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Business Appraisals

Know What Your Business Is Worth — Clearly, Commercially, and Confidentially

If you’re preparing to sell your business, transfer ownership, or invest in a New Zealand SME, understanding its true market value is essential. At JL Business Sales, we provide fast, accurate business appraisals based on real market sales data and proven valuation methods, not just assumptions or algorithms. We also consider intangible value drivers often missed by online tools and not captured by the accountant on the balance sheet, which make up a significant portion of the business value. Whether you’re asking, “What is my business worth?” or “How do I value a business in NZ?” – this is your starting point, for informed decisions and stronger outcomes.

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Why NZ Business Owners Trust JLBS for Valuation Advice

⌵ Real-World Experience That Adds Real Value

With over 10 years of experience and hundreds of business valuations across NZ SMEs, we uncover value drivers and risks online tools miss. Our market-aware advice helps maximise sale price and resolve deal-breakers early, insights that can add tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars to the transaction for you.

⌵ Fast Turnaround Without Cutting Corners

We deliver accurate, market-based business valuations within 3 to 5 working days. Our process is fast, efficient, and built for business owners needing timely insight for selling, investing, or strategic planning, without sacrificing depth or quality.

⌵ Confidential and Secure from Start to Finish

We treat every valuation with strict confidentiality. All financial and operational information is securely stored and never shared. You stay in control of your data, with full privacy and peace of mind guaranteed throughout the appraisal process.

⌵ Valuation Options to Suit Every Business

Whether you’re early in your journey or preparing to exit, we offer scalable solutions, from indicative value estimates to comprehensive, written business appraisal reports. You get exactly what you need, aligned to your purpose and budget.

⌵ Proven Valuation Methods, trusted by SMEs

We apply proven, industry-aligned business valuation models used by professionals, combined with real-time market insight from daily buyer engagement. From micro businesses to mid-market SMEs, clients trust us to deliver commercial, credible results.

The Problem: Valuations That Miss the Mark

Many business owners rely on overpriced, vague, or non-compliant indicative reports that don’t reflect what a business is truly worth in today’s market. These reports are often theoretical, overly complex, or disconnected from real buyer behaviour—leading to poor decisions, stalled sales, and lost value. Equally risky is relying on verbal opinions or free online tools without a market-tested framework behind them.

The Solution: A Market-Based Appraisal You Can Trust

At JL Business Sales, we deliver fast, accurate business appraisals tailored to New Zealand SMEs. Whether you’re selling, investing, raising capital, or benchmarking performance, our licensed brokers provide commercially grounded valuations using industry-aligned models and real-world buyer data. This blend of technical rigour and market intelligence reveals true value and helps businesses prepare for sale. Our service is cost-effective, confidential, and designed to support confident decision-making.

What Is a Business Appraisal?

A business appraisal is an indicative estimate of what a business may sell for in the current market, based on financial performance, industry benchmarks, and market conditions. It is not a formal valuation under AES-2 or International Valuation Standards (IVS), and is not suitable for tax, legal, or dispute resolution purposes.

In New Zealand, Rule 12 of the Real Estate Agents Act (Professional Conduct and Client Care) Rules 2012 requires licensed business brokers to provide a written appraisal before marketing or advertising a business for sale.

Reasons to Get a Business Appraisal

A business appraisal is a valuable decision-making tool. You should consider one if any of the following apply:

  • You’re preparing to sell or exit your business
  • You’re planning for succession, retirement, or ownership transition
  • You’re restructuring shareholders or partners
  • You’re raising capital or attracting investment
  • You want to benchmark value or prepare for strategic growth

How to Get a Business Appraisal?

Step 1: Provide Key Information
We ask for 3–5 years of financials, an asset list including any stock, and details on your lease, structure, and operations.

Step 2: We Complete the Analysis
Our team applies proven valuation methods and market benchmarks relevant to your sector.

Step 3: Receive Your Report
You’ll receive a written report showing your indicative market value, key value drivers, risk areas, and methodology.

Ready to Know What Your Business Is Worth?

Whether you’re planning an exit, raising capital, or simply want clarity, get a professionally prepared appraisal you can trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a business appraisal cost?

We offer free initial estimates for qualifying businesses. Full written reports are available for a fixed fee based on business size and complexity. All pricing is quoted upfront.

What is included in a business appraisal report?

Your report includes an indicative market value supported by comparable sales data, adjusted for industry, financial performance, location, and asset base. It outlines key value drivers, risk factors, and valuation methods.

How long does the appraisal process take?

Once we receive your information, most appraisals are completed within 3 to 5 working days.

Can I get a free business appraisal?

Yes. We provide free indicative estimates for eligible businesses. Detailed reports are available for a fixed, transparent fee.

When should I get a business appraisal?

Appraisals are ideal before selling, succession planning, capital raising, or restructuring. They should also be reviewed annually for benchmarking against performance.