Selling with Benchmark

Sell your business

Start a confidential sale with a specialist broker.

Why use a broker

What a broker adds to your price and your timeline.

Selling a business guide

What changes by state, tax and deal terms.

Specialist divisions

Brokers who already know your industry.

Value and evidence

Business valuations

Understand what your business is worth.

Business appraisal

A broker-prepared market appraisal of your business.

Pre-sale health check

Fix what buyers discount before you go to market.

Exit planning

Prepare years ahead for a stronger result.

Sell in your city

All broker locations
Recent sales

Businesses we have sold, by industry and state.

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What is my business worth?

Free estimate in two minutes, no obligation.

Sale proceeds calculator

Estimate what you keep after fees and costs.

Thinking of selling?
Talk it through with a specialist broker, confidentially and with no obligation.
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Buying with Benchmark

Buy a business

How buying works, from enquiry to settlement.

How to buy a business

The buyer process, from search to settlement.

Buyer's agency

We search off market on your behalf.

Browse and research

Current listings

Every business currently for sale.

Businesses by industry

Browse through our specialist divisions.

Due diligence checklist

What to ask for and check before you commit.

Acquisition cost calculator

The full cash you need beyond the asking price.

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All businesses for sale

Listings by state

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Register as a buyer

Tell us what business you are after and we’ll find one with the right fit.

Buying a business guide

A free guide for buyers who are still deciding.

Not sure where to start?
A broker can shortlist businesses that suit your budget, skills and location.
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Valuations

Business valuations

Independent, evidence based valuation reports.

Business appraisals

A broker-prepared market appraisal of your business.

Appraisal or valuation?

Which one you need, and what each is used for.

Talk to a specialist

Specialist divisions

Valuers with industry specific sale data.

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Confidential, no obligation discussion.

Valuations by city

All valuation locations

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Tell us about your business to get started.

Valuation guide

A free guide to how businesses are valued.

Valuing for sale, finance, a partnership change or family law?
Ask which report you need before you commission one.
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About Benchmark

About us

Find out what makes us Australia's favourite business brokers

Our team

Meet the brokers and the support team.

Specialist divisions

50+ brokers across specialist industries.

Resources

Meaning Business Podcast

The #1 podcast for serious buyers, sellers, and anyone growing a business in Australia.

Business glossary

Plain-English definitions of business sale terms.

Stamp Duty calculators

Comprehensive guide on Stamp Duty in Australia

Our other services

Business advisory

Advice for owners preparing a business for sale.

Benchmark Valuations

Our dedicated valuations practice.

Upside Business Sales

Self-service selling platform.

Commercial property

Sales and leasing alongside your business sale.

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Join the team

See what roles we’re currently recruiting for

Resources & guides

Practical reading for owners and buyers.

Looking for a broker in your industry?
We will match you with a specialist who sells businesses like yours.
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Contact us

General enquiries and head office details.

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Find an office

8 offices across Australia, with brokers nationwide.

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Send an enquiry
We will point you to the right specialist.
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Business acquisition cost calculator

How much cash do you need to buy a business?

The advertised price is only part of it. Work out the deposit, stamp duty, fees, finance costs and working capital you’ll need to complete the purchase and run the business from day one.

  • Takes around 3 minutes
  • Stamp duty worked out for your state
  • Includes finance, fees and working capital
  • No sign-up or email needed
How it works

Your total cost in three steps

Have the listing in front of you. If you know the asking price and roughly how you’ll fund it, you have enough to start.

  1. Enter the deal

    Add the price, stock, your state and whether the property is included. We work out stamp duty using your state's rules.

  2. Add your funding

    Choose a cash purchase or a business loan, then set the deposit, interest rate and loan term.

  3. Check the costs

    We fill in typical fees and working capital for a deal this size. Replace any figure you have a quote for, then see your results.

About the business

Start with the deal as it's advertised. We'll work out what it takes to complete it.

Please select a state.
The advertised price, excluding stock.
Please enter the purchase price.
Check the listing or contract. In some states this decides how much stamp duty you pay.
This can't be more than the purchase price.
Usually counted and paid for at settlement.
How is stock paid for?
Premises
GST on the sale

How you'll fund it

Most buyers combine their own cash with a business loan.

Funding
Usually 10%, paid into trust when you sign. It comes off the balance at settlement.
Enter a deposit between 0% and 100%.
Lenders typically fund 50% to 70% of a business price, and more against freehold. We've started at 50% of the business and 70% of any property.
Please enter the amount you'll borrow.
Secured bank rates start around 7% to 8%.
Enter a rate between 0% and 30%.
Application, valuation and security fees. We've estimated 1% of the loan.

