107 Businesses For Sale in Ballarat & Grampians Region VIC

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To secure a business loan in Australia, cash is king. Most lenders cap their Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR) at 50–70%, meaning you typically need a 30% to 50% cash deposit upfront.

With the average asking price on Bsale currently sitting at $659,535 (Dec 2025), you should aim for a starting capital budget of $200,000 to $330,000 for a standard acquisition. However, the market is diverse with prices ranging from $20,000 micro-businesses to multi-million dollar enterprises, so it will depend heavily on the business you're buying.

Don't forget to budget for the "hidden" closing costs beyond the purchase price, which require immediate liquid cash. You will typically need to set aside between $1,500 and $8,000 for legal fees depending on complexity, plus funds for due diligence expenses like accountant reviews, government duties, and lease transfer costs. Crucially, you should also retain a working capital buffer large enough to cover wages, rent, the lease bond, and stock for your first 90 days of trade.

Is the price fair? Most small businesses are valued using a "multiple of profit" typically 1.5x to 4x annual net profit. For example, If a business nets $150,000 a year, a fair market price is likely between $225,000 and $600,000. Once you conduct due diligence it will help you to establish what is a fair price for the business. 
 

You must conduct thorough due diligence across three key pillars:

1. Financials: Verify 3 years of Profit & Loss (P&L) and BAS statements.
2. Legal: Review the commercial lease terms and required licenses.
3. Operations: Check staff contracts and the condition of equipment.

Always have a qualified accountant verify that the owner's "Discretionary Earnings" (SDE) actually match the bank statements. Poor due diligence is the #1 cause of post-sale failure, so never skip this verification.

> What is Due Diligence in a Business Sale?

On average, most small business purchases take 6 to 14 weeks from the initial enquiry to final settlement, though complex acquisitions involving government licenses or commercial finance can extend beyond six months.

The process typically unfolds in four consecutive stages. It begins with Enquiry & Initial Review (1–3 weeks), where you sign an NDA and assess the Information Memorandum. This moves into Due Diligence (2–4 weeks), a critical period for your accountant and solicitor to investigate tax returns and lease agreements. Once satisfied, you enter Offer & Negotiation (1–2 weeks) to agree on price and terms, before concluding with Finance & Legal Finalisation (2–5 weeks) to secure bank approval and transfer the lease.

To achieve the highest price, ensure your financials are "bank-ready" and your operations are fully documented. You can choose to list directly on Bsale to reach our database of qualified buyers or engage a licensed business broker to manage the valuation and negotiation process for you.

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Ballarat and the wider Grampians region offer a compelling buying opportunity, supported by strong population growth, ongoing infrastructure investment, and a diverse regional economy spanning health, education, tourism, and agriculture. The area continues to attract buyers seeking established regional markets with consistent local demand.

The market is active, with around 105 businesses currently listed and an average asking price of $776,319. This provides buyers with quality opportunities at price points that remain accessible compared with Melbourne, while sellers benefit from steady interest in well-located regional businesses.

From a financial perspective, lower operating costs and stable customer bases make Ballarat and the Grampians attractive for owner-operators and investors seeking reliable returns outside the capital cities.

> Guide to Buying a Busines

Buyer demand is strongest for hospitality and tourism businesses, including Cafes, Restaurants, and Hotels that service both locals and visitors. Essential service businesses such as Trades, Mobile Services, Newsagencies and other retail, and Professional services are also popular, offering stable income streams across the broader regional economy.

In the Grampians, demand is highest in Ballarat, Wendouree, and Hepburn Springs for retail and service-based businesses. Buyers also look to Ararat, Horsham, and Halls Gap, where tourism-driven businesses and regional services benefit from strong visitor numbers and consistent local trade.

Yes. To protect your investment in Victoria, buyer should confirm if these conditions apply. Importantly, the Section 52 Statement is mandatory for any business sold under $450,000; if this financial disclosure isn't provided before signing, you may have the legal right to cancel the contract. For businesses with Liquor Licenses, you must secure approval from Liquor Control Victoria, as local council approval is no longer required. Finally, always request a Property Enquiry from the local council for food businesses to reveal any outstanding health orders so you don't inherit the repair costs.

Important: These laws are complex, so always consult a qualified commercial solicitor before signing any contracts.

For operational assistance, new owners can access resources through the City of Ballarat and Business Victoria, including the Business Acceleration Fund, which helps streamline regulatory approvals and digital upgrades. Additionally, the Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC) provides free mediation services for retail lease disputes, a vital resource for navigating commercial tenancies.

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