February Is the Month That Shapes Your 2026 Sale
February is often the point at which selling intentions become real decisions. January brings reflection and early conversations. February is when practice owners begin to test those thoughts against the realities of the market.
If you are considering selling your dental practice in 2026, what you do now can shape the outcome later in the year.
Why February matters for sellers
By February, buyer activity is already underway. Serious buyers have re-engaged, lenders are open for new applications, and early listings are starting to attract attention. At the same time, buyers are more selective than ever, comparing practices carefully before progressing.
This makes February an important month to understand how your practice will be viewed and where it sits in the current market.
Valuation conversations become critical
Many sellers delay valuation discussions until they feel “ready” to sell. In reality, an early valuation provides clarity, not commitment.
Understanding your current value allows you to:
• align expectations with buyer appetite
• identify any issues that may affect saleability
• plan a realistic timeline for the year ahead
Practices that enter the market with clear, realistic pricing consistently attract stronger interest and face less downward pressure during negotiations.
Preparation protects value
While it is unlikely that value can be significantly increased in a matter of weeks, early preparation plays a vital role in protecting what your practice is already worth.
Buyers in 2026 are highly detail-focused. They are examining financial clarity, staffing stability, income mix, and future sustainability. Practices that are well-prepared reduce uncertainty and remove leverage that buyers often use to negotiate price reductions.
Simple steps taken early can make a meaningful difference to how smoothly a sale progresses later.
Timing is about control, not speed
Selling early in the year does not mean rushing to market. It means giving yourself control.
Starting conversations in February gives you time to prepare properly, choose the right moment to launch, and avoid being forced into decisions by external pressures later in the year.
Sellers who plan early consistently experience smoother transactions and more predictable outcomes.
A strong sale starts with clarity
If selling your dental practice is on your horizon for 2026, February is the ideal time to seek clarity. A confidential valuation and an honest discussion about market conditions can help you make informed decisions with confidence.
The team at Frank Taylor & Associates can guide you through each stage of the process, from early preparation and valuation through to marketing, negotiation, and completion so get in touch today.
Practice - Buckinghamshire
Practice location: This well-established practice is located in a picturesque market town in Buckinghamshire. The town offers a desirable combination of rural charm and strong transport links. With a thriving community, good local schools, and independent retailers, the area continues to attract a wide demographic including families, commuters, and retirees.
Practice type: This is a fully private, two-surgery practice situated on the ground floor of a purpose-built premises in a central town location. A new 15-year lease has been created and has been established since the 1970s and enjoys a strong reputation for high-quality care. The premises are well-presented and include a decontamination room, reception, staff room, and nearby public parking.
Practice financials: The gross fee income for the year ending May 2024 was in the region of £700,000 and is fully private. The income is generated by the principal working 28 hours a week, supported by two associates (working a combined 14.5 hours), two hygienists (totalling 32 hours), a practice manager, and four dental nurses working a mix of part-time hours.
Price achieved: A price of £900,000 was achieved.
Agent's comments: This high-quality, turnkey practice attracted strong interest due to its excellent location, digital setup, and consistent year-on-year growth. With no evening or weekend appointments currently offered, and plan income in place ready to be built up, there is excellent potential for further growth under new ownership.
Number of people looking in the area: 1,855
Practice - Greater London
Practice location: This practice is located in a busy and rapidly growing town known for its high population growth and strong local amenities. Situated on a prominent town centre corner opposite a municipal car park, it enjoys excellent footfall and easy access from surrounding villages. The town offers good transport links.
Practice type: A three-surgery mixed practice with scope to expand into a fourth surgery. The practice operates from leasehold premises with a 20-year lease. It has been established since 1983 and is positioned in a converted property across two floors. It includes a decontamination room, staff room, and two parking spaces, with further parking available nearby.
Practice financials: The gross fee income for the 12 months to December 2024 was in the region of £550,000. The income is approximately 64% NHS and 36% private, with a UDA rate of over £31. The income is generated by the principal working four days a week, supported by two associates (three days total), four hygienists, an implant surgeon, and a team of five dental nurses and a receptionist.
Price achieved: A price of £1,125, 000 was achieved.
Agent's comments: This practice offered excellent scope for growth, with chair-time occupancy around 58% and space to install a fourth surgery. Located in an affluent area with strong private uptake and significant local housing developments, the practice attracted strong interest from both owner-occupier and associate-led buyers.
Number of people looking in the area: 2,901
Practice - North West London
Practice location: Located in a vibrant and diverse area of North West London, this practice benefits from excellent transport links via the London Underground and Overground networks, as well as easy access to the M1 and local bus services. The surrounding area offers a mix of residential and retail, with high street shops, independent stores, cafes, and amenities, contributing to consistent patient demand.
Practice type: A two-surgery mixed income practice, situated on the ground floor of an attractive end-of-terrace property. The premises are leasehold, and a new 15-year lease was created as part of the sale. The property includes a decontamination room, large reception, and washroom facilities, with metered parking available nearby. The practice has been owned by the principal for over 40 years.
Practice financials: The gross fee income for the 12 months to March 2024 was in the region of £400,000. The income is 67% private, 33% NHS. A UDA contract of over 3,000 is in place, with a UDA rate in excess of £40. The income is generated by the principal working 24 hours per week, supported by a therapist and hygienist (8 hours each), two receptionists, and two part-time dental nurses.
Price achieved: A price of £900,000 was achieved.
Agent's comments: This long-established and well-maintained practice presented an ideal acquisition for a hands-on principal or partnership model. With chair time capacity at just 60% and no evening or weekend appointments, the practice offered excellent scope for growth in a sought-after London location.
Number of people looking in the area: 2,507
Practice - South London
Practice location: This practice is located in a busy London borough with a population exceeding 54,000. It enjoys excellent transport links, with bus stops nearby and a local Underground station just a 10-minute walk away. The area is primarily residential, with a mix of terraced housing and flats, and a strong representation of professionals in social grades AB and C1.
Practice type: A two-surgery, predominantly NHS practice operating from the ground floor of a shop-fronted commercial property. The premises are leasehold with a 15-year lease. The layout includes a reception, patient waiting area, stock cupboard, kitchen (which could be converted to a decontamination room), and washroom. There is also external storage space and limited on-street parking with nearby car parks.
Practice financials: The gross fee income for the 12 months to April 2024 was in the region of £506,000, with approximately 90% NHS and 10% private income. The UDA contract shows a UDA rate in excess of £38.00. The income is generated by the principal working four days per week, supported by a full-time associate, three trainee dental nurses, a receptionist, and part-time clerical support.
Price achieved: A price of £1,750,000 was achieved.
Agent's comments: This long-established NHS-focused practice offered consistent earnings, underpinned by a solid UDA rate and recent overachievement funding. With no evening or weekend appointments and minimal private work to date, it presented excellent growth potential, especially for a first-time buyer or associate seeking to build a private income stream.
Number of people looking in the area: 2,426
