Business owner checking calendar, planning the timeline for selling their company

Selling a business isn’t like flipping a house or chucking a car on Facebook Marketplace. It’s a process, one that involves trust, paperwork, negotiations, and often, a decent amount of waiting.

So how long does it take to sell a business in Australia? And is there anything you can do to move it along faster?

Let’s break it down.

The Average Timeline: 6 to 12 Months

For most businesses, a sale takes 6 to 12 months from listing to settlement. Some go faster, others take longer, sometimes over a year. Why? Because no two businesses (or buyers) are the same.

Here’s what typically happens:

  • 1 – 2 months: Prep the business for sale (documents, marketing, valuation)
  • 2 – 7 months: Attract buyers, filter out the tyre-kickers, and start negotiations
  • 1 – 3 months: Final due diligence, contracts, and settlement

Retail and hospitality businesses often move faster. Niche or complex operations? They need more time to find the right fit.

What Slows the Sale Down

If your business has been on the market for ages with no bites, it usually comes down to one (or more) of these:

  1. Overpricing: Even great businesses can sit stagnant if priced out of line with the market.
  2. Inadequate Preparation: Missing financials, vague handover plans, or lack of clarity on what’s actually being sold.
  3. Owner Dependence: If the business is you, buyers may see risk instead of opportunity.
  4. Weak Marketing or Exposure: You can’t sell a secret. If no one’s seeing the listing, no one’s enquiring.
  5. Buyer Financing Delays: Even serious buyers can get caught up in loan approvals or finance wrangling.

What Speeds It Up

Want to move faster? Here’s how sellers (with the right help) can shave months off the process:

  1. Get Your Financials in Order – Have BAS, P&L, balance sheets, and employee summaries ready. Buyers need proof, not just promises.
  2. Be Clear on Price, and Why – Backing up your asking price with solid valuation logic builds trust. Price too high? You may never even get the enquiry.
  3. Streamline the Transition – Have a simple, documented handover plan. Think: “What does someone need to run this without me?”
  4. Work with a Broker Who Knows Your Market – A good business broker doesn’t just list and pray. They understand buyers, build trust, and manage the timeline strategically.

Real Talk: “Faster” Isn’t Always Better

Could you technically sell your business in 30 days? Maybe. But would you get a fair price? Would the buyer be a good fit? Would they stick it out after takeover?

Speed alone shouldn’t be the goal. The goal is a good outcome for your time, your legacy, and your bank account.

A Broker’s Take: “You’re Not Just Selling a Business, You’re Selling Certainty.”

At Xcllusive, we’ve seen hundreds of business sales play out in real time. The difference between a deal that drags and a deal that closes? Preparation, pricing, and knowing when to let go.

We help business owners cut through the noise, control the timeline, and walk away with confidence.

Ready to Talk About Your Timeline?

Let’s chat. No pressure. Just real info on what your business is worth, what’s realistic, and what’s next.

Image Source: Unsplash