New Zealand business sales market update Q3 2026

See a below summary of the biggest trends within New Zealand’s business sales market for Q3.

 

Uncertainty settles in

Uncertainty around global conflicts, tax settings, elections and policy direction continues to constrain business confidence, although businesses are becoming more accustomed to navigating these conditions. While some risk-sensitive market participants are delaying transactions, others are moving ahead as conditions improve.

Inflation weighs on demand

Fuel supply disruptions and higher oil prices are increasing costs, with inflation-driven price rises potentially softening demand and reducing sales volumes.

Sector performance remains uneven

Sector performance remains mixed, with tourism and hospitality recovering, construction awaiting major government investment, and manufacturing holding up despite supply chain challenges.

Offshore interest is growing

Australian buyers are showing growing interest in New Zealand’s relatively simple business environment, while Active Investor Plus visa holders remain focused on passive investments rather than owner-operated businesses.

Returning expats drive buyer activity

Returning expats are an active buyer group, bringing strong corporate experience and increasingly considering business ownership over corporate employment, although they remain selective when assessing opportunities.

Decision-making slows at higher values

Activity remains focused on small to midmarket businesses, while higher-value corporate transactions are slower due to board approvals and greater scrutiny in an uncertain environment.