Many owners who are thinking about selling in 2026 have already begun exploring their options. The early signals from the market are clear – practices that prepare now are the ones securing the strongest interest, smoother processes, and better offers as the year progresses.
If you are considering a sale this year, the next few weeks are crucial.
Early Seller Activity Is on the Rise
We are already seeing a significant increase in owners requesting valuations, reviewing financials, and beginning the groundwork required for a successful sale. This early wave of preparation is no coincidence: those who begin the process early consistently complete quicker and achieve more predictable outcomes.
A well-prepared practice stands out immediately, especially in a market where buyers are making careful comparisons before committing.
Importantly, while you are unlikely to increase the value of your practice within just a month or two, early preparation does make a difference and will protect the value you already have.
Presentation Is Becoming a Key Differentiator
Today’s buyers are more selective, and more data driven. They are looking beyond headline profitability and examining:
- team stability
- earnings trends
- private growth potential
- quality of premises and equipment
- local demand and competition
Practices with well-organised financials, clear positioning, and strong supporting documentation are attracting more viewings and firmer offers. Those that lack preparation are taking longer to gain traction.
Again, preparation here is less about boosting value and more about eliminating red flags. A tidy, well-presented practice removes leverage from buyers who often use any ambiguity as a negotiation tool.
Financial Clarity Accelerates Completions
Lenders remain active in 2026, but the approval process continues to be forensic. Clean, accurate financial records significantly reduce delays during due diligence and buyer finance applications.
Sellers who begin now should focus on:
- ensuring accounts are up to date
- resolving any anomalies or inconsistencies
- reviewing drawings, profitability, and staffing costs
- tidying any loose ends that may raise questions later
This preparation not only strengthens the value story but also speeds up negotiations once a buyer is secured. While you cannot materially increase value in a short period, you can remove uncertainty and uncertainty is one of the biggest drivers of price reductions.
Local Market Data Is Influencing Buyer Decisions
Buyers are increasingly analysing demographic and competitor data before making an offer. The practices achieving early interest are those that can clearly articulate:
- who they serve
- why the area is attractive
- how the practice compares locally
- where growth opportunities sit
This level of clarity helps buyers build confidence quickly, especially associates purchasing for the first time. It also limits the scope for a buyer to challenge the price or question the practice’s sustainability during negotiations.
What Sellers Should Prioritise Now
If you intend to sell in 2026, now is a good time to start preparing. Key priorities include:
- Get an early valuation
Understanding your position now allows time to strengthen the practice, improve presentation, and align expectations. Even if value cannot be increased quickly, clarity around valuation helps you protect it.
- Review and refine financial documentation
Accurate, organised numbers reduce friction and help buyers progress quickly with lenders. They also reduce the risk of prolonged negotiation over perceived weaknesses.
- Address operational gaps
Small changes to staffing, recall systems, or private conversion rates may not dramatically increase value in the short term, but they help present a cleaner, more stable business and limit challenges from buyers.
- Prepare your narrative
A clear explanation of practice strengths, patient mix, and future potential is essential in a selective market. A strong narrative supports your valuation and reduces the buyer’s ability to negotiate aggressively.
If you are planning to sell your dental practice in 2026, now is the ideal time to begin preparing. While value cannot be transformed in a few weeks, the steps you take now will protect your price, reduce negotiation pressures, and ultimately speed up your sale.
The team at Frank Taylor & Associates can guide you through every stage of the process, from valuation and positioning to marketing, negotiation, and completion.
