Why Now Is the Time to Sell or Invest

Bookkeeping businesses are experiencing a surge in buyer demand, with recent sales data highlighting fierce competition and rising valuations across the country. Listings are attracting strong interest within days, and sellers are increasingly achieving full asking prices—or better—within record timeframes.

In Western Australia, one recently listed bookkeeping business secured 54 enquiries and sold for an impressive 1.3x revenue multiple. A Victorian counterpart drew 69 buyer enquiries and six formal offers in under a month, eventually selling at full price. Similar trends are playing out in Queensland and New South Wales, where deals have closed in as little as 35 days.

What’s Driving the Demand?

Bookkeeping businesses offer an appealing mix of financial stability and operational efficiency. Their recurring revenue model, low overheads, and predictable cash flow make them highly attractive to a broad range of buyers, from established firms looking to grow through acquisition to individuals entering business ownership for the first time.

Typical sale prices for these businesses are calculated as a multiple of annual revenue, usually between 1.0x and 1.2x, although high-demand listings are now pushing beyond this range in certain states.

Widespread Buyer Interest Across Key States

Buyers are actively targeting opportunities in NSW, VIC, QLD, and WA, where listings are turning over much faster than the broader market average. The appeal spans:

  • Accounting firms seeking bolt-on acquisitions
  • Professionals with financial backgrounds entering self-employment
  • Portfolio entrepreneurs diversifying into service-based sectors

With strong demand and a limited number of quality listings, competition among buyers is intensifying, creating favourable conditions for sellers.

Operational Flexibility Adds to the Appeal

Beyond the financial fundamentals, operational flexibility is a major drawcard. Many bookkeeping businesses operate with small teams and minimal fixed overheads, and most can be managed remotely. This suits today’s digital-first and hybrid work environments perfectly, giving buyers the ability to scale while maintaining lean operations.

The ability to run a business from virtually anywhere—with reliable income and low infrastructure needs—makes bookkeeping one of the most attractive sectors in the current business sales landscape.

Why Sellers Should Consider Listing Now

For owners considering an exit, now may be the perfect time to act. With buyer demand at historic highs and multiple-offer situations becoming more common, well-prepared businesses can secure favourable terms in a short period. Sellers with clean financials, documented systems, and stable client relationships are particularly well-positioned.

Working with a knowledgeable broker or advisor can help sellers navigate this competitive landscape, ensure the business is accurately valued, and avoid underselling in a market where premiums are being paid.

Final Thoughts

The strong and growing demand for bookkeeping businesses shows no signs of slowing. For buyers, the opportunity lies in securing reliable, scalable businesses with built-in cash flow. For sellers, this is a prime moment to capitalise on favourable market conditions and buyer urgency.

Whether you’re thinking of selling or searching for the right investment, the current environment offers real momentum—and those who move quickly are likely to see the greatest rewards.