Beat The 2026 CGT Rise

If you’re thinking about selling your IFA business, the timing question has a clear answer: start now. From 6 April 2026, the Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) rate on qualifying gains rises to 18% (it’s 14% for disposals up to 5 April 2026). That step-up could materially reduce your net proceeds if you leave it too late. We have firms looking to buy businesses such as yours.

However, tax isn’t the only reason to start early. Preparing an advice business for sale properly takes time. In our experience between six to twelve months and rushing the process can cost far more than the difference in tax.

At Harrison Spence, we’ve guided many IFA owners through successful exits, and one message stands out: preparation drives value. Businesses that are well-organised, compliant, with a segregated client base, typically command stronger valuations and attract more serious buyers.

Time Creates Value
In our opinion. preparation is the single biggest driver of value and deal certainty, and it takes time. As mentioned, a well-run sale process typically needs six to twelve months end-to-end, covering; buyer selection to ensure the correct cultural fit, due diligence and all the associated mechanics that are attached to the sale of a financial services business.

Sellers who start early can fix data quality issues, tidy files and evidence Consumer Duty outcomes to mention just a few of the areas that always attract attention from buyers.  Those incremental improvements boost confidence and usually support stronger multiples.

The Market Landscape
The UK adviser market remains active and acquisitive, but a steadily falling number of advice firms as consolidation continues. A growing proportion of advisers are now over 60, and well reported industry research indicates that around one in five are planning to retire within five years.

This means competition among sellers is set to rise as 2026 approaches. Owners who prepare now will be more attractive and possibly have first choice of quality buyers and can negotiate from a position of strength rather than urgency.

Acting Early Means Options
Selling a financial advice business isn’t a single transaction, it’s a process of aligning your personal goals, your clients’ needs, and your firm’s legacy. Beginning early allows you to explore all exit routes, from full sale to phased retirement or internal succession. It also allows you to possibly complete within the current 14% BADR window, protecting more of the value you’ve spent years creating.

If you’re considering your own exit or simply want to understand how ready your business is for sale, we’d be happy to have a confidential chat with you, any first meeting is always at our expense. We’ll help you assess your position, identify opportunities to increase value, and build a clear, practical roadmap to a successful sale.