Thinking About Buying a Gym? Here’s What You Need to Know

Thinking About Buying a Gym? Here’s What You Need to Know

Love the gym? Why not own one?

By 2030, the global fitness industry market is expected to reach $202.78 billion!

"Annually, Australians spend an estimated $8.5 billion on fitness services and equipment, with the fitness industry alone contributing $3 billion to the Australian economy." - Australian Fitness Academy

With demand continuing to grow as Aussies prioritise health and fitness. Big players like F45, Anytime Fitness, and Jetts have paved the way, proving that well-run gyms can bring in over $1 million a year in revenue.

According to Statista, 50.3% of Australians aged 18-25 regularly use gyms, fitness clubs, or sports and leisure centres. And it’s not just the younger crowd - nearly 48% of 25 to 35-year-olds are also frequent gym-goers.

With fitness becoming an essential part of daily life, the demand for well-managed gyms remains strong.

But running a successful gym takes more than just a passion for fitness. There are key factors to consider before buying a gym for sale, from location and membership models to equipment costs and staffing.

Whether you’re a personal trainer ready to take the next step, a fitness enthusiast looking to turn passion into profit, or an investor searching for a stable and scalable business, buying a gym could be your next move.

If you’re serious about stepping into gym ownership, here’s what you need to know.
 

How Much Can You Earn Owning a Gym?

 

How much you earn as a gym owner will depend on the type and size of the gym you purchase. The advantage of buying an established gym is that you can review its financial records and see the current owner's earnings, giving you a clearer idea of potential profits.

Here are some recent sales and what the gyms were earning:

• Anytime Fitness Franchise – Greater Perth - Income (2023): $574,508 - EBITDA: $179,456 - 2023 Rent $93,730.
• Anytime Fitness Franchise – Victoria - Turnover (2022): $411,661 - EBITDA: $104,558 - Under full management

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a gym owner in Australia is around $60,299 per year. However, well-run gyms can generate six-figure profits annually.

Profitability depends on:

• Membership retention rates
• Upselling personal training sessions, supplements, and merchandise
• Managing expenses like rent, wages, and equipment maintenance
• Expansion opportunities like group fitness classes or online coaching

 

What Types of Gyms Can You Buy?

 

Franchise Gyms

Buying a big-name franchise like Anytime Fitness, F45, or Jetts comes with brand recognition, marketing support, and an established business model. This means less risk and easier financing, but it also comes with franchise fees and operational restrictions.
 

Independent Gyms

Going independent gives you full control over branding, pricing, and operations. You can set your own membership fees, introduce new classes, and market however you like. The downside? No built-in brand recognition, and you’ll have to manage all marketing and operational challenges yourself.

 

 

5 Key Things to Consider Before Buying a Gym

 

1. Location and Lease Agreements

Location is everything when it comes to gym success. High-foot traffic areas like shopping centres, business hubs, or residential zones tend to attract more members.

When buying a business, there are a number of items you should check during the due diligence phase. In terms of the location, the lease agreement can be vital to the profitablity of a gym. You will want to check the lease terms, rental increases and nearby competitors. 
 

2. Membership Base and Retention

A gym is only as good as its members. Gyms rely heavily on memberships to be profitable. So check the contracts of members, how many are active, how many are expiring, what are they paying, what are the rentention rates. 

A key thing here is to consider who is bringing in the most sign-ups?

When buying a gym, it's important to identify the top-performing staff members who are attracting new clients. There might be an exceptional personal trainer or group instructor who plays a big role in bringing people through the doors. Find out their position in the business, how much influence they have on memberships, and whether they plan to stay on after the sale. Losing a key team member could impact retention, so it’s worth having that conversation upfront.

A gym with strong membership numbers and retention is a safer investment than one struggling to keep members engaged.

 

3. Equipment Condition and Maintenance Costs

Gym equipment isn’t cheap. Check if machines and weights are owned, leased, or under finance. You don’t want to inherit a business drowning in debt for outdated gear.

According to Gym Solutions Australia, a full commercial gym setup can cost anywhere between $100,000 to $500,000, depending on the size and quality of equipment.

