The Hidden Advantage That Helps Buyers Secure Their First Practice (and How You Can Use It Too)
Every day, brilliant clinicians dream about stepping into ownership – picturing their name above the door, building their own team, and shaping the future of a business. But turning that dream into a reality takes more than clinical skill. It takes finance – and the right advice from day one.
Too often, first-time buyers dive into the process without realising just how complex the financial landscape can be. Thatās what weāre here to change.
The First-Time Buyer Trap
Imagine this: a skilled associate dentist has found a promising practice. It ticks every box ā location, growth potential, patient base. Excited, they approach their bank for a loan. But what they donāt realise is that theyāre walking into that meeting underprepared. No robust funding structure. No formal financial plan. No experience in commercial lending.
The result? A slow ānoā – or worse, a poorly structured loan that drains their cash flow before they even get the keys.
Why Independent Advice from Day One Changes Everything
Most first-time buyers donāt come from a financial background. And they shouldnāt need to. Thatās why seeking advice early isnāt just smart – itās essential. The right financial guidance ensures you:
- Donāt overpay on interest
- Avoid inflexible loan terms and restrictive covenants
- Present yourself as a credible buyer to lenders
Independent commercial finance brokers, like FTA Finance, do more than just “find you a loan.” They help you build the foundation of your business future.
What Makes an Independent Broker Different?
Bank managers represent one lender. An independent broker like FTA Finance represents you.
They scan the whole market – not just a limited range of products. That means more competitive deals, more flexible terms, and solutions tailored specifically to your goals.
They know how to:
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Structure your deal in a way lenders love
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Build a compelling application that shows you mean business
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Advise you on the financial impact of every decision ā before you sign anything
And because theyāre not tied to any one lender, their advice is always based on whatās best for you ā not on hitting sales targets.
The FTA Finance Difference
FTA Finance have helped hundreds of first-time buyers make the leap from associate to owner. That means they understand the hurdles ā and how to overcome them.
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They know what lenders in the healthcare space want to see
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They tailor every funding structure around your career goals
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They work alongside you ā not just until the deal is done, but well beyond drawdown
Theyāre not just experts in finance. Theyāre specialists in your profession. Thatās why dentists and pharmacists trust them to guide them through one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.
Thinking About Buying Your First Practice?
Donāt make this journey alone. With the right support, you can secure funding that works not just today, but for the future youāre building.
Practice - Warwickshire
Practice location: This long-established practice is located in a town with a strong industrial heritage and a population exceeding 60,000. It enjoys a central location just a short walk from the town centre, with excellent transport links including proximity to motorways, as well as a nearby train station. The area offers a mix of housing options and access to well-rated schools and colleges.
Practice type: This is a two-surgery mixed practice based in a semi-detached freehold property. There is scope to develop a third surgery by converting an existing office already plumbed and wired. The practice includes a decontamination room and has on-site parking for up to six vehicles.
Practice financials: The gross fee income is in the region of Ā£654,000 with an NHS/private split of approximately 84% NHS and 16% private. The UDA rate exceeds Ā£35 per UDA. The income is generated by the principal working 1 day a week, two associates both working 4 days, and a support team comprising a full-time practice manager, three dental nurses (full-time and part-time), a full-time receptionist, and a part-time cleaner.
Price achieved: A price of Ā£1,300,000 was achieved.
Agent's comments: This practice generated significant interest due to its solid NHS contract, central location, and growth potential. With no current online presence or marketing strategy, the incoming principal has an excellent opportunity to develop the private side of the business. The existing setup also supports both owner-operated and associate-led models, making it a versatile investment.
Number of people looking in the area: 843
Practice - Sussex
Practice location: Situated in a vibrant town renowned for its Victorian charm and tourist appeal, this practice is located just outside the town centre in a largely residential area. With a population of around 100,000 and continued urban development including large housing projects, the location benefits from strong footfall and excellent transport links to London, Brighton, and Gatwick via road and rail.
Practice type: A well-established, four-surgery mixed practice set within a detached property. The practice is offered leasehold with a newly created 20-year lease under the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954. The premises include on-site parking for nine vehicles.
Practice financials: The gross fee income is in the region of Ā£950,000, with the revenue made up of 67% private, 33% NHS. The NHS element includes over 11,000 UDAs with a rate exceeding Ā£28. The income is generated by the principal working 1 day a week, three associates working a total of 8 days per week, a therapist and a hygienist, and a support team that includes a full-time practice manager, five dental nurses, and two receptionists.
Price achieved: A price of Ā£1,100,000 was achieved.
Agent's comments: This turnkey practice was highly attractive due to its comprehensive services, established patient base, and location within a growth area. The absence of evening and weekend appointments presents a clear opportunity for further income expansion.
Number of people looking in the area: 1,189
Practice - Surrey
Practice location: This practice is located in a residential district. The area offers a variety of amenities including schools, shops, and restaurants, with excellent transport links including proximity to a major motorway and local bus services, making it easily accessible for both staff and patients.
Practice type: A fully private, four-surgery dental practice situated within a two-storey detached property. It is being sold as a leasehold with twelve years remaining on the current lease, held within the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954.
Practice financials: The gross fee income is in the region of Ā£1,500,000 and is fully private. The income is generated by the principal working three days a week, three associates covering seven days in total, two hygienists, and support team including a practice manager, treatment coordinator, multiple receptionists, and dental nurses.
Price achieved: A price of Ā£1,600,000 was achieved.
Agent's comments: This high-performing practice attracted strong interest due to its established private patient base, advanced facilities, and ongoing growth. With no requirement for evening or weekend hours and secure lease terms in place, the practice offers excellent stability and scalability. The principalās willingness to remain post-completion adds further value.
Number of people looking in the area: 2,093
Practice - London
Practice location: Located on a prominent high street in a London borough currently benefiting from major regeneration projects, this practice is well-positioned to capitalise on increased local investment. The area offers a strong mix of residential and commercial properties with excellent transport links, including multiple railway stations and frequent bus services.
Practice type: This is a two-surgery mixed practice occupying the ground floor of a shop-fronted commercial property. One surgery is currently in use. It is offered with virtual freehold and benefits from strong visibility, accessibility, and local footfall.
Practice financials: The gross fee income is in the region of Ā£250,000, with approximately 88% NHS and 12% private income. The UDA rate exceeds Ā£41. The income is generated by one associate working 24 hours per week, a therapist working 8 hours, and a full-time nurse. The principal does not currently work clinically at the practice.
Price achieved: A price of Ā£700,000 was achieved.
Agent's comments: This practice presents significant opportunity due to its underutilisationāonly 40% of surgery time is currently used. With strong NHS income and high footfall, a motivated full-time principal could drive private growth, particularly in areas like clear aligners. No further investment is required, making it a true turnkey opportunity.
Number of people looking in the area: 3,009
