As the year comes to a close, many business owners are reflecting on their next steps. If selling your estate or lettings agency is on your mind, timing matters—and the first quarter of the year could be your perfect window of opportunity.
Q1 has consistently been the busiest period for business acquisitions in the UK, making it the ideal time to secure a successful sale. But to take full advantage of this, preparation needs to start now.
Why Q1 is the Perfect Time to Sell Your Business
Over the past decade (Q1 2014 – Q4 2023), Q1 has led the UK market for completed acquisitions every single year.
- Q1: Average of 3,675 acquisitions per year
- Q4: Average of 3,518 acquisitions per year
- Q3: Average of 3,402 acquisitions per year
- Q2: Average of 3,383 acquisitions per year
If you’re considering an exit, starting the process now could give you the best chance of securing competitive offers while demand is at its highest.
Why Preparing Early Matters
Selling your business isn’t a quick decision—it requires planning. On average, a sale takes around 16 weeks from start to completion—if everything is in order.
Here’s why early preparation is essential:
1. Solicitor Availability
Demand for corporate solicitors rises sharply in Q1. Securing a trusted legal professional before Christmas ensures you’re ready when the market peaks.
2. Financial Readiness
Incomplete financial records can delay your sale significantly. Ensure your:
- Cash flow and forecasting are up to date.
- Assets, liabilities, and tax records are clearly documented.
- Key financials are presentation-ready for potential buyers.
Get Ahead Before Christmas
It’s easy to delay big decisions during the festive season. However, starting preparations now gives you the flexibility and control to move forward when the time feels right.
Lucy Noonan, Founder and CEO of Atomic Consultancy, shares:
The new year brings a surge of acquisition activity. Getting the wheels in motion now—by engaging a solicitor and adviser early—gives you the space to reflect over Christmas while staying in control of your sale timeline. If you’re ready to move forward, you’ll be perfectly positioned for Q1 success.
HOW ATOMIC CONSULTANCY CAN HELP YOU SELL SUCCESSFULLY
At Atomic Consultancy, we don’t just manage business sales—we simplify the entire process and help you maximise your results.
Expert Valuations: Clear, accurate insights into your business’s true value.
Full Support: From preparation and marketing to negotiation and completion.
10,000+ Buyers: Direct access to a ready-made network of qualified buyers.
Proven Results: 97 successful deals completed in just three years.
DON’T MISS OUT – LET’S TALK
If you’re considering selling your estate or lettings agency, the time to prepare is now. Q1 presents a unique opportunity to sell your business in a highly active market.
Let’s start the conversation. Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation valuation, and take control of your next chapter.
