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Daren Leng, Senior Business Broker at ABC Business Sales, explains New Zealand’s small to medium business (SME) market continues to perform strongly. Our Quarterly Market Report to September, 2025, shows record buyer demand, with nearly 28,000 confidentiality agreements signed in the past year — up 25 per cent on 2024. Completed sales jumped 21 per cent (from 400 to 483), while new listings dipped slightly, tightening supply and keeping prices firm. Valuations remain steady: The average sale price eased 13 per cent to $763,000, driven by more sub-$500k deals rather than falling values. Earnings multiples edged up a little to 3.63 times, confirming stable market confidence. A new wave of ownership: Our new demographics data reveals a generational and cultural shift. 65 per cent of sellers are aged over 46, while 52 per cent of buyers are under 46. Over 40 per cent of buyers identify as Indian, Chinese, or from other ethnic backgrounds. Particularly strong in the hospitality sector. Trade buyers remain active, with 34% purchasing to add to existing businesses – a strong sign of market confidence. With demand at record highs, firm valuations, and limited supply, now is an excellent time for business owners to explore succession or exit planning. Good businesses are achieving outstanding sale results in today’s competitive environment. Daren Leng, Senior Business Broker at ABC Business Sales – Your Business Broker of Choice. Phone 021 0278 6045 or email darenl@abcbusiness.co.nz.
