Looking to Buy Your First Dental Practice in 2026? Here’s What You Need to Know About Finance

Stepping into practice ownership is one of the most exciting and rewarding moves you can make in dentistry but it also comes with big decisions. Whether you’ve found a small mixed practice in a local community or you’re exploring a high-performing city centre private clinic, understanding how the funding process works is essential.

At FTA Finance, we are champions of the first time buyer and specialise in helping turn Associates ambition into ownership. If 2026 is your year, here’s what you need to know.

Why dentists choose to own

There are many reasons associates decide to buy their own practice and it’s not just about the money. Owning a practice gives you greater control over your career, your income, and the kind of dentistry you want to deliver.

Here’s what often motivates first-time buyers:

• Control over your income – Build long-term equity while increasing personal profit.
• Clinical autonomy – Choose your own materials, techniques, and patient journey.
• Business growth potential – Expand your services, open additional sites, or build a brand.
• Long-term career security – Create an asset you can grow and sell when you’re ready to exit.
• Leadership and culture – Build a team that reflects your values and vision for patient care.

What are lenders looking for?

Lenders continue to view dental practices as a solid, low-risk investment, especially those with a healthy balance of NHS and private revenue. Even as market conditions evolve, we’re seeing strong support for:

• Independent owner managed Practices especially for First Time Buyers
• Established Practices with stable historic income
• Purchase proposals backed by well-prepared business plans and forecasts

Practices with freehold property remain highly favourable as security, but leasehold purchases are also comfortably fundable, provided the financials stack up and the plan is well thought out.

How much finance do you need?

Every purchase is different, but as a general rule:

• Lenders can fund now fund up to 100% of the goodwill value
• 100% of the freehold is also an option if property is part of the proposal
• Goodwill loan terms of up to 20 years now available with Freehold typically over 25 years
• Capital Holiday (interest only) periods of up to 5 years available in certain circumstance

Don’t forget your business plan

One of the most overlooked, but most important, parts of securing funding is your business plan. It’s not just a document for the lender. It’s a tool that will guide your decision-making from the start.

A strong business plan will:

• Show lenders your practice is commercially viable
• Clarify your goals and market position
• Demonstrate how you’ll manage risk
• Provide cashflow forecasts and profitability projections
• Help you track progress and stay accountable as you grow

How FTA Finance supports your journey

At FTA Finance, we work exclusively in the healthcare space, so we know exactly what lenders expect from first-time dental buyers.

We’ll help you:

• Assess your affordability and borrowing potential
• Build a tailored funding structure
• Navigate lender requirements with confidence
• Prepare all documentation, forecasts, and submissions
• Secure competitive terms that match your growth plans

Want to explore your next step in ownership?
Speak to FTA Finance today and take your first step towards practice ownership with the expert guidance and funding support that makes all the difference.