1. Consolidation and Expansion: CBN’s Strategic Play

One of the most significant moves in the broker space this year is the integration of Coverforce Partners into the Community Broker Network (CBN). This merger, part of Steadfast Group’s broader restructuring, is set to enhance operational efficiency and expand CBN’s footprint across Australasia. With over 340 Authorised Representative (AR) businesses under its wing, CBN is doubling down on technology and support services to empower brokers in both Australia and New Zealand. [insuranceb…essmag.com]

This consolidation signals a broader trend: broker networks are scaling up, not just in size but in sophistication, to meet evolving client expectations and regulatory demands.

2. Leadership Shakeups and Industry Reflection

The recent stepping down of Steadfast CEO Robert Kelly amid a workplace complaint has sent ripples through the industry. While the investigation is ongoing, the development has prompted brokers to reflect on leadership standards and workplace culture. Despite the controversy, Steadfast reported a record 17% increase in net profit after tax, underscoring the group’s financial resilience. [insuranceb…essmag.com]

3. Commercial Property: From Slump to Surge

After years of pandemic-induced stagnation, Melbourne’s commercial property market is showing strong signs of recovery. NAB’s latest Commercial Property Index revealed a 21-point jump in office space demand in Q2 2025—the first major uptick since 2022. Retail and industrial sectors are also gaining traction, buoyed by population growth, improved business sentiment, and strategic infrastructure investments. [brokernews.com.au], [smartbusin…ans.com.au]

For brokers, this rebound presents a prime opportunity to diversify into commercial lending and property advisory, especially as small business owners look to transition from leasing to ownership.

4. Education and Professionalisation: A New Era for Brokers

In a landmark move, the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) has launched the Mortgage Finance Professional Australia (MFPA) designation. The program, developed in partnership with RMIT Online, equips brokers with advanced skills in financial analysis, business management, and strategic planning. Melbourne-based broker Mark Guglielmino became the first to complete the financial analysis elective, calling it “an opportunity not to be missed”. [brokernews.com.au]

This initiative reflects a broader push to elevate the broker profession to the same level of recognition as accountants and lawyers.

5. Events Economy and Broker Momentum

Melbourne’s blockbuster events season—featuring the Melbourne Cup Carnival, Oasis, and Metallica—has injected over $110 million into the local economy. This surge in hospitality, retail, and accommodation spending is not only boosting business confidence but also driving demand for business loans and commercial finance, especially among SMEs looking to capitalise on the momentum. [brokernews.com.au]

6. The Road Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges

Looking forward, brokers in Melbourne are well-positioned to thrive—if they can adapt. Key strategies for success in 2025 include:

• Embracing digital tools for client engagement and loan processing.
• Expanding into non-prime and commercial lending, as traditional banks tighten criteria.
• Leveraging professional development to stand out in a competitive market.
• Tapping into the commercial property rebound to offer holistic financial solutions.

As the city’s economic engine revs up, brokers are not just intermediaries—they’re becoming strategic advisors, educators, and growth enablers for Melbourne’s evolving business community.

The post Melbourne’s Broker Boom: Confidence, Consolidation, and Commercial Comebacks in 2025 appeared first on Everest Commercial Property & Business Brokers.

1. Economic Surge Fuels Broker Activity

Melbourne’s economy is experiencing a major upswing thanks to a trifecta of blockbuster events: the Melbourne Cup Carnival, Oasis concert, and Metallica’s tour. These events are expected to inject $110 million into the local economy, boosting hospitality, retail, and accommodation sectors. [brokernews.com.au]

This surge in spending is translating into higher business confidence, especially among small business owners and self-employed borrowers—key client segments for mortgage and finance brokers. NAB’s Q3 2025 survey shows profitability rebounding and forward orders turning positive, signaling stronger loan serviceability and credit demand heading into 2026. [brokernews.com.au]

2. Real Estate Rebound Creates Broker Opportunities

Melbourne’s property market is showing signs of recovery after a sluggish 2024. House prices rose by 0.5% in September, with a median house price now at $953,454. Commercial property is also bouncing back, with office space demand up 21 points in Q2 2025. [openagent.com.au] [brokernews.com.au]