Costs to complete and run it

We've filled in typical figures for a deal this size. Change any you have a quote for.

Contract, lease assignment and settlement, including the landlord's legal costs.
Reviewing the financials, tax and structure advice.
Used to estimate the lease security.
Often 3 months' rent. Refunded at the end of the lease.
Licence transfers, first-year insurance, ASIC and IT set-up.
Anything you plan to buy or replace that isn't in the sale.
Wages, rent, utilities and suppliers, excluding stock. The seller's accounts will show this.
Months of cover
Cash to pay wages, rent and suppliers while takings build up.

Your estimated acquisition cost

Upfront cash required
$0

From your own funds by settlement, including working capital.

Total acquisition cost $0
Business loan $0

    Where your upfront cash goes

    What you'll pay from your own funds between signing and your first months of trading.

      Total acquisition cost

        How we worked this out

          Found a business you like?

          A Benchmark broker can take you through the numbers on a specific listing, from the price split to what's included at settlement.

          Browse businesses for sale Read our guide to buying a business

          This is an indicative estimate only, based on the figures you entered and general rates. It is not financial, legal or tax advice. Stamp duty, lending terms and fees depend on your contract, your lender and your circumstances, so confirm them with your solicitor, accountant and lender before you commit.

          What's in your results

          Three numbers to plan your purchase around

          Buyers often budget for the price and the deposit, then find the rest of the cost at settlement. The calculator separates what you pay up front from what the purchase costs you over time.

          Upfront cash required

          What you need by settlement

          Everything that comes from your own funds: the deposit, your share of the price, stock, stamp duty, fees, any lease bond and a working capital reserve. Check this figure against your savings and equity before you make an offer.

          IncludesDeposit, balance, stock, duty, fees and working capital

          Total acquisition cost

          What the purchase really costs

          The price plus every cost to complete it, and the interest you’ll pay over the loan term. Refundable items, such as a lease bond, and GST you can claim back are left out.

          IncludesPrice, stock, duty, fees, interest and working capital

          Stamp duty

          Set by your state or territory

          Duty depends on where you buy and what’s in the sale. QLD and WA charge duty on goodwill and equipment, while most other states only charge it when land, a lease or fit-out is included.

          Worked out fromYour state, the price split and whether property is included

          What about GST? Most businesses are sold as a going concern, so no GST is charged. If GST does apply, you pay an extra 10% at settlement and can usually claim it back, and stamp duty is worked out on the GST-inclusive price.

          Costs buyers often miss

          Where the extra cash goes

          The costs on top of the price add up quickly, and most are due at or soon after settlement. These are the ones that most often catch buyers out.

          Get a quote for each before you sign, so your offer is one you can complete.

          Working capital

          Wages, rent and suppliers still need paying while takings build up. Many lenders want to see a cash reserve before they approve a loan.

          Stock at value

          Stock is usually counted at settlement and paid for on top of the price, so the final figure may not be known until handover.

          Stamp duty

          In some states duty applies to goodwill and equipment, not just property. It's often due within weeks of signing.

          Lease security

          Landlords usually want a bond or bank guarantee from the new tenant, often several months' rent, plus their legal costs for the assignment.

          Finance costs

          Establishment fees, valuations and interest add to the true cost of a loan, and lenders typically fund only part of a business price.

          Professional fees

          Legal work, accounting due diligence and structure advice protect you from overpaying. Budget for them whether or not the deal goes ahead.

          Your next step

          Know your budget. Then find the right business.

          Once you know how much cash you need, you can search with confidence. A Benchmark broker can take you through the numbers on a listing, from the price split to what’s included at settlement.

          Search listings

          Businesses for sale

          • Filter by industry, location and price
          • Asking price and key details on each listing
          • Enquire confidentially with the listing broker
          • Search within the budget you just worked out
          Browse businesses for sale
          Talk to a broker

          Questions about a listing?

          • Brokers who specialise in your industry
          • Help reading a listing's figures and price split
          • What's included at settlement, including stock
          • How the sale process and timing work
          Find a broker near you

          Confidential and no obligation. Or call 1300 366 521

          Business resources

          Practical tools and guides for every stage of your business journey

          Free guides, checklists and calculators to help you make informed decisions, whether you’re selling, buying or valuing a business.

