Pharmacy Finance for Pharmacists
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Buying or refinancing a pharmacy is one of the most significant financial decisions a pharmacist will make. Whether you’re purchasing your first pharmacy, expanding an existing portfolio, or refinancing to release capital, securing the right funding structure is critical.
At Fifty Nine Financial, we arrange specialist pharmacy finance for pharmacists across the UK. Combining access to high-street lenders with specialist funders for more complex scenarios.
Below we will cover:
- How pharmacy finance works
- How much deposit do I need to buy a pharmacy
- Pharmacy finance for first time buyers
- Refinance & capital raising for existing pharmacy owner
- High-street & specialist pharmacy lenders
- Common pharmacy finance scenarios we support
- Why use a specialist pharmacy finance broker
- Speak to a pharmacy finance speclialist
- FAQs
How Pharmacy Finance Works
Pharmacy funding is assessed differently to most other business sectors. Lenders don’t just look at bricks and mortar, they focus heavily on:
NHS contract income
Prescription volumes and stability
Location
Management experience and operational structure
Because of this, pharmacies are viewed as lower-risk, cash-generative businesses, which opens the door to competitive funding terms when structured correctly.
How Much Deposit Is Needed to Buy a Pharmacy?
Traditionally, most lenders require a minimum 20% deposit when purchasing a pharmacy.
However, and this is where specialist advice really matters, first-time pharmacy buyers may be able to access funding of up to 90% in the right circumstances.
This depends on factors such as:
The strength and consistency of NHS income
The purchase price and valuation
Your professional background and experience
The overall deal structure
Many buyers assume they need significant cash upfront and delay their purchase unnecessarily. In reality, there are options available that aren’t widely advertised and often require broker-led lender discussions.
Pharmacy Finance for First-Time Buyers
If you’re buying your first pharmacy, funding can feel daunting, especially if you’re transitioning from employment into ownership.
We can support first-time buyers with:
High loan-to-value funding (up to 90%)
Structured repayments to support early cash flow
Guidance through lender expectations and due diligence
Introductions to specialist lenders familiar with first-time acquisitions
Our role isn’t just to secure funding, it’s to ensure the deal is sustainable from day one.
Refinance & Capital Raising for Existing Pharmacy Owners
Refinancing a pharmacy can unlock significant opportunities, including:
Reducing monthly repayments
Releasing capital for expansion or additional acquisitions
Funding refurbishment or modernisation
Consolidating existing borrowing
With pharmacy valuations and income remaining strong, many owners are sitting on untapped equity without realising it.
High-Street & Specialist Pharmacy Lenders
We work with all major high-street banks active in the pharmacy sector, alongside specialist healthcare lenders who can support:
Higher leverage requirements
Complex ownership structures
Portfolio pharmacies
Short trading history or non-standard scenarios
This means we can source the right lender for your situation, not just push you toward the most obvious option.
Common Pharmacy Finance Scenarios We Support
First-time pharmacy purchases
Buying an independent or chain pharmacy
Pharmacy refinancing and capital release
Portfolio acquisitions
Partnership changes or buy-ins
Limited company and partnership structures
If your situation isn’t “textbook”, that’s usually where we add the most value.
Why Use a Specialist Pharmacy Finance Broker?
Pharmacy lending is nuanced. The wrong lender, or the wrong structure, can lead to delays, declined applications, or unfavourable terms.
Working with a specialist broker means:
Access to lenders not always available directly
Proper positioning of your application
Clear understanding of NHS-backed income
A smoother, faster funding process
Speak to a Pharmacy Finance Specialist
If you’re considering buying or refinancing a pharmacy, an early conversation can make a huge difference to what’s achievable.
We’ll assess your plans, explain your options clearly, and help you secure funding that supports your long-term goals.
In many cases, lenders look for a minimum 20% deposit when purchasing a pharmacy. However, depending on the strength of the pharmacy’s income and your background, first-time buyers may be able to access funding of up to 90%. A specialist broker can help assess what’s realistically achievable.
Yes. First-time buyers can often secure pharmacy finance, even without prior ownership experience. Lenders will focus on the stability of NHS income, the pharmacy’s performance, and your professional background rather than ownership history alone.
Lenders typically assess:
NHS contract income and prescription volumes
Location and patient demographics
Purchase price and valuation
Your experience and role within the pharmacy
The proposed loan structure and affordability
Each lender approaches these factors slightly differently.
Yes. Many high-street banks actively lend to pharmacists and pharmacy businesses. In more complex scenarios, such as higher leverage or portfolio purchases, specialist healthcare lenders may also be appropriate.
Absolutely. Pharmacy refinancing can be used to reduce monthly repayments, release capital, fund expansion, or restructure existing borrowing. Many pharmacy owners are able to unlock equity as their business grows.
Yes. Pharmacy finance can be arranged to support partnership buy-ins, ownership changes, or restructuring existing partnerships, subject to lender criteria and income assessment.
Yes. Funding can be structured for pharmacies operating through limited companies or partnerships. The structure will depend on lender preference and the specifics of the transaction.
Timescales vary depending on the lender, deal complexity, and legal process. In most cases, we expect to obtain indicative terms within 24 hours and receive an offer subject to a satisfactory business valuation within a matter of days. However, depending on how long it takes for the valuation to be completed, it may take several weeks to receive the full offer of finance. So, early advice is strongly recommended.
Pharmacy finance is a specialist area of lending. Using a broker with experience in the sector can improve access to lenders, help structure the deal correctly, and avoid unnecessary delays or declined applications.
You may also get a better interest rate via a broker than going direct to a lender.
Yes. An initial conversation can help you understand what’s possible before making any commitments. Many buyers find this helpful before agreeing on a purchase price or progressing with solicitors. It can also be positive in terms of building a relationship with your broker.
Supporting UK Businesses
As a member of the NACFB – National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers, Fifty Nine Financial is able to fully support our clients with a wide range of commercial finance solutions.
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