Dental property searches

05 December 2024

Steve Kettle presents the dos and don’ts.

There are several ways in which the modern dentist can advance in their career and fulfil their professional ambitions. If for you this means establishing your own dental practice – or building a mini group – it is important to be prepared for the journey ahead as much as possible. The very first step is to find a suitable property in which to build your future. Here are some of our dos and don’ts to help you get started.

Do 1: Determine the right physical location

Where your practice is situated will have a significant impact on the kind of dentistry in demand and the type of business that will succeed. Where you wish to focus on cosmetic dental services, for example, it’s crucial to be located in a more affluent area. If your bread and butter is family dentistry, then finding a property with easy access, maybe near the local schools or nurseries will prove useful. When purchasing a property, instead of leasing, consideration should also be given to the commercial value of the building and any potential changes to its value in the near future.

Do 2: Know your budget

Before you can start looking at properties, it is necessary to understand your budget and exactly what you can afford. Speaking to a financial expert to assess your current situation and run feasibility checks is crucial. They will indicate how much you can reasonably allocate for your property purchase or lease fees, affording the confidence you need to search the market for your perfect location.

Do 3: Ensure room for growth

Whether you’re looking to establish a single-surgery practice or build an empire, it is important to ensure that the property you choose has space for growth. This might involve having an extra room you don’t need straight away but that could transform into another surgery in the future. It might just mean having adequate physical space to introduce new technologies or expand your decontamination room/area as regulations or patient requirements evolve over time.

Don’t 1: Rule out a property too quickly

While it is important to have a clear list of criteria in order to efficiently focus your search, it is advantageous to remain open-minded. A building that doesn’t meet every single requirement might offer something you hadn’t previously thought of, and eliminating it before visiting could be a mistake. Should a property meet most of your criteria, it will likely be worth a visit just in case.

Don’t 2: Rush into anything

It can be easy to get swept up in the excitement and want to progress as quickly as possible when you find something good. It may even be necessary to act quickly in highly sought-after areas to secure a particularly popular property. However, it is vital not to rush into anything if you can help it to avoid missing details or not acquiring the best deal. It can help to be prepared before you start shortlisting properties so that you know what you’re looking for, covering everything from lease contracts to planning permission documents and all the other T&Cs.

Don’t 3: Go it alone

Finding the perfect property can be a fun but exhausting process when attempting to do it by yourself. This is especially true when conducting your search while also working full time in another practice and balancing this with family or other personal commitments. Working with an expert in the field can streamline your property search, removing much of the hassle while leveraging the experience, connections and market insights of professionals who do this day-in, day-out.

Clover Dental Group, for example, offers a nationwide network of agents that provide a full-service property search from initial consultation through to location visits, price negotiations and access to property lawyers. The team offers competitor analyses, feasibility checks and legal support to keep you ahead of the game and ensure you find the perfect property for your business now and in the future.

When the time is right

For dentists looking to establish their first practice or those developing their existing portfolio, location is everything. The property search is only one step in what can be quite a complex process, but finding the right premises provides a springboard for the success of your business. When the time is right, working with experts in the field will save you time and stress, and help you make the best decisions for you.

For more information visit cloverdentalfitout.co.uk