It’s time to turn plans into action.

With January nearly behind us, many pharmacists are still considering whether this is the right year to take that next step into pharmacy ownership. If you’re one of them, you’re not too late. But now is the moment to move from exploration to execution.

At FTA Finance, we’ve seen a surge in interest from first-time buyers already this year. Lenders remain highly supportive of the Pharmacy sector, and a growing number of pharmacies are becoming available as existing owners look to sell in response to regulatory, operational, and tax changes.

If buying your own pharmacy is on your 2026 horizon, here’s what you can do now to make meaningful progress and avoid falling behind.

Assess your current financial readiness

Before you dive into viewings or negotiations, it’s essential to understand where you stand financially. Spend time reviewing your personal position:

• Review your current financial position
• Start building a level of savings towards and deposit and associated purchase costs
• Understand how much the Banks would potentially lend to you and the size of Pharmacy you could potentially acquire

Lenders will expect to see that you’re financially responsible and capable of supporting and running the pharmacy from day one.

Schedule a finance planning session

You don’t need to have found the perfect pharmacy to start the funding process. In fact, it pays to get ahead.

A short call with a specialist broker like FTA Finance can help you:

• Understand your borrowing options
• Gain insight into lender requirements
• Build a tailored funding strategy ahead of making an offer

This early step can help you move faster than other buyers once the right business becomes available.

Define your ideal acquisition profile

Start building a shortlist of the key features you want in a pharmacy:

• Preferred location and size
• NHS dispensing volume and retail mix
• Staffing levels and potential for growth

You don’t need to be too rigid but having clear priorities will help you filter opportunities and move with purpose.

Raise your profile with agents and sellers

Being seen as a ready and credible buyer makes a real difference. The most attractive opportunities go to those who are prepared to move quickly and demonstrate commitment.

• Secure financial pre-approval in advance
• Prepare your buyer profile and associated documentation
• Begin conversations with pharmacy sales agents now

We’ll help you present your case professionally, so you stand out in a crowded market.

Shift from ideas to action in February

Setting goals in January is one thing – turning them into real steps in February is where the progress happens.

At FTA Finance, we support pharmacists through every stage of their ownership journey, from initial planning to securing funding and finalising the purchase. If you’re aiming to buy in 2026, the time to start is now.