Dental market insight 2026
Why buyer demand is outstripping sypply in Aberdeenshire
The Scottish dental market continues to attract strong buyer interest, with high-quality opportunities particularly sought after by independent operators and emerging regional groups. While market conditions vary between cities and rural locations, demand remains robust across much of the country, with Aberdeenshire standing out as an area where buyer appetite is especially strong.
Across Scotland, there is currently a mix of NHS, private, and mixed practices on the market, spanning both city and rural locations. However, stock remains limited in some of the country’s most sought-after cities, such as Edinburgh, Aberdeen, or Stirling.
Independent buyers continue to be the strongest force in the market. While corporate operators are still actively looking to expand their presence in Scotland, many sellers remain more inclined towards independent purchasers. Where groups are involved, Scottish-based operators are often preferred over larger national corporates.
There is also an increasing focus on quality assets, with buyers competing for the strongest opportunities available. At the same time, buyer demographics are evolving, with more English purchasers looking north of the border for acquisition opportunities and several new Scottish dental groups emerging in the market, such as Black & Brown Dental and The Family Dental Practices.
Location continues to play an important role in buyer demand, with Scotland’s major cities, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Stirling and Dundee, remaining highly attractive, while rural practices can prove more challenging to sell. Although these businesses can be sold successfully, they generally experience lower levels of buyer demand than their city-based counterparts.
Focussing on Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire is currently benefiting from particularly strong levels of buyer interest. One of the most noticeable trends we’re seeing is the growing number of buyers specifically targeting Aberdeen and the surrounding areas, with demand concentrated around the city and its suburbs.
The strength of the market can be seen through the deals that we’re working on in the city. A great example is the sale of a three-surgery practice located in Aberdeen City, which attracted around 20 buyer enquiries, generated several viewings, and received multiple offers. We have also recently agreed an off-market transaction in the area, highlighting the depth of demand that continues to exist beyond publicly marketed opportunities.
Buyer appetite remains so strong that we currently have a waiting list of more than 20 active buyers seeking opportunities in Aberdeen.
Looking ahead
The Aberdeenshire dental market remains highly competitive, particularly for quality practices in and around Aberdeen. Strong independent buyer demand, growing interest from English purchasers, and the emergence of new Scottish groups are all contributing to a market where well-positioned opportunities continue to attract significant attention.
For practice owners considering a sale, the level of demand currently being seen in Aberdeen should provide confidence that there is an active and engaged pool of buyers ready to transact when the right opportunity becomes available.
If you are a practice owner looking to sell your dental business in Aberdeenshire, get in touch with Joel Mannix: joel.mannix@christie.com or 07764 241691