The cashflow of the business will be heavily impacted depending on how the equipment is leased or owned. So check out the cashflow statement!

 

4. Staffing and Payroll
 

Some gyms run with minimal staff, while others need personal trainers, group fitness instructors, and receptionists. You need to have a good idea of the staff who are key to the business, their contracts and their plans if the business is sold. Are any staff members related to the current owners and likely to leave?

When you buying a business its very important to check that all the PAYG and Superannuation is paid and up to date. 

 

5. Financials and Profitability
 

Always review financials before buying a gym. This will form part of the due dilligence process, we go into this in detail in the Bsale Guide to Buying a Business. When you first enquire the seller may provide you with an information memorandum with some basic financials. 

 

 

How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Gym?

 

The cost of buying a gym varies depending on the size, location, membership numbers, and whether it’s a franchise or independent gym.

On Bsale, we have gyms for sale across Australia, to start your search you can check them out in each capital city:

Gyms for Sale in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra and Darwin.

Here are a few real examples of gyms for sale in Australia:
 

1. Plus Fitness 24/7 Franchise (Greater Perth, WA)

Price: $195,000 - This fully managed Plus Fitness 24/7 franchise features a newly refreshed fit-out and new Technogym cardio equipment. View Details

 

2. Independent 24/7 Gym (Melbourne South-East, VIC)

Price: Contact for price - A fantastic rebranding opportunity in a prominent shopping centre, this 24/7 gym offers huge potential for an energetic owner-operator. View Details

 

3. Premium Fitness & Recovery Centre (Mid Coast, NSW)

Price: $245,000 - A high-end fitness and wellness centre in a prime coastal CBD location, just steps from cafes and shops. View Details

 

4. Popular Franchise Gym (Sunshine Coast, QLD)

Price: $185,000 + SAV - Located in a high-exposure area with main road frontage, this well-established fitness studio boasts over 200 active members and a strong community-driven culture.View Details

 

5. Independent 24/7 Gym & Wellness Centre ( Adelaide, SA)

Price: $380,000 - This fully renovated 24/7 gym offers state-of-the-art training and recovery facilities, including an infrared sauna, ice bath, and professional boxing rink. View Details

 

6. Rebrand Opportunity – Functional Fitness Club (Canberra, ACT)

Price: $35,000 - Centrally located in Canberra’s CBD, this functional fitness club offers a turnkey rebranding opportunity with all equipment included.View Details

 

7. Profitable Independent Fitness Centre (Hobart, TAS)

Price: $749,000 - One of Hobart’s leading fitness centres, this highly profitable business operates under management with minimal owner involvement. View Details
 

Starting a gym from scratch can cost anywhere from $300,000 to over $1 million, once you factor in fit-outs, equipment, branding, and marketing. Buying an established gym means you step into a business with existing members, revenue, and equipment—giving you a head start.

 

How Do I Buy A Gym?

 

Buying a gym is an exciting opportunity, but it’s important to get it right. From setting a budget and conducting due diligence to negotiating the best deal, there’s a lot to consider. You also need to have your finances in order. 

Its important you understand the full process. Check out the Buying a Business Guide on Bsale for everything you need to know about purchasing a business in Australia.

 

How to Fund Your Gym Purchase?

 

Buying a gym is a big financial commitment, so securing the right funding is crucial. A common option is a loan with one of the major banks or second teir lenders, where they assess your business plan, income stability, and credit history before approval. Vendor finance is another route, allowing you to pay a portion upfront and the rest over time - though this depends on the seller. 

It's also worth exploring business grants. Some state and federal programs, like the NSW Government Infrastructure Grants, support projects such as gyms and sports centres. Organizations like Australian Fitness & Health (AFH) provide resources on industry funding and support options.

 

So are you Ready to Buy a Gym?

Buying a gym in Australia can be a fantastic investment, but it’s not just about loving fitness. Success comes from strong management, smart marketing, and delivering an experience that keeps members coming back. Having experience in management and business is an important element to owning a gym. 

If you're serious about gym ownership, research your options, crunch the numbers, and make sure the business model aligns with your goals.
 

Tags: buying a business buying a franchise gyms

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