Frequently Asked Questions

Exity is a modern online marketplace that connects buyers and sellers of businesses. The platform allows entrepreneurs to discover opportunities and enables business owners to list their businesses for sale in one transparent ecosystem.

Traditional business brokers represent sellers and usually charge a commission based on the final sale price. Exity is a marketplace platform where buyers and sellers can connect directly, browse listings and communicate without broker commissions.

Exity lists businesses across Australia, with the most active markets in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and the Gold Coast. Melbourne can be narrowed further by region, including the CBD and inner city, eastern, northern and western suburbs.

Use the browse businesses for sale page and filter by location, industry, asking price, revenue and management type. You can also search by distance from a suburb, so you only see opportunities within a realistic travel radius.

Yes. Buyers can explore opportunities on our businesses for sale in Melbourne page where listings can be filtered by industry, size and price range.

Yes. Hospitality businesses are among the most active listings on Exity. Buyers can explore available opportunities on our cafes for sale in Melbourne page.

Yes. You can browse restaurant opportunities across Australia on our restaurants for sale listings page, or narrow it to Melbourne and Sydney.

Yes. Exity allows buyers to connect directly with sellers through the platform's enquiry system, making it possible to explore business opportunities without relying solely on a traditional broker.

Each listing includes an enquiry form where buyers can message the seller or representative directly to request more information or begin negotiations.

Verify the financials against tax returns and bank statements, confirm exactly which assets, stock, equipment and intellectual property are included, review the lease and how many years remain, check that tax and superannuation obligations are current, and understand why the owner is selling. Independent legal and accounting advice is worth the cost at this stage.

Ask why the business is being sold, how profitable it has genuinely been across several years, exactly what is included in the asking price, whether debts, PAYG, GST and superannuation are up to date, how dependent the business is on the current owner, and whether key staff, suppliers and customers are expected to stay after settlement.

Yes. Businesses under $500,000 are one of the most active parts of the Australian market and, when priced sensibly, often sell faster than larger businesses. You can browse current opportunities on our businesses under $500k page.

Yes. Franchise resales are listed alongside independent businesses, so you can compare both in one search. Browse current franchises for sale across Australia, or focus on franchises for sale in Melbourne.

Business owners can create a listing through the sell your business page. After submission and review, the listing becomes visible to potential buyers searching the marketplace.

No. Exity allows business owners to list their businesses directly on the platform and communicate with buyers without needing a broker.

Sellers usually prepare financial records, determine a business valuation, create a listing, communicate with interested buyers, negotiate terms, and complete the legal transfer of ownership.

Most Australian small businesses are valued on a multiple of Seller's Discretionary Earnings (SDE) — net profit with the owner's salary, benefits and one-off personal expenses added back. Multiples commonly fall between roughly 1.5x and 5x SDE. Cafes and standard retail typically sit nearer 1.5x to 2.5x, while established business-to-business service operations reach the higher end. You can get an indicative figure using our business valuation tool.

Six to nine months is the typical range. A well-prepared business under $500,000 with clean financials can sell in three to six months, while larger or more complex businesses, or those with incomplete records, can take 12 to 24 months. Buyer finance approval and due diligence are the most common causes of delay.

Buyers will expect at least three years of financial statements and tax returns, current profit and loss figures, the lease and its remaining term, asset and equipment lists, stock levels, supplier and customer contracts, staff records and award details, and any licences or permits. Preparing these before you list shortens due diligence and reduces the risk of a buyer walking away.

No. Exity does not charge a commission based on the sale price. The platform provides the marketplace infrastructure while buyers and sellers negotiate directly.

Beyond the purchase price, budget for professional fees. Commercial legal advice on a business purchase commonly runs from about $3,000 to $15,000, and accounting or forensic due diligence from about $2,000 to $10,000. Depending on the state and what is being transferred, stamp duty and GST may also apply. Treat these as guide ranges and get quotes for your own transaction.

Yes. Banks, credit unions and non-bank lenders all offer business purchase loans. Lenders typically fund around 50% to 70% of the purchase price, so expect to contribute the balance as a deposit. Secured loans backed by property or business assets carry lower rates than unsecured lending. Start your finance conversation early, because approval is a common cause of delay at settlement.

Usually yes, though small business owners often pay far less than expected. The ATO provides four small business CGT concessions, including a 15-year exemption that can make the entire gain tax free and a 50% active asset reduction. Eligibility depends on turnover and net asset tests that are periodically revised, so confirm your position with your accountant or the ATO before you sign. This is general information, not tax advice.

It depends on your state and what you are buying. Duty applies to real property in every state and territory, and some jurisdictions such as Western Australia and the Northern Territory also charge duty on goodwill and intellectual property. Share purchases can attract landholder duty where the company holds significant land. Duty is generally calculated on the purchase price including stock, so check your state revenue office.

Often not. A business sold as a going concern — where the buyer receives everything needed to keep operating and the business keeps trading up to settlement — can be GST-free when both parties are registered for GST and agree in writing before settlement. If those conditions are not met, GST may apply to the sale. Confirm the treatment with your accountant before contracts are signed.

Hospitality and service businesses dominate the marketplace. Common categories include cafes, restaurants, takeaway shops, bakeries, bars, catering businesses and franchises, alongside retail and service-based businesses across Australia.

Yes. Listings are reviewed before publication to ensure they meet marketplace standards and provide clear information for buyers.

Yes. Exity supports controlled information sharing so sellers can manage what information is visible publicly and what is shared privately with serious buyers.