How Long Does It Take to Sell a Franchise?

According to the exit experts at Chantry Group, the average time to complete a franchise resale is approximately 18 months from the initial preparation to the final handover. While some highly in-demand locations can change hands in as little as four months, the vast majority of franchise sales involve four key elements: a defensible valuation, the right buyer pool, a tight diligence process and the right advisor.

How Do I Start Selling My Franchise?

During the first month, owners should gather three years of financial records, sales trends and performance data, along with information about operations, staffing, their customer base and franchisor support. They should also complete any required franchisee questionnaires and be prepared to explain why they want to sell.

Before taking your franchise to market, you'll need marketing materials that highlight the business's performance, growth potential and other selling points that could attract prospective buyers.

The Longest Phase of the Resale Process: Lead Generation and Buyer Qualification

This process could take up to a year and every franchise is different. Some businesses sell quickly because they hit the market at the right time with the right message and price.

Others need more time to find a buyer who’s not only interested but also ready and able to proceed.

Key Factors for Finding the Right Buyer

The sector you’re in
The asking price and value proposition
Time of year you go to market
Broader economic and political conditions
How actively you are engaging with the process

Who Is Looking to Buy My Franchise?

According to CT Acquisitions, a buy-side M&A firm, the market for franchise resales in 2026 includes private equity-backed multi-unit platforms, larger franchise operators looking to acquire additional locations and individual buyers using SBA financing.

The firm also identifies due diligence and buyers' personal circumstances as common causes of delays in completing a sale. Securing financing, leaving an existing job or relocating can all extend the process. However, there is another option worth considering.

Working With Industry Insiders Can Get You There Faster

On an episode of the Vetted Biz podcast titled "The Guide to Selling Your Franchise Fast," founding partner Patrick Findaro discussed the potential advantages of selling to existing franchisees or the franchisor. Their familiarity with the franchise system may help shorten the transaction process.

"We’re talking 30 to 90 days to close when it’s a franchise insider," Findaro said, comparing that timeline with the six months it typically takes to complete a sale to an outside buyer.

Selling a franchise is a multi-party transaction that requires franchisor approval, extensive documentation and careful vetting. While the standard timeline hovers around 18 months, the operators who cross the finish line fastest are the ones who treat their exit strategy with the same operational rigor as they did their grand opening.

Practical Takeaways to Speed Up Your Sale

If you want to expedite your exit timeline, here are three actionable steps you can take today:

Start With Buyers Inside Your Franchise System: Before pursuing external leads, approach your franchisor and neighboring multi-unit franchisees. Existing operators may already be interested in acquiring additional locations.
Prepare Your Financial Records: Don't wait for a buyer to request documentation. Have three years of clean financial records, profit-and-loss statements and staffing data ready to share. Being prepared can build buyer confidence and shorten the initial stages of the sale.
Verify the Buyer's Financing: Request proof of funds or financing prequalification before taking your business off the market or entering extensive due diligence. Identifying potential funding problems early can help prevent delays or a failed transaction.

For more information on preparing your franchise for sale, check out these related articles on 1851 Franchise:

How Long Does It Take to Sell a Franchise? What to Expect