Laundromats for Sale: How to Find and Evaluate Opportunities in 2026
LaundroMaps Team
The U.S. laundromat industry generates over $7 billion in annual revenue across roughly 30,000 locations -- and hundreds are listed for sale at any given time. Whether you are a first-time entrepreneur or an experienced investor diversifying your portfolio, buying an existing laundromat is one of the fastest paths to business ownership in this recession-resistant industry.
But not every laundromat for sale is a good deal. In this guide, we will walk you through where to find laundromats for sale, how to evaluate them, what they typically cost, and when it makes more sense to buy an existing business versus starting one from scratch.
Where to Find Laundromats for Sale
Online Business Marketplaces
The easiest way to start your search is through business-for-sale platforms. These sites aggregate listings from brokers and owners across the country, with filters for location, price range, and revenue.
- BizBuySell -- The largest business-for-sale marketplace, currently listing 400+ laundromats and coin laundry businesses.
- LoopNet -- Lists 380+ laundromat businesses for sale with a focus on commercial real estate.
- BizQuest and DealStream -- Smaller platforms worth checking for listings not cross-posted elsewhere.
Business Brokers
Business brokers specialize in connecting buyers and sellers. They handle valuation, negotiations, and paperwork -- typically for a commission of 8% to 12% of the sale price. The Coin Laundry Association (CLA) maintains a directory of industry-specific brokers.
Direct Outreach
Some of the best deals never appear on listing sites. Drive through neighborhoods with laundromats and introduce yourself to owners. Many aging owners are ready to sell but have not listed yet. This approach often yields better prices because there is no broker commission.
Industry Networks
- Coin Laundry Association (CLA) -- hosts events and maintains a classifieds section
- Local equipment distributors -- companies like Alliance Laundry Systems often know which owners are considering selling
- Facebook groups and LinkedIn communities -- search for laundromat investing groups
How Much Do Laundromats Sell For?
Asking prices vary widely based on location, revenue, equipment condition, and lease terms.
Typical Asking Prices
| Laundromat Size | Asking Price Range | Annual Revenue |
|---|---|---|
| Small (1,000-1,500 sq ft) | $50,000-$150,000 | $50K-$150K |
| Mid-size (1,500-3,000 sq ft) | $150,000-$400,000 | $150K-$350K |
| Large (3,000+ sq ft) | $400,000-$1,000,000+ | $300K-$800K+ |
Valuation Multiples
Laundromats are most commonly valued using Seller Discretionary Earnings (SDE) -- the owner total financial benefit from the business. According to Peak Business Valuation and BizBuySell benchmarks:
- SDE multiple: 2.7x to 4.5x (most transactions between 3.0x and 4.0x)
- EBITDA multiple: 4.0x to 6.0x (for larger, manager-operated locations)
- Revenue multiple: 0.3x to 0.5x of annual gross revenue
Example: A laundromat generating $300,000 in annual revenue with $90,000 in SDE would typically sell for $270,000 to $405,000 (3.0x to 4.5x SDE).
How to Evaluate a Laundromat for Sale
Finding a listing is the easy part. Evaluating whether it is worth the asking price requires careful due diligence. For a detailed checklist, see our complete guide to buying a laundromat.
1. Verify the Revenue
Ask for at least 3 years of tax returns, not just profit-and-loss statements. Laundromats are cash-heavy businesses, which means reported income does not always match reality. Compare tax returns vs. bank deposits, coin collection records vs. reported revenue, and utility bills -- water usage correlates directly with wash volume.
2. Inspect the Equipment
Equipment is the single biggest capital expense. Commercial washers and dryers last 10 to 15 years. If most machines are near end-of-life, factor in $100,000 to $300,000 in replacement costs. Check brand, model, maintenance records, and payment systems.
3. Review the Lease
The lease is arguably more important than the equipment. Look for at least 10 years remaining (including options), rent at 15% to 25% of revenue (above 30% is a red flag), renewal options at predictable rates, assignment clause for transfer, and exclusive use clause preventing another laundromat in the same center.
