The UK care sector continues to attract buyer interest from experienced operators, first-time entrants with sector expertise, and well-funded groups pursuing regional growth. Demographics, long-term demand for elderly and specialist care, and the resilience of fee income have created a queue of credible acquirers.
For owners who have built strong reputations, well-led teams and compliant operations, the present market offers a compelling blend of competitive tension and reliable execution.
Buyers Are Active, Funded and Decisive
Serious acquirers are not browsing. They are buying.
Acquisition mandates remain live for single settings and small groups in regions where demand outstrips supply. Lenders and private capital remain supportive of quality, cash-generative homes with occupancy consistency, stable local authority relationships, and a clear pathway for operational improvement.
This combination is translating into swift viewings and early offers.
Recent RDK Activity Demonstrates Market Strength
Our continued success in completing care home transactions across the UK reflects the sustained buyer appetite – which is great news if you are selling a care home business. During 2025 examples included the sale of Breck Lodge Care Home in Poulton le Fylde, Lancashire, which drew strong interest from multiple parties and moved forward promptly once terms were agreed, highlighting the appetite for well-presented, compliant settings with clear local reputations.
The sale of Enable Care Services Ltd’s three residential care homes in Wales – exemplifies how complex deals can achieve successful outcomes. Despite lending delays and structural challenges, our proactive approach maintained momentum, ultimately completing at asking price with an established trade buyer.
Similarly, A & R Care Ltd’s portfolio attracted multiple viewings and strong offers through our targeted buyer approach. The deal required careful coordination following a late shift in structure, but strategic communication ensured a smooth completion with a private equity-backed buyer.
For many owners, this level of demand helps secure an efficient process and a clean handover with the right buyer. Our targeted marketing reaches both regional operators and new entrants prepared for the demands of residential care, whilst competitive engagement translates into firm offers and smooth progression through to deal completion.
Managing Complexity with Expert Execution
Care home transactions now involve more moving parts than ever. Today’s purchasers, lenders and professional advisers require comprehensive operational and property information across multiple workstreams:
- CQC history, notifications and conditions
- Contracted and spot fee profiles, uplifts and pipeline visibility
- Staffing, agency usage, right-to-work checks and TUPE planning
- Health and safety, fire risk, legionella, asbestos and compliance logs
- Property diligence, title rectifications, boundary issues and EPC considerations
- Capital allowances, deferred consideration mechanics and retentions
- Environmental and planning due diligence, including historic works
The right adviser reduces friction, keeps parties aligned, and protects value. RDK’s healthcare team works with specialist solicitors, finance brokers and tax advisers to pre-empt common bottlenecks and maintain momentum from heads of terms through to completion.
When selling multiple regulated care home locations simultaneously, which is inherently complex, we recently managed a multi-site transaction for a retiring operator seeking a clean exit whilst protecting staff continuity. The instruction covered several freehold homes with different property ages, title positions and local commissioning dynamics. We aligned timetables across buyer funding, property diligence, environmental reports, fire safety compliance, TUPE, and CQC notifications, then sequenced exchange and completion to avoid disruption to care.
Strong Pricing for Well-Prepared Assets
The strongest prices are being achieved by homes that present a clear picture of quality and opportunity. Consistent occupancy, documented clinical governance, clean HR files, realistic staffing models and a schedule of planned maintenance all drive confidence.
Where scope exists for operational improvement, such as reduced agency usage or minor capital expenditure to lift presentation, we help sellers articulate these improvements so buyers can price in the upside. In today’s market, preparation is not a bonus; it is the lever that separates an acceptable price from a standout result.
Market Timing Favours Sellers
Several factors converge to create advantageous selling conditions:
Immediate buyer activity: On current mandates, decisions are being made quickly, with funding lines in place. Our analysis shows particular strength from new entrants targeting smaller homes (3-22 residents), corporate operators seeking larger facilities (40+ beds), and private equity investors drawn to the sector’s stability.
Sustained demand drivers: Commissioning pressures persist, supporting occupancy and long-term demand. with the luxury care home market showing robust momentum.
Supply constraints: Quality assets remain scarce relative to credible buyers, creating competitive tension that benefits sellers.
Tax considerations: With Business Asset Disposal Relief increasing to 18% in April 2026, current rates present a more favourable position for business owners considering exit strategies.
Manageable execution risk: When processes are planned, curated and tightly run, transaction risk can be actively managed through experienced guidance.
RDK’s Approach to Optimal Outcomes
Our methodology ensures sellers are positioned for success:
- Market benchmarking: We assess your home against current buyer criteria and lender expectations.
- Comprehensive preparation: We create diligence-ready information packs that answer key questions before they arise.
- Targeted outreach: We manage discreet, time-bound competitive processes with motivated buyers.
- Portfolio solutions: For multi-site groups, we design completion structures that align all parties whilst minimising disruption to residents and staff.
Why Now, Why RDK?
If you are considering selling a care home business within the next twelve to eighteen months, the optimal first step is a confidential market review. We will assess your current position, identify improvements that enhance buyer confidence, and map the buyer universe most likely to compete for your home or group.
Recent completions demonstrate that demand is present and well-prepared owners can achieve strong outcomes on clear timetables.
As the specialist healthcare arm of Altius Group – ranked in the Top 10 most active M&A advisers in the UK by Experian MarketIQ, RDK combines deep sector knowledge with proven execution capabilities. We are ready to help you realise the value you have built and ensure a smooth, respectful transition for your residents, your staff and your legacy. Contact us today.
MORE FROM CATEGORY: Blog Healthcare
