Thinking of selling your daycare centre? You might wonder if you really need a broker, especially one who focuses only on childcare centres. After all, you know your business best. The truth is that selling a daycare is very different from selling a house or even another kind of business. There are strict rules, complex paperwork, and a unique group of buyers to deal with. That is why using a specialist daycare business broker, like Mollard Advisory, can make a big difference.
1. Accurate Pricing and Valuation
Many daycare owners either underprice their business and leave money on the table or overprice it and scare off buyers. A specialist broker:
- Knows current market prices
- Understands how to value childcare centres using methods like EBITDA multiples, capitalisation rates, and per-place pricing
- Has access to recent sales data for comparison
A proper valuation from an expert is more credible to buyers because it is based on real numbers, not guesswork or emotion.
2. Confidential Marketing That Reaches the Right Buyers
Most owners do not want staff or parents to know they are selling too early. A broker can market your business confidentially and target the right buyers, such as:
- Experienced daycare operators
- Larger childcare groups
- Investors looking for freehold property
Specialist brokers already have databases of qualified buyers, so when you list, they may already have people ready to review your centre.
3. Screening and Qualifying Buyers
Not just anyone can buy and run a daycare. In Australia, the buyer must have or obtain Child Care Provider Approval. A specialist broker will:
- Pre-screen buyers to make sure they qualify
- Help new buyers through the approval process
- Know which banks lend to childcare buyers and typical deposit requirements
This saves you from wasting time on offers that will not proceed.
4. Professional Negotiation
Selling a childcare centre involves more than agreeing on a price. You also need to negotiate:
- Lease transfers or property contracts
- Inclusions such as equipment, enrolments, and curriculum
- Staff handovers
- Settlement timelines
A broker manages all of this and negotiates on your behalf to secure the best deal, not just the first one. They can also suggest flexible structures, such as part payment upfront and part later, or leasing back the property if needed.
5. Managing the Paperwork and Process
Selling a daycare comes with a lot of paperwork, including:
- Preparing an Information Memorandum
- Handling financial checks and due diligence
- Organising buyer visits
- Coordinating with lawyers and accountants
A broker handles most of this for you, so you can stay focused on running your centre. They also act as a buffer between you and the buyer to avoid awkward conversations.
6. More Exposure, Less Disruption
Unlike a general real estate agent, a specialist broker knows:
- Where serious childcare buyers are looking
- Which websites and networks they use
- How to write listings that highlight your centre’s strengths
They will also use the right keywords, such as “childcare centre for sale” or “daycare broker Brisbane,” to make sure your listing is found online, while protecting your privacy with blind profiles until a buyer is pre-qualified.
7. Real Industry Advice
A good broker does more than sell. They also help you:
- Improve value before listing, for example by extending the lease or increasing occupancy
- Pick the right time to go to market
- Choose the best approach if you have multiple centres or want to exit in stages
They have seen many sales and can provide honest advice to help you achieve the best outcome.
Final Thoughts
Selling a daycare centre is a big decision. You have spent years building your business, your team, and your reputation. When it is time to move on, you want to do it right. A specialist daycare business broker brings the tools, knowledge, and network to help you find the right buyer, achieve the best possible price, and handle the sale with confidence and less stress. At Mollard Advisory, we have helped owners across Australia sell their centres smoothly and successfully. If you are thinking about selling or want to explore your options, we are here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Using a Daycare Business Broker
1. Can’t I just sell my daycare myself?
You can, but most owners who try struggle with pricing, paperwork, and finding serious buyers. Many end up selling for less than the business is worth. A broker helps you avoid these mistakes.
2. How much does a broker cost?
Brokers usually charge a success fee, a percentage of the final sale price, if the deal completes. There may also be a modest upfront marketing fee. The cost is typically outweighed by a higher sale price and time saved.
3. Will buyers know I am selling?
Not unless you want them to. Brokers can keep the sale confidential until a deal is close to completion. Staff, families, and the community do not need to know until you are ready.
4. What kind of buyers do brokers work with?
Specialist brokers work with solo operators buying their first centre, multi-site childcare groups, commercial property investors, and high-net-worth individuals. They match your business with buyers that suit your setup and goals.
5. What if I have never sold a business before?
That is fine. Most owners have not. A good broker will guide you step by step and explain everything clearly, from the first meeting to final settlement.