More businesses are offering work from home jobs to Australians looking to avoid long commutes, save time, and enjoy the flexibility that remote jobs in Australia offer. However, while applying to online jobs in Australia is a great option, many people miss out on a much overlooked alternative: buying a remote job.
Though this initially sounds like a bold and expensive move, you can buy a small business with a solo operation model and run it from your home at low cost. In this article, you’ll learn why buying a remote business could be a smarter move than applying for a remote job.
Why Consider Buying Instead of Applying For Remote Jobs Australia?
The Australian job market offers many opportunities to individuals looking for remote work. However, when the conventional remote job search is compared to buying a remote business, owning your own thing offers better control and other significant perks. Here are five of the biggest ones:
Immediate Ownership
To the average person, applying for an online job seems like the easier option. While this may be true, job applications can be far from easy. Job applications are tough and highly competitive. For context, the unemployment rate in Australia is 4.1% as of May 2025, with over 620,000 people out of a job. That means when you apply for a role, there’s a higher level of uncertainty compared to when you set out to build your own thing.
The best part is that you don’t need a fat cheque to buy a remote job in Australia. You can start a small business or buy one that already runs from home. For instance, you can secure or start an e-commerce store, a freelance graphic design brand, an event planning business, or a small digital agency with established cash flow.
You also don’t need an office for these fully remote jobs Australia. You can dedicate a section of your home to it and kickstart things from there. Subsequently, you can scale up the business as it expands.
Job Security
How long you remain with an employer depends on factors you can’t control, including the company’s financial health, the employer’s needs, and the demand for your skills. In some cases, you could be laid off if considered excess to requirements by your employer. For instance, over 85,000 workers were laid off in the Australian tech sector in 2023 alone.
Conversely, buying a work from home business for sale in Australia offers better job security because it is yours. You’re in control from day one, and every decision about business operations and direction is yours to make. The guarantee offers you peace of mind, as your employment and career are tied to the self-owned remote company.
Long-Term Possibilities
Buying an existing business comes with no guarantee that it will thrive - but statistically, you have an advantage oiver startups. According to the University of Technology, Sydney , about 60% to 75% of startups fail in Australia. Many startups face funding issues and cash flow problems, which ultimately lead to their failure.
However, purchasing an existing operation means purchasing a proven customer base, systems that already work, and a brand that's already established. Y ou can establish long-term possibilities for your business with proper financial management and a focus on scalability. Ultimately, you can weather various business challenges in the Australian market and set your remote business up for better future success.
Better Income Potential
Being gainfully employed and earning from an employer is great. However, there’s a ceiling to this and pay raises don’t come very often. However, with self-employment, your income potential can be exponential. How much you can earn depends on the business growth and is often determined by your overall efforts. In other words, your income isn’t capped and can grow within a short period, especially if your remote company scales at a fast pace.
Additionally, you can predict your income better and plan your finances accordingly using data from your revenue and operational systems.
Improved Flexibility
Though online jobs in Australia offer a decent amount of flexibility, buying the right work from home business gives you better control over your time, working hours, and workload. For instance, working a remote job under another company could come with an unprecedented workload and demands that could eat into your personal time.
You may also not get enough time to rest or go on vacation because of limited time off work. These can lead to intense burnout, which is prominent in Australia. For context, 61% of Aussies with paid employment reported experiencing burnout in 2024.
However, buying a remote company gives you better lifestyle flexibility. You can become a digital nomad and work from around the world, create a structure of ownership from home, spend more time with family, and get adequate rest when needed without seeking approvals or permissions.
What Kinds of Remote Businesses Can You Buy in Australia?
Depending on your field and area of interest, you can find various remote businesses for sale in Australia. However, here are the popular categories among those looking for remote jobs Australia:
E-commerce
Many Australian businesses leverage the massive e-commerce industry for various earning opportunities, and everything happens online. Some offer dropshipping services to clients by buying from stores like Shopify, Amazon, and Etsy. You can also buy an Australian seller account for their niche products.
Freelancing
If you have in-demand skills like copywriting, graphics design, and digital marketing, you can buy a business offering these services to clients in Australia and beyond. Some established businesses in this industry go for $10,000 or less and are easily scalable.
Content and Affiliate Marketing
There are tons of established businesses offering content and affiliate marketing services in Australia. These include blogs, review sites, and news publications that make money from ads or affiliate commissions. If you have a decent understanding of the industry, you can acquire such a business.
Online Coaching
Selling online education is also lucrative in Australia. Whether you’re interested in fields like finance, fitness, or career building, you’ll find businesses built around these. You can purchase such businesses and transfer your personal brand and knowledge into them.
Virtual Assistant Services
If you have a knack for organisation or love planning in the corporate space, you can run a virtual assistant business. There are many VA businesses with small teams that you can acquire in Australia and build.
These various opportunities make Australia a strategic location for new and existing businesses to thrive, and the country’s booming economy is an added advantage for investors and entrepreneurs.
Tip: for more information about buying a work from home business in Australia, you can also read this guide.
A Checklist For Buying a Work From Home Business in Australia
Here are the major things to tick off your list before buying a work from home business in Australia:
- Do your due diligence. Verify every detail from the seller, including financial records, website traffic, debts, subscriptions, and other information.
- Check out the business registration. Confirm that the business has an Australian Business Number (ABN) and is compliant with tax laws.
- Verify licenses and registration required in the sector the business operates.
- Confirm the workload to determine if you can operate it alone or need to hire a team.
How to Manage Your New Work Home Business
After securing the business, here are a few tips to help you stay afloat and scale properly:
- Start small, go big. Every business requires little risk at the initial stage and subsequent scaling. Manage your costs effectively during the early days to maintain sound financial health. Another good approach is to opt for low-risk businesses that give you some time to learn, especially if you’re a first-time entrepreneur.
- Work with an expert, such as a business broker in Australia or a financial advisor. The legal help can make a great deal of difference and protect you where necessary.
- Always ask questions even after the purchase. If something feels off, demand clarity.
- Leverage communities with work-from-home businesses in your industry to connect, stay updated, and get potential deals or clients.
FAQs
Where can I find good work from home businesses to buy in Australia?
The best place to find work-from-home businesses for sale in Australia is on websites like
Businesses for Sale
. The platform has a comprehensive list of SMEs on the market across the country.
Do I need to register an existing business after buying it?
Yes, you need to register the business again after buying it. While you may not need a fresh verification, an update or transfer of ownership with the Australian Business Register (ABR) is required. You may also require the services of a legal advisor for this.
Can I get a loan to buy a remote business?
Yes, you can obtain a loan from banks or online lenders with unsecured business loans. In some cases, you can secure personal loans from friends and family. This guide contains more information about funding to buy a business.
