Why 2026 stands out
New Zealand’s economy is turning a corner. Following two years of high-inflation, tight lending, and a hesitant sentiment, 2026 offers a moment of economic respite. Inflation rates are dropping, and rate cuts are on the horizon, with the next election cycle fast-approaching, the time between then and now offers business owners a brief window of opportunity to capitalise on the relative calm before the next election happens.
Easing interest rates means that buyers have more flexibility and confidence to borrow. Finance accessibility attracts qualified buyers to the market, driving demand for well-structured, successful businesses. This has resulted in record buyer enquiry with both local and international interest. The proposed New Business Investment Visa is likely to accelerate that, inviting capital and investors that see business acquisition as their fastest path to establishment.
At the same time, demographic shifts are reshaping the ownership landscape. Many business owners who’ve built and led for decades are starting to think about what comes next and see this as the right time to pass the baton while market conditions are strong.
This synergy of economic stability, buyer confidence, and market motivation has created a window of opportunity, making 2026 the best times to sell your business.
The certainty premium
There’s a distinct sense of relief and satisfaction that follows a successful transaction; the moment when years of hard work crystallise into a result you can bank. That’s more than money, it’s certainty. And certainty carries a premium.
What the policy landscape will look like following the 2026 election is unknown. There is potential, should Labour be elected, that the capital gains tax may be reintroduced. This uncertainty is a variable that emphasises the importance of planning ahead. Right now, the absence of CGT offers business owners a rare advantage: a clear runway, predictable conditions, and a market full of motivated buyers. Combined with favourable borrowing rates and record demand, it’s a powerful alignment of stability and opportunity.
Selling your business when the odds are stacked in your favour isn’t just a smart move, it’s how you turn years of hard work into the result you deserve.
Timing the market vs. Timing your life
Selling in 2026 offers distinct advantages, not only for your business, but also for you. Markets move in cycles, and so do people. For many business owners, 2026 isn’t just when market conditions align; it’s when life does too. Business is performing, energy is strong, and the future feels within reach.
For some, that next chapter might mean taking on new ventures or diversifying into other opportunities. For others, it might mean stepping back, spending more time with family, pursuing personal goals, or simply enjoying the freedom that comes from completing a major chapter of life. Whatever the motivation, selling in a year defined by certainty and stability gives you the power to choose your path on your own terms.
Timing the sale of your business isn’t just about numbers, it’s about making your move when it serves both your financial and life goals.
The LINK view
At LINK, we see timing as strategy, not luck. It’s the powerful lever that when used correctly separates a good business sale from a great one.
Right now, the conditions have aligned for a successful sale, one that maximises both value and return. The question isn’t whether now is the smart time to sell, it’s whether you’re ready to make the most of it.
2026 won’t wait and neither should you.
Ready to take the next step? Get in touch here.
