Thinking of Buying a Building Maintenance Business in Australia? Here Are 3 Vital Questions to Ask

Australia’s building maintenance sector, represented by the broader facilities management industry, generated $11.9 billion in revenue in 2025–26 across 529 establishments and employed around 98,600 people.

Profit margins average 2.4%, equating to approximately $286 million in profit, with forecasts suggesting annualised growth of 2.5% through 2031, reaching $13.5 billion in revenue.

Demand is being driven by government infrastructure investment, the shift to integrated facility management (IFM) contracts, and the increasing importance of sustainability and technology in asset maintenance.

1. Is the Business Financially Sustainable and Efficiently Structured?

Why It Matters:

Building maintenance businesses are subject to fluctuating private-sector demand, cost pressures, and labour-intensive operations. Profitability relies on long-term contracts, efficient resource management, and diversification across multiple market segments.

What to Check:

• Revenue composition – Major maintenance services account for 30.5% of industry income, while cleaning and minor maintenance contribute around 28% combined.

• Profit margins – Average at 2.4%, with larger firms achieving higher returns through integrated contracts and scale efficiencies.

• Client diversity – Over-reliance on one sector (e.g., commercial offices) increases exposure to economic downturns and contract renegotiations.

• Labour costs – Wages represent over 50% of revenue, with skilled labour shortages pushing up expenses.

• Cash flow stability – Government and healthcare clients offer reliable long-term contracts that balance cyclical private-sector projects.

2. Does the Business Have Strong Market Positioning and Service Integration?

Why It Matters:

Competition is intense, with more than 9,000 operators nationwide. Successful businesses distinguish themselves through reputation, compliance capability, and integrated offerings such as HVAC maintenance, security, and cleaning under one contract.

What to Check:

• Market share strength – The top four companies (Ventia, Downer, Programmed, and Compass Group) hold just under 30% of the market, leaving room for agile mid-tier firms to compete.

• Contract types – IFM models are outpacing single-service agreements, offering bundled solutions across cleaning, maintenance, and safety.

• Government relationships – Long-term contracts remain critical, though scrutiny and ACCC investigations are increasing compliance requirements.

• Location – NSW and Victoria host over 60% of enterprises, reflecting the concentration of commercial buildings and public infrastructure.

• Subcontractor use – Blending direct staff with subcontractors improves flexibility during seasonal or project-based demand fluctuations.

3. Is the Business Prepared for Technology, Compliance, and Sustainability Trends?

Why It Matters:

The next decade of growth in building maintenance will be shaped by automation, sustainability mandates, and regulatory standards. Firms that adapt early to these trends will secure higher-value, long-term contracts.

What to Check:

• Technology adoption – Predictive maintenance using IoT, BIM, and AI tools is becoming standard across premium facilities.

• Sustainability compliance – NABERS and Green Star certification requirements are creating new demand for energy-efficient asset management.

• Regulation awareness – Compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC) and Building Energy Efficiency Disclosure Act 2010 (BEED) is mandatory.

• ESG alignment – Clients increasingly prioritise contractors demonstrating environmental and social responsibility in tenders.

• Innovation readiness – Companies investing in digital procurement, waste-tracking, and remote energy monitoring can deliver measurable efficiency gains.

Ready to Invest in a Thriving Building Maintenance Business?

With growing demand for sustainability, technology integration, and reliable asset upkeep, Australia’s building maintenance industry offers significant opportunities for stable, contract-driven revenue.

Success depends on efficient operations, a diversified client base, and the ability to adapt to regulatory and technological change in a competitive environment.

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