This rebound is opening doors for brokers to diversify into commercial lending, especially for small business owners looking to acquire premises. As Bernard Desmond of Blank Financial notes, “It’s a buyer’s market, and brokers can add commercial to their revenue streams”. [brokernews.com.au]

3. Top Performing Brokerages in Melbourne

The Top 25 Brokerages of 2025 have been revealed, with Mortgage Choice taking the top spot. With over 1,078 active brokers and $22.2 billion in loans settled, the franchise continues to dominate the mortgage space. [momentummedia.com.au]

Other notable firms include:

• Lloyds Corporate Brokers – active in high-profile business sales.
• EverestCPBB – leading in SME valuations and succession planning. [everestcpbb.com.au]
• Vic Brokers and LINK Business Brokers – top choices for small business transactions. [justmelbourne.com.au]

4. Innovation & AI Reshaping Broker Services

The Broker Innovation Summit held in Melbourne this September spotlighted the rise of agentic AI, digital lending platforms, and automation tools. Brokers are now leveraging tech to streamline client onboarding, reduce admin, and improve service delivery. [momentummedia.com.au]

Sessions explored:

• AI-powered lending journeys
• Optimizing tech stacks
• US trends in broker innovation

NextGen’s partnership with the summit highlights the growing role of fintech in broking, with platforms like Frollo helping brokers manage client data more efficiently. [brokerdaily.au]

5. Regulatory Updates Brokers Must Know

Regulatory changes are reshaping broker-client interactions. The National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) introduced new informed consent rules for brokers offering personal advice to retail clients, effective July 2025. [insuranceb…essmag.com]

Meanwhile, ASIC’s Regulatory Tracker 2025 shows increased scrutiny on financial reporting, scam prevention, and consumer protection. Brokers must now ensure robust compliance systems and ethical practices to stay ahead. [asic.gov.au]

Final Thoughts: What’s Next for Brokers in Melbourne?

With economic optimism, property market recovery, and tech-driven innovation, Melbourne’s broker industry is poised for growth. Whether you’re a mortgage broker, business intermediary, or finance advisor, 2025 offers a unique window to expand, diversify, and digitize.

Key Takeaways for Brokers:

• Tap into commercial lending as property rebounds.
• Embrace AI and automation to stay competitive.
• Stay compliant with evolving regulations.
• Leverage Melbourne’s event-driven economy for client acquisition.

The post Melbourne’s Broker Boom: Trends, News & Opportunities in 2025 appeared first on Everest Commercial Property & Business Brokers.

Latest Trends in Melbourne’s Business Brokerage Scene

1. Surge in Hospitality and Retail Listings

Post-pandemic recovery has led to a noticeable uptick in hospitality and retail businesses hitting the market. Many owners are capitalizing on improved foot traffic and consumer confidence to sell at peak value. Business brokers are seeing increased demand for cafes, restaurants, and boutique retail stores, particularly in inner-city suburbs like Fitzroy, Carlton, and South Yarra.

2. Migration-Driven Demand

Melbourne’s population growth—driven by both international migration and interstate relocations—has spurred demand for service-based businesses. Brokers report strong interest in cleaning services, childcare centers, and allied health practices, especially in growth corridors such as Wyndham and Casey.

3. Digital Transformation of Brokerage Services

The business brokerage industry itself is evolving. Virtual valuations, AI-driven buyer matching, and digital due diligence tools are becoming standard. Melbourne brokers are increasingly adopting tech platforms to streamline transactions and improve transparency for both buyers and sellers.

Recent News: Regulatory Updates and Market Signals

Victorian Government’s Small Business Support Package

In September 2025, the Victorian Government announced a new support package aimed at helping small businesses transition ownership. This includes grants for succession planning and subsidies for professional brokerage services. Business brokers are encouraged to partner with local councils to access these resources and assist clients more effectively.

Interest Rate Stabilization

With the Reserve Bank of Australia holding interest rates steady since August, financing conditions have become more predictable. This has led to renewed confidence among buyers, particularly those seeking to acquire businesses with strong cash flow and minimal debt.

