We analyzed the latest internal data on buyer searches and preferences across the platform. From industry trends to ideal deal sizes and locations, here’s what the numbers reveal about what today’s business buyers really want.

Ready to buy a small business? Here is what other buyers are searching for:

If you're getting ready to buy a small business, it helps to know what other buyers are looking for too. We analyzed the top buyer searches and ideal business profiles across the SMB.co marketplace to get a pulse on the most in-demand business types right now.

Top searched business types on SMB.co

• 🛠 Service-Based Businesses: 6.9%
• 🧼 Car Washes: 4.6%
• 🧺 Laundromats: 3.4%
• 🧰 Home Services (including HVAC, Plumbing, etc.): 3.2%

What this means for buyers:

The takeaway? Buyers are prioritizing simple, cash-flowing businesses that don’t require complex inventory or intensive daily involvement. Categories like car washes and laundromats stand out for their “set it and forget it” appeal, while home and service-based businesses offer strong demand, recurring revenue, and a path to growth through local reputation and referrals.

If you’re exploring the market, use this data as a jumping-off point - not to follow the crowd, but to sharpen your search criteria and understand why certain models are attracting more attention.

Top business attributes buyers are seeking

Percent of buyers mentioning specific features:

Strong Cash Flow: 8.0%

Absentee or Semi-Absentee: 2.2%

5+ Years Operating History: 1.9%

Recession-Resistant: 1.7%

Recurring Revenue: 0.8%

Takeaway: While strong cash flow remains the top priority for buyers, there’s growing demand for businesses that offer operational independence (like absentee or semi-absentee models) and long-term durability.

Attributes like a solid operating history, recession resistance, and recurring revenue signal lower risk and greater stability - important traits in today’s uncertain market.

Where are buyers looking?

Top mentioned cities and states:

Florida: 0.8%

Utah: 0.6%

Houston, TX: 0.3%

Phoenix, AZ: 0.2%

NY / NJ / CT: 0.1%

Takeaway: Buyer interest is concentrated in warm-weather states and high-growth metro areas, with Florida, Utah, and cities like Houston and Phoenix leading the way. These regions offer a compelling mix of population growth, business-friendly climates, and lifestyle appeal - making them especially attractive for first-time buyers and relocation-minded entrepreneurs. In these markets, a strong local reputation and community presence can significantly increase a business’s value and buyer interest.

What sellers should know

Thinking about selling your business? Here’s what stands out to buyers on SMB.co:

• Clean financials and strong cash flow consistently drive the most interest. Make sure your books are up to date and easy to understand.
• Buyers are looking for businesses that can run without the owner - build a team and document your processes to increase appeal.
• If you have recurring customers or long-term contracts, highlight them in your listing - this signals stability and predictable income.
• Curious what your business might be worth? Use our free Bestimate valuation tool to get a ballpark figure based on real market data.
  
  

What buyers should know

If you're looking to buy a small business, you're not alone - demand is high for opportunities with stability, profitability, and low owner involvement. Here’s how to stay competitive:

• Use filters and save your search to get instant alerts when new businesses match your criteria.
• Add your Ideal Business criteria to your SMB.co profile to get tailored matches delivered to you—faster and more relevant deal alerts start with a strong profile.
• Explore niches like laundromats, car washes, and home services - they’re in demand for a reason: simple operations, recurring revenue, and strong margins.
• Move quickly but thoughtfully - many top listings get inquiries within days.

The data you need to buy a small business

This data is pulled directly from real-time buyer activity on SMB.co. We’ll keep sharing insights so you can stay ahead of the curve - whether you’re planning to buy a small business or preparing to sell one.

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