How to sell a salon, spa or wellness business in Australia

Decide if — and when — to sell

Start with your goals. Are you ready to step away, or would you like to keep working in the business for a while? Is there a life event driving the timing? There’s no wrong answer, but your goals shape everything that follows: timing, price expectations, and the type of buyer you look for.

If you’re unsure, that’s normal. A confidential conversation and an appraisal often bring clarity.

Understand what your business is worth

Most salons, spas and wellness businesses are valued on adjusted net profit — your accounting profit with the owner’s wage, personal expenses and one-off costs added back — and how secure and transferable that profit is.

• How much revenue depends on you personally
• Team stability and skills
• Client retention, rebooking and memberships
• Lease length, options and rent
• Fit-out, equipment and finance
• Reputation, reviews and brand

A free, confidential appraisal gives you a realistic value range and explains the drivers.

Prepare your business for sale

Preparation is where value is protected — and often increased. Six to twelve months of focused work can make a significant difference.

• Tidy two to three years of financial statements
• Document add-backs with your accountant
• Review your lease before renewing anything
• Gradually transfer client relationships to your team
• Write down how the business runs day to day
• List equipment, servicing and any finance
• Refresh the premises and your online presence

Market confidentially to qualified buyers

Your business is presented without being named. An information memorandum tells the full story — but only to buyers who have been qualified and have signed a confidentiality agreement. Inspections are arranged discreetly, often outside business hours.

Negotiate the offer

Price is only part of the deal. Terms matter too: the handover period, stock, prepaid vouchers, staff entitlements, equipment, conditions and settlement date. A good negotiation balances price with certainty, so the sale actually completes.

Due diligence, lease and settlement

The buyer’s accountant and solicitor will review your financials, lease, staffing, contracts and compliance. Your landlord will usually need to approve the lease assignment. Being well prepared keeps this stage smooth and avoids last-minute price renegotiation.

At settlement, ownership transfers and the handover begins. Most owners stay on for a short, agreed period to introduce the new owner to the team and clients.