Franchise Sector Watch

Franchise businesses remain a hot topic. Recent scrutiny over franchise agreements has led to tighter regulations, making due diligence more critical than ever. Brokers specializing in franchises are advising clients to seek legal reviews and ensure compliance with the updated Franchising Code of Conduct.

Tips for Buyers and Sellers in Today’s Market

• For Sellers: Prepare a detailed information memorandum and ensure financials are up-to-date. Transparency builds trust and speeds up the sale process.
• For Buyers: Look beyond the numbers—consider location, customer base, and operational risks. Engage a broker who understands your industry.
• For Brokers: Stay informed about regulatory changes and leverage technology to enhance client service.

The post Inside Melbourne’s Business Market: Trends, Tech & Top Deals of 2025 appeared first on Everest Commercial Property & Business Brokers.

📈 Market Trends: A Rebound with Innovation

Melbourne is experiencing a business brokerage boom, driven by a rebound in commercial property values and a shift in buyer behavior. Firms like EverestCPBB are leading the charge by integrating AI-powered analytics and digital platforms to streamline transactions. Their hybrid model combines expert advisory with real-time data, offering tailored deal structuring and transparent valuations. [everestcpbb.com.au]

Meanwhile, Benchmark Business Sales reports steady activity across sectors, with brokers seeing increased demand for businesses in hospitality, retail, and professional services. [benchmarkb…ess.com.au]

📰 Latest News: Confidence Returns to the Market

According to Westpac’s Leading Index, Australia’s economy is tracking close to trend, with business confidence rising and conditions stabilizing. This is good news for brokers and SMEs, as easing borrowing costs and firmer sentiment are expected to boost credit demand into early 2026. [brokernews.com.au]

In the commercial finance space, Pallas Capital is expanding aggressively, targeting Melbourne’s middle-market with flexible lending solutions. Their recent $500 million funding vehicle backed by Morgan Stanley is aimed at pre-development and investment property opportunities, signaling strong confidence in Melbourne’s recovery. [brokernews.com.au]

🏆 Recognition: Melbourne Broker Wins State Award

Steven Rossi of Morgan Business Sales was named Victorian Business Broker of the Year for 2023/24. Known for his deep finance background and problem-solving skills, Rossi’s recognition highlights the importance of experience and client trust in successful brokerage outcomes. [news.marke…smedia.com]

🏪 Recent Business Sales: What’s Moving in Melbourne?

Melbourne brokers have been busy closing deals across various sectors. Here are some notable recent sales:

• Tattslotto & Subnews businesses in Casey area with commissions exceeding $350K. [melvicbusi…ers.com.au]
• Fish & Chips takeaway shops, cafes, and bakeries showing strong profitability and low rent.
• Coin laundry and dry-cleaning businesses sold under semi-management, indicating demand for passive income opportunities.
• Corporate acquisitions in logistics, food distribution, and fencing sectors, with total sales exceeding $557 million and ROI of 47%. [lloydsbrokers.com.au]

These transactions reflect a healthy appetite for both small retail businesses and strategic corporate acquisitions.

🔍 Top Business Brokers in Melbourne

If you’re considering buying or selling a business, here are some of the top-rated brokers in Melbourne:

• Vic Brokers – Known for their wide network and seamless sale processes.
• Mint Business Brokers – Led by Blake Hedley, offering legal and commercial expertise.
• LINK Business Brokers – Specializing in mid-sized business transactions.
• Pro Business Brokers – Active across Victoria with a strong track record of recent sales. [justmelbourne.com.au]

• 💡 Final Thoughts

  Melbourne’s business brokerage market in 2025 is dynamic, tech-savvy, and full of opportunity. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a first-time buyer, partnering with the right broker and staying informed about market trends can make all the difference.

  Thinking of buying or selling a business in Melbourne? Let me know what kind of business you’re interested in, and I can help you explore listings, valuations, or connect you with top brokers.

The post Melbourne’s Business Brokerage Scene in 2025: Trends, News & Notable Sales appeared first on Everest Commercial Property & Business Brokers.

