How long does it take to sell an accounting practice?
Selling an accounting practice usually takes 6–9 months from preparation to handover. This guide explains what affects timelines, from pricing to succession planning, and how owners can prepare for a smoother, faster sale.
Alfie Charles |
September 29, 2025 |
2 min read
Time often becomes the real price tag. Sellers frequently find that completing a sale can stretch far longer than expected. A general timeline helps practice owners plan with clarity.
Typical Timelines
Selling a practice starts long before the contract exchange. Finding buyers can take weeks—or even years. One guide warns that sales can stretch out if asking prices or expectations are unrealistic. That’s why early planning matters (Maximiti, 2023).
If everything aligns—price, position, demand—deals may complete in about three months from offer to completion. Rapid, distressed sales do happen, sometimes in a few days, but they come with lower prices.
Buyers Are Active in 2025
This year, buyer interest in accountancy practices is strong. Private capital is back, with firms ready to invest in 2025. There is particular excitement for cloud-based and well-run practices with recurring income (Bains Watts, Aug 2025).
What Affects the Sale Time
Several key factors influence how long a sale takes:
• Realistic pricing speeds things up. Overpriced firms often sit unsold.
• Preparation counts. Firms with tidy accounts and strong client data move quicker.
• Succession planning matters. Buyers value firms that run well without the owner.
• Broker support speeds the process. Specialist brokers match buyers faster.
Handover Period
After a sale, a handover phase is common. Most deals include two months of seller availability, helping with client introductions and smoothing the transition (ICAEW Guide).
Summary Timeline
Sale phase
Typical duration
Preparation
Several months
Buyer search & offer
4–12 weeks
Completion to handover
2 months
Total timeline*
~6–9 months
*Depends on preparation, market, and pricing.
Selling a practice is more than closing a deal. It’s about finding the right buyer and ensuring continuity. Kingsman Partners helps owners plan realistic timelines, price their firm properly, and navigate the sale confidently.
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