General information for practice owners, current at the time of writing (July 2026). Figures are as reported by industry sources; rules and deadlines change — check the current position and take your own advice.
Every owner eventually asks whether now is the time. Usually the honest answer is "it depends," but 2026 brings an unusually clear set of signals worth weighing deliberately. This is a framework for reading them — not a nudge to sell, but a way to make the decision with your eyes open.
The case for acting sooner
| Signal | What it suggests |
|---|---|
| Valuations appear to have peaked | Selling from strength beats waiting for a rebound that may not come |
| Rising compliance burden (MTD, verification) | The next few years demand more systems, people and investment |
| Buyers still active but selective | Quality earns the premium; average firms face wider discounts |
| Consolidators cooling on aggressive multiples | The top-line froth is coming off — strong, tidy firms stand out |
The case for waiting
None of this means everyone should sell in 2026. If your firm is growing, your energy is high, and you'd genuinely enjoy building through the MTD era, waiting to sell from an even stronger position can make good sense — provided you use the time deliberately to reduce owner-dependency and lift value, rather than simply drifting. The worst outcome is waiting passively and selling later from a tired, under-invested position. See when to sell.
How to decide
- Weigh your energy and personal timeline honestly
- Assess your firm's quality — and whether you'll invest to build it
- Judge any offer on structure and fit, not just the headline
- Whatever you decide, sell (eventually) from strength, not exhaustion
It's rarely "sell to whoever bids highest"
The right answer is personal, and it's almost never simply "take the biggest number." Weigh your energy, your timeline, and the quality of your firm — then judge any offer on structure and fit, remembering that in a cooling market the headline and the cash-in-hand can diverge sharply (see roll-ups vs selling direct). Our guides on when to sell and valuation are the place to start.
Not sure? Have the conversation anyway
A first, confidential conversation costs nothing and commits you to nothing. Often the outcome is simply a short plan to exit stronger later — or a way to take pressure off now, such as handing over the back office so the next couple of years are calmer. That's exactly the conversation we're happy to have, even if you decide not to sell.
Frequently asked questions
Is 2026 a good year to sell an accountancy practice?
It's a year worth thinking hard about. Valuations appear to have peaked, the compliance burden (MTD, Companies House verification) is rising, and consolidators are cooling on aggressive multiples — so waiting may mean more investment for possibly less. But the right timing is personal.
Should I take the highest offer for my practice?
Not automatically. In a cooling market the headline number and the cash you actually receive can diverge, because aggressive offers often carry heavy contingent consideration. Judge offers on structure, certainty and buyer fit, not just the top line.
What if I'm not ready to sell in 2026?
That's fine — but decide deliberately. If you'll build from strength and lift value, waiting can pay. The worst outcome is drifting and selling later from a tired, under-invested position. A confidential conversation can map a plan either way.
How do I decide whether to sell now or wait?
Weigh your energy and personal timeline, your firm's quality and whether you'll invest to build it, and the market signals. Whatever you choose, aim to sell from strength rather than exhaustion, and judge offers on fit and structure.
Thinking about your next chapter?
Whether you want to sell, step back gradually, or just take the back office off your plate — start with a confidential, no-obligation call with the buyer.
Book a confidential call