4. Analyze the Location
The CLA recommends roughly 1 laundromat per 5,000 to 8,000 residents. Use LaundroMaps to check competitor density. Target areas with 40%+ renter-occupied housing and median household income of $25,000 to $50,000.
5. Understand the Competition
Search for laundromats in the area using LaundroMaps search or Google Maps. Note competitor count within a 1-mile radius, their ratings, machine quality, and whether new laundromats are under construction nearby.
Red Flags When Buying a Laundromat
Walk away -- or negotiate a much lower price -- if you see any of these:
- Seller will not provide tax returns -- only P&L statements or estimated revenue
- Lease has less than 5 years remaining with no renewal options
- Rent exceeds 30% of gross revenue
- Most equipment is 12+ years old with no recent upgrades
- Declining water bills over the past 2 to 3 years (indicates shrinking customer base)
- Environmental issues -- old dry cleaning operations can create costly remediation
- The building is for sale separately -- the landlord may sell to a developer
- Multiple code violations or outstanding permits
Financing a Laundromat Purchase
SBA 7(a) Loans
The most popular financing option. The SBA 7(a) program offers up to $5 million in financing, as little as 10% down payment, terms up to 25 years for real estate and 10 years for equipment, and interest rates tied to Prime + 2.25% to 2.75%. SBA loans are easier to get for an existing laundromat than a startup because the business has historical financials.
Seller Financing
Many sellers will finance 20% to 40% of the purchase price at negotiated terms. This reduces upfront capital needs and demonstrates the seller confidence in the business. Can be combined with an SBA loan.
Equipment Financing
If the laundromat needs equipment upgrades, manufacturers and distributors offer financing secured by the equipment itself, making it easier to qualify for.
Buying vs. Starting a Laundromat From Scratch
| Factor | Buying Existing | Starting New |
|---|---|---|
| Time to revenue | Immediate -- day one | 6-18 months to build out |
| Startup cost | $100K-$500K+ (purchase price) | $200K-$500K+ (build-out) |
| Risk level | Lower -- proven cash flow | Higher -- unproven location |
| Customer base | Existing, established | Must build from zero |
| Equipment condition | Varies -- could be aged | Brand new, full warranty |
| SBA financing | Easier (historical financials) | Harder (projections only) |
For most first-time owners, buying an existing laundromat is the lower-risk path. You inherit customers, cash flow, and operational data. If you want full control over location and equipment, starting from scratch may be worth the extra time and risk. Consider our franchise comparison guide to see if a franchise model splits the difference.
How to Make an Offer
- Get a professional valuation -- use the SDE multiple method described above, or hire a business appraiser
- Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) -- outlines your offer price, terms, and contingencies
- Conduct due diligence -- the LOI typically gives you 30 to 60 days to verify financials and inspect equipment
- Secure financing -- start your SBA loan application early; approval takes 45 to 90 days
- Close the deal -- sign the purchase agreement and transfer ownership
For a detailed walkthrough of the entire buying process, see our how to buy a laundromat guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to buy a laundromat?
Most laundromats sell for $100,000 to $500,000, though prices range from under $50,000 for small, older operations to over $1 million for large, well-equipped stores. The average SDE multiple is 3.0x to 4.5x.
Is buying a laundromat a good investment?
Laundromats offer 20% to 35% profit margins and are considered recession-resistant. The $7 billion U.S. industry has grown at 1.6% to 2.3% annually. Returns depend on the specific deal and your management.
Can I buy a laundromat with no money down?
Very rarely. SBA 7(a) loans require at least 10% down. Some sellers offer creative financing that reduces upfront capital, but zero-down deals are uncommon.
How long does it take to buy a laundromat?
From initial search to closing, expect 3 to 6 months. This includes finding a business, submitting an offer, completing due diligence (30-60 days), and securing financing (45-90 days).
Where can I find laundromats for sale near me?
Start with online marketplaces like BizBuySell and LoopNet. You can also use LaundroMaps to see existing laundromats in your target area and identify potential acquisition targets.
