Looking To Buy a Cafe Under $300,000? Check These Out!

Looking To Buy a Cafe Under $300,000? Check These Out!

When buying a business for sale, cafe and coffee shops are always a popular choice. There are over 2,000 cafes for sale at any time in Australia giving a large array of opportunities. With an average price of just $300,000 they present an attainable option for many people looking to become business owners. 

So what if you have $300,000 to spend? Should you buy a cafe and what are the options? With $300,000 being the average price for a cafe in 2025, there are plenty of viable and profitable options for the right buyer. 
 

Why Are Cafes so Popular?

 

Australia’s love affair with coffee has deep roots, and many trace it back to the migrant boom of the 1950s and 60s. During this time, Italian and Greek migrants brought with them a rich cafe culture and, importantly, espresso machines. While coffee technically arrived with the First Fleet in 1788, it wasn’t until the 20th century that espresso-style coffee really took hold, transforming the way Australians drink and socialise.

Today, coffee is a daily ritual for many Aussies. Whether it's a morning flat white or an afternoon long black, the demand for quality coffee is constant. In fact, Australians consumed an average of nearly two kilograms of coffee per person in 2021, and the broader cafe, restaurant and takeaway sector now contributes over $4.5 billion in gross value added to the economy, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

When it comes to running a cafe, coffee is usually the main drawcard. A well-pulled espresso tends to drive most of the foot traffic and profit, while food offerings like pastries, sandwiches, and breakfast items often complement, rather than lead,the business model.

So whether you're eyeing a boutique coffee roaster in Brisbane or a cosy country cafe, you’ll likely find a strong base of coffee-loving locals ready to support it. Australians simply love their coffee and that’s not changing anytime soon.

 

Do You Actually Need $300,000 in Savings?

 

Not necessarily.

This is one of the trickiest parts of buying any business,  figuring out how to fund the purchase. While having cash upfront certainly helps, there are a few ways to bridge the gap if you're short on funds.

One option is to approach a lender for a business loan. Just keep in mind that many lenders will require a deposit, often around 40% of the purchase price. If that’s not doable, you could explore vendor finance or a buy-out period, where the seller agrees to accept part of the payment over time. If you’re not sure how that works, here’s a helpful guide to buy-out periods and vendor finance.

You might also consider equipment financing. Instead of paying upfront for expensive equipment like coffee machines or delivery vans, you can look into finance options that spread those costs out, helping free up capital for the actual business purchase.

A cafe priced under $300,000 will likely be a small, owner-operated business with a lean team. It’s important to factor this into your decision. Do you have the skills and time to run the cafe day-to-day?

Most cafes operate long hours and rely on consistent staffing, especially in busy city or tourist areas. It's a hands-on business, so make sure you’re ready for the commitment.

 

Here Are 10 Cafes Under $300,000 Worth Considering

 

 

1. Newport Cafe

• Price: $180,000
• Location: Newport, NSW
• Description: Well-established cafe with weekly takings of $12,500–$15,000, selling 25–30kg of coffee. Low rent, efficient staffing, and a new 5+5 lease in place.
• View Details

 

 

2. Conservatory Cafe in Heritage Setting

 

• Price: $149,000 + SAV
• Location: South of Hobart, TAS
• Description: Long-established licensed cafe in a heritage building with garden seating. Strong local trade and tourist traffic, with potential for events and accommodation add-on.
• View Details

 

 

3. Popular Local Cafe

 

• Price: $98,000
• Location: Western Australia 
• Description: Well-presented cafe in a high-foot-traffic location, operating 5.5 days with short hours. Ideal for a couple or business partners.
• View Details

 

 

4. Profitable Shopping Centre Cafe

 

• Price: $250,000
• Location: Cairns, QLD
• Description: Established since 1996 with $16,000+ in weekly sales. Operates under management in a high-traffic shopping centre with strong local support.
• View Details

 

5. Home Grown Cafe 

 

• Price: $129,000 + SAV
• Location: Port Fairy, VIC
• Description: Highly rated cafe in a beachside town serving local, healthy dishes and specialty coffee. Includes liquor licence and loyal customer base.
• View Details

 

6. Busy Cafe

 

• Price: $189,000 + SAV
• Location: Castle Hill, NSW
• Description: Long-running cafe with $15,000 weekly revenue and 60kg coffee sales. Great fit-out, low rent, and strong local following.
• View Details

 

7. Corner Cafe 

 

• Price: $168,000
• Location: Box Hill, VIC
• Description: Established 13 years with $10,000 in weekly takings. Spacious 80-seat cafe in a high-exposure corner spot with low rent and loyal clientele.
• View Details

 

8. West End Cafe with Cool Street Presence

 

• Price: $145,000
• Location: West End, QLD
• Description: Funky 6-day cafe with 10-year history and low $483 weekly rent. Serves 20kg of coffee and has growth potential by extending hours.
• View Details

 

9. Established Cafe Brand

 

• Price: $199,000 + SAV
• Location: South Canberra, ACT
• Description: New site under a popular Canberra cafe brand. Includes full training, strong support, and a 10-year lease. Ideal entry point for new owners.
• View Details

 

10. Beachfront Cafe 

 

• Price: $160,000 + SAV
• Location: Rockingham, WA
• Description: Prime cafe on Rockingham Beach Road with ocean views, low $692 rent, and steady trade. Dine-in and takeaway with growth potential.
• View Details

 

 

So Can You Buy a Profitable Cafe under $300,000?

 

Yes, you can. Most likely it will be owner-operator or with a small team but it is possible. Location is very important in cafes so always review the lease and make sure you understand what is involved in buying a cafe. 

Tags: listicle buying small business

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