164 Businesses For Sale in Canberra Region ACT

Results 1-20 of 164

 


Market Overview

Based on Bsale Market data, the Canberra region is a specialised capital city business market, shaped by government, defence, education and professional services activity.

There are currently 158 businesses for sale in Canberra, representing a combined advertised value of approximately $78.2 million. The average asking price is $494,657, providing a clear benchmark for buyers assessing entry points in the ACT market.

Canberra’s average asking price sits well below the national average ($658,623) and below most other capital city markets. This reflects the region’s smaller scale, a high proportion of service-based and owner-operated businesses, and consistent demand driven by stable public sector employment. While listings fluctuate, Canberra remains a resilient and tightly held business market.

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How Many Businesses Are for Sale in Canberra?

Based on current Bsale Market data, there are 158 active business listings across the Canberra region.

Although smaller in volume than other capital cities, Canberra operates as a focused and competitive market, with steady buyer demand and limited supply. Listings are concentrated around key commercial precincts servicing government, education and professional sectors.

 

What Is the Average Asking Price for Businesses in Canberra?

The average asking price for businesses in the Canberra region is $494,657, ranking Canberra as one of the most affordable capital city markets by average value.

For comparison, the national average asking price currently sits at $658,623, while Canberra’s average is lower than Sydney ($524,934), Melbourne ($558,863), Brisbane ($689,727), Perth ($672,082) and Adelaide ($667,502). This pricing reflects Canberra’s strong mix of professional services, health, education-adjacent and locally focused service businesses that typically require lower upfront capital.

 

What Types of Businesses Are Selling in Canberra?

Based on Bsale Market data, Canberra’s business market is dominated by service-oriented and professional enterprises.

Common listings include professional and financial services, health and allied health practices, education and training businesses, hospitality venues, retail stores, cleaning and facilities services, and government-adjacent support businesses. This mix appeals to buyers seeking stable demand, predictable cash flow and long-term sustainability.

 

Where Buyers Are Looking in Canberra

Buyer enquiry across the Canberra region is concentrated around established commercial and population centres.

Consistent interest is seen in Canberra CBD and Civic, along with inner districts such as Braddon and Kingston. Belconnen and Woden continue to attract buyers seeking access to large residential catchments, while Tuggeranong appeals to buyers looking for affordability and community-based service businesses. This concentration supports steady transaction activity across the ACT.

 

How to Buy or Sell a Business in Canberra

Since 2000, Bsale has helped Australians buy and sell businesses across Canberra and every major city and regional centre nationwide. Buying or selling a business in Canberra requires an understanding of local demand drivers, pricing expectations and the influence of government and institutional activity.

Buyers can compare live opportunities by industry, location and price range, while sellers improve outcomes by aligning their asking price with current market benchmarks and buyer demand. Businesses in Canberra are commonly sold through licensed business brokers or marketed directly to buyers via the Bsale marketplace.

If you’re looking to buy, start with Bsale’s Buying a Business Guide to understand due diligence, valuations and finance. If you’re ready to sell, explore our Guide to Selling a Business, connect with a licensed business broker, or advertise your business directly on Bsale to reach qualified buyers.

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Helpful Resources for Buying a Business in Canberra

8 Hot Businesses to Buy in Canberra in 2025
> Top 5 Business Brokers in Canberra

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

To never miss a new opportunity, click "Save" after your search or simply set up your "Buyer Alerts". Our system will email you matching new listings daily at 6 am, giving you a head start on the latest market opportunities.

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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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Guide to Selling a Business
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Canberra is currently offering a unique opportunity for first time and established buyers, driven by a resilient, government-backed economy and steady population growth. With one of the highest average household incomes in the country and a large professional workforce, the underlying demand for services remains strong and consistent year-round.

The market is active, currently boasting 158 listings with a combined total value in line with an average asking price of $494,657. This gives buyers a solid range of opportunities while remaining more affordable than Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, and with far less competitive pressure than the larger capitals.

Financially, this presents a compelling value proposition. The lower entry point, combined with ongoing projects such as light rail expansion and new mixed-use precincts, provides owner-operators with strong serviceability and stable yields in a market underpinned by the federal government presence.

Guide to Buying a Business

Buyer demand in Canberra is heavily weighted toward services and essential businesses. Professional Services, Healthcare, and Education support services are consistently sought after due to stable, repeat client bases. Hospitality remains popular, particularly Cafes, Takeaway Food, and suburban dining venues that cater to office workers and family households rather than late-night trade. Additionally, Cleaning, Building and Construction, and mobile service businesses perform strongly, benefiting from government contracts and ongoing residential development. 

Buyer interest is strongest in the Canberra CBD for professional services, hospitality, and retail, driven by office density and weekday foot traffic. Belconnen and Woden are popular for health, fitness, and service-based businesses due to their large residential catchments and transport connectivity. Meanwhile, Tuggeranong and Gungahlin attract buyers seeking trades, home services, and family-oriented retail, supported by ongoing housing growth and younger demographics. These areas offer a balance between affordability and consistent local demand.

Yes. To protect your investment in the ACT, buyers must ensure all required financial and operational disclosures are accurate and compliant with Australian Consumer Law. Buyers should confirm that key documents, such as profit and loss statements, asset registers, and lease terms, are provided before signing. Liquor licenses may be requested from Access Canberra or the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission prior to settlement for already licensed businesses, as licences do not automatically transfer. Food businesses must also be correctly registered with ACT Health, with no outstanding food safety notices or compliance orders attached to the premises.

These laws are complex, so interested buyers should always consult a qualified ACT commercial solicitor before signing any contracts.

For operational support, new owners can access guidance through Access Canberra, including free advice and dispute resolution services for commercial and retail lease matters, which is an important resource when navigating Canberra’s leasing environment.