely to maximise buyer interest, competition, and value in a market still tilted in their favour.
Who’s buying, and what are they looking for?
Buyers in 2025 are a new breed — younger, more diverse, and strategically motivated:
- 42% identify as Indian, Chinese, or other ethnicities
- 70% of purchases are for wealth creation or business expansion
- Most active buyer age group: 36–55 years
- Many are trade buyers acquiring bolt-on businesses
- Others are professionals looking to “buy a job” after redundancy
This new wave of buyers is strategic, decisive, and sees business ownership as a smart path to long-term growth.
Why demand is surging right now
The numbers speak for themselves:
- 27,903 confidentiality agreements signed in the past year — a record high
- +25% increase in buyer enquiry vs September 2024
- Buyer interest is at a five-year peak
What’s behind the surge?
- 140,500 new migrants arrived in the year to July 2025 — many seeking ownership
- Redundancies are driving professionals toward self-employment
- Trade buyers are acting now, before values rise further
With more motivated, qualified buyers in market, strong listings are drawing faster offers and better outcomes.
Ready to make your next move?
This is one of the strongest markets we’ve seen for business owners ready to exit. High demand. Tight supply. Solid multiples. Faster deal times. And a positive outlook through FY26.
Whether you’re looking to list or simply exploring your options, the full report gives you the insights you need.
- Sector-by-sector analysis
- Current price and multiple benchmarks
- Buyer and seller demographics
- FY26 market projections
- Real-world business sales case studies
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
Ready to sell your legacy with confidence?
Let New Zealand’s most trusted business brokers guide your next chapter — with experience, insight, and results you can count on.