Sell Your Supermarket or IGA in Melbourne and Victoria

By Michael White, Director and licensed estate agent · Updated October 2026

An independent supermarket is one of the most stable businesses a buyer can own: people buy groceries every week, in good times and bad. That's why well-run supermarkets attract serious buyers. They are also big, detailed businesses to sell. A buyer is taking on high turnover, a large stock holding, a team of staff, supplier and banner agreements, and often a liquor and tobacco licence. Vic Brokers sells supermarkets and food retail businesses across Melbourne and regional Victoria, and we plan each of those steps from the start.

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Who buys supermarkets

Buyers include experienced independent grocers adding another store, families moving into their first supermarket, and owners of convenience or specialty food stores stepping up in size. Many will already know how a store should run, so they look closely at the numbers.

What buyers look for

• Weekly sales and the trend. Sales over the last two to three years, with the reasons behind any rise or fall.
• Gross margin. How consistent it is, and what's driving it: product mix, promotions, deli and fresh food.
• Wages. Wages as a share of sales, the roster, and how much the owners work in the store.
• Shrinkage. How stock loss is measured and controlled.
• The lease. Years remaining, options, rent against sales, and any restrictions on what you can sell. A supermarket is a long-term commitment, and banks want a long lease.
• Supplier and banner arrangements. If you trade under a banner such as IGA, what the agreement requires and whether the buyer can take it over.
• Condition of the store. Refrigeration, shelving, checkouts and point-of-sale systems. Old refrigeration is a cost buyers will price in.

What affects the value

Supermarkets are usually valued on adjusted net profit, the profit a working owner would earn once one-off and personal costs are added back. Stock is normally sold separately at value (SAV) at settlement, on top of the price for the business. Where a store lands in its range depends on:

• How reliable the profit is. Steady sales and margins are worth more than one strong year.
• The lease. A long lease at a fair rent supports the price; a short one lowers it.
• Competition. New or planned major supermarkets nearby are one of the first things buyers check.
• Licences. A liquor licence and the ability to keep selling tobacco can add meaningfully to sales.
• Owner reliance. A store run by a capable manager and team is worth more than one that depends on the owners being there every day.

Our guide to how business valuations work in Victoria explains these in more detail.

Licences and approvals to plan for

Several approvals usually need to move to the buyer before or at settlement. Planning them early keeps settlement on time.

• Banner or supplier approval. If you trade under a banner group such as IGA, the buyer generally needs the group's approval and must meet its requirements.
• Liquor licence. If the store sells packaged liquor, the licence needs to be transferred to the buyer through Liquor Control Victoria.
• Tobacco licence. Since 2026, selling tobacco in Victoria requires a licence for each location. The licence can be transferred to a new owner through Tobacco Licensing Victoria.
• Food business registration. The store's food premises registration with the local council needs to be updated for the new owner.
• Landlord's consent to assign the lease, which is a normal step in the sale.

Things to prepare before selling

• Profit and loss statements and tax returns for the last two to three years, plus recent BAS statements
• Weekly sales reports, ideally by department
• Your lease and any options
• A list of plant and equipment, including refrigeration
• Your staff roster: roles and hours (no names needed)
• Banner, supplier and licence documents

If you're thinking of selling in the next year, our 12-month preparation plan sets out what to do and when.

How we keep the sale confidential

Staff, customers and suppliers hearing too early can affect trade. We advertise without naming your store and only share its identity and figures with buyers who have signed a confidentiality agreement and been screened. Read how we protect your confidentiality.

Frequently asked questions

How are supermarkets valued?

Mainly on adjusted net profit, with stock usually added at value (SAV) at settlement. The lease, competition nearby, licences and how much the store depends on the owners all move the price within the range.

Is stock included in the price?

Usually not. Stock is normally counted just before settlement and paid for separately, at what it cost you.

Does the buyer need approval from the banner group?

If you trade under a banner such as IGA, the buyer generally needs the group's approval. We raise it early so it doesn't delay settlement.

Can the liquor and tobacco licences be transferred?

Yes, both can usually be transferred to the buyer, through Liquor Control Victoria and Tobacco Licensing Victoria. We build the timing into the sale.

How long does it take to sell a supermarket?

Most businesses we sell receive an acceptable offer within 2 to 6 months. Licence transfers and banner approval can add time before settlement, so we start them as soon as a buyer is committed.

Thinking of selling?

Start with a free, confidential appraisal, or read how we sell your business, from appraisal to settlement.