          Selling a business

          Maximise your value with the right preparation

          From getting sale ready to settlement, these resources help you understand the process, protect your value and plan your exit.

          Explore selling resources

          Speak confidentially with a broker

          Free ebook

          Selling a Business Guide

          Our step-by-step guide to preparing, marketing and selling your business.

          Download guide
          Guide

          How to Sell a Business in Australia

          Each stage of the sale process, from preparation through to settlement.

          Read guide
          Calculator

          Sale Proceeds Calculator

          Estimate what you could walk away with after fees, costs and debts.

          Use calculator
          Free ebook

          Exit Planning Guide

          Plan your exit early to protect value and choose the right timing.

          Download guide
          Checklist

          Pre-Sale Business Health Check

          See whether your business is ready to sell and what to fix first.

          View checklist
          Guide

          Asset Sale vs Share Sale

          How each sale structure affects tax, liability and what the buyer takes on.

          Read guide
          Buying a business

          Find the right business with confidence

          Understand the market, know the true cost of buying and ask the right questions before you make an offer.

          Explore buying resources

          Browse businesses for sale

          Free ebook

          Buying a Business Guide

          Key steps and expert tips, from searching through to settlement.

          Download guide
          Guide

          How to Buy a Business in Australia

          A clear walkthrough of finding, assessing and buying the right business.

          Read guide
          Calculator

          Business Acquisition Cost Calculator

          Work out the total cash you need beyond the advertised price.

          Use calculator
          Checklist

          Due Diligence Checklist

          Make sure you’re asking the right questions before you commit.

          View checklist
          Guide

          Stamp Duty on a Business Purchase

          How duty applies when you buy a business in each Australian state.

          Read guide
          Glossary

          Business Terms A to Z

          Plain-English definitions of the terms you’ll see in listings and contracts.

          Read glossary
          Valuing a business

          Know what your business is really worth

          Get a clearer picture of value, the methods brokers use and when you need a formal valuation rather than an appraisal.

          Explore valuation services

          Book a market appraisal

          Free ebook

          Business Valuation Guide

          Answers to the questions owners ask most about valuing a business.

          Download guide
          Guide

          How to Value a Business

          The key factors and methods behind an Australian business valuation.

          Read guide
          Calculator

          Business Appraisal Calculator

          Get an indicative price range for your business in a few minutes.

          Use calculator
          Guide

          Valuation vs Appraisal

          Which one you need, when, and how they differ in detail and cost.

          Read guide
          Guide

          EBITDA Valuation Method

          How earnings multiples work and when brokers use them.

          Read guide
          Guide

          Net Profit Valuation Method

          Valuing a small business on its adjusted net profit, step by step.

          Read guide
          FAQs

          Questions about buying costs

          What the calculator includes, how stamp duty and finance work, and what to check before you make an offer.

          More than the deposit. Most buyers need a deposit of around 10% on signing, their share of the price at settlement, stock, stamp duty, legal and accounting fees, any lease bond and a working capital reserve. The calculator adds these up so you can see the total before you make an offer.

          It depends on the state. QLD and WA charge transfer duty on the business itself, including goodwill. NSW and TAS can charge it on the lease, fit-out and equipment. VIC, the ACT and the NT only charge it when land is included, and SA charges none on business assets or commercial property.

          Enough to pay wages, rent and suppliers until the business’s takings cover them. Many buyers allow two to three months of running costs. The seller’s accounts show what the business spends each month, and your accountant can help you set a figure.

          Lenders typically fund 50% to 70% of a business price, and more when freehold property is included as security. The rest comes from your own funds. The amount depends on the business’s profit, your experience and the security you can offer, so speak to your lender early.

          Usually not. Most business sales qualify as the supply of a going concern, which is GST-free when both parties are registered for GST and the business keeps trading. If GST does apply, you pay an extra 10% at settlement and can generally claim it back.

          Usually not. Most businesses sell plus stock at value (SAV), which means stock is counted at settlement and paid for on top of the price. Check the listing and the contract, as some businesses include a set amount of stock in the price.

          No. It’s an indicative estimate based on the figures you enter and general rates. Stamp duty, lending terms and fees depend on your contract, your lender and your circumstances, so confirm them with your solicitor, accountant and lender before you commit.

          Ready to start looking?

          Find a business that fits your budget

          Search businesses for sale across Australia, or talk to a Benchmark broker about a listing you’ve found. Confidential and no obligation.

          Browse businesses for sale
          Try the calculator