Melbourne’s SME sector is buzzing with activity. As interest rates ease and buyer confidence rebounds, brokers are seeing a surge in exit strategies—especially in hospitality, professional services, and light manufacturing. Recent deals include the sale of a solar lighting manufacturer and a commercial fencing business, signaling strong investor appetite for scalable, infrastructure-aligned enterprises everestcpbb.com.au.

💰 Funding Gets a Boost: Bizcap Raises Lending Limit

Non-bank lender Bizcap has increased its lending cap to AUD $7.5 million, giving brokers more firepower to structure complex deals. This is a game-changer for transactions involving unconventional business models or tight timelines everestcpbb.com.au.

🏢 Property Trends: Commercial Real Estate Rebounds

Melbourne’s commercial property market is quietly staging a comeback. Office sentiment jumped 21 points in Q2, with CBD vacancy rates dipping to 17.9%. Industrial yields remain strong, and retail trade is up 4.1% year-on-year, fueling demand for location-dependent businesses smartbusinessplans.

📊 Broker Insight: Digital Resilience Drives Valuations

Digital resilience and operational scalability are now key valuation drivers. Businesses with robust online infrastructure and flexible operations are commanding premium prices. Brokers are advising sellers to invest in digital upgrades before listing.

🏡 Property Prices & Business Valuations

Westpac forecasts a 10% rise in dwelling prices by 2026. This could influence valuations for retail and hospitality businesses, especially those tied to prime real estate. Brokers are leveraging this trend to attract first-time buyers and investors everestcpbb.com.au.

The post Melbourne Business Brokerage Weekly – September 29, 2025 appeared first on Everest Commercial Property & Business Brokers.

Melbourne’s commercial property market is showing signs of a robust rebound. According to NAB’s latest Commercial Property Index, demand for office space surged by 21 points in Q2 2025—the first upward shift since the pandemic [1]. Retail space is also gaining traction, signaling broader recovery across the sector.

Bernard Desmond, CEO of Blank Financial, emphasized the opportunity for brokers:

“Small business owners are a great opportunity for brokers to service them in their commercial needs… It’s a buyer’s market, and brokers can help clients acquire spaces they’ve been renting—creating new assets and revenue streams.” [1]

💼 EverestCPBB: Your Trusted Business Broker in Melbourne

At Everest Commercial Property & Business Brokers (EverestCPBB), we’re at the forefront of this transformation. As Melbourne’s leading business broker, we specialize in:

• Commercial property sales and acquisitions
• Business valuations and strategic exits
• Franchise brokerage and buyer representation
• Asset finance and non-bank lending partnerships

Whether you’re a small business owner looking to buy your first commercial space or an investor seeking high-yield opportunities, EverestCPBB offers tailored solutions backed by deep market insight.

🔄 Diversification & Growth: EverestCPBB’s Broker Strategy

With residential lending facing headwinds, EverestCPBB is helping clients pivot toward commercial and asset finance. Non-bank lenders like Pepper Money are reporting a 171% spike in commercial prime loans in H1 2025 [2]. —a trend EverestCPBB is leveraging to unlock new growth avenues for our clients.

🧭 Broker Spotlight: Lessons from Melbourne’s Leaders

Melbourne-based brokerage McLardy McShane recently transitioned leadership to a new generation, showcasing the power of equity partnerships and regional expansion [2]. EverestCPBB embraces similar values—shared ownership, adaptive licensing, and strategic growth.

📌 Weekly Takeaways for Business Owners & Investors

• 🏢 Explore commercial ownership: Office and retail spaces are rebounding—transition from renter to owner.
• 🤝 Partner with EverestCPBB: Our broker team offers unmatched expertise in Melbourne’s evolving market.
• 🌱 Scale sustainably: Ask us about joint ventures and regional expansion strategies.

🔗 Learn more or book a consultation: everestcpbb.com.au

The post Melbourne Business Broker Weekly: Commercial Property Rebound & EverestCPBB’s Strategic Edge appeared first on Everest Commercial Property & Business Brokers.