Starting or relocating a medical practice is one of the biggest decisions a healthcare professional can make.
While London is often seen as the obvious choice, many dentists, GPs and other healthcare providers are discovering the benefits of setting up outside the capital, in areas such as Essex, Hertfordshire and Kent.
From lower costs to stronger community connections, practising in towns and smaller cities across the UK can create a healthier future for both your business and your work-life balance.
Lower Rent Means More Room to Grow
One of the biggest advantages of opening a practice outside London is the cost of premises. Commercial rents in many parts of the UK are significantly lower than in the capital, making it easier to find a space that suits your needs without stretching your budget.
Office rental costs in London are among the highest in Europe, with prime locations costing several times more than equivalent properties in regional towns and cities. Lower overheads in areas like Essex, Harlow and Hertfordshire mean more money can be invested where it matters most, whether that’s modern equipment, new technology or expanding your team.
Reducing fixed costs can also make it easier for new practice owners to grow steadily without taking on unnecessary financial pressure.
Communities Need Local Healthcare
Many areas outside London have a growing demand for healthcare services, particularly dentistry. As populations continue to increase and existing practitioners retire, many towns are looking for new professionals to serve local families.
According to NHS England, around 98% of the population is already registered with a GP practice, while access to NHS dental care remains a challenge in many parts of the country.
Millions of people have reported difficulty finding an NHS dentist in recent years, highlighting the need for more practices across the UK.
This creates an opportunity to provide an essential service while building a successful and sustainable business.
Become Part of the Community
Working in a smaller town or regional city often allows healthcare professionals to build stronger relationships with patients.
“Instead of treating people who travel across a large city, you’ll often care for generations of the same family,” says Harpreet Varaith of Gabriels Hill in Kent. “We have treated some of the same people for over 25 years. Children become teenagers, then adults, and eventually bring their own children to the practice.”
“These long-term relationships help build trust and create a rewarding working environment. Patients value familiar faces, and practitioners become recognised members of the local community rather than simply another healthcare provider.”
Many practice owners also become involved in local events, schools and charities, strengthening their reputation while making a genuine difference to the area they serve.
Build Lasting Friendships
Running a practice is about much more than business. It is also about people.
Smaller communities often make it easier to develop meaningful friendships with patients, neighbouring businesses and other healthcare professionals. Local networking events, community groups and business organisations provide opportunities to meet people who share an interest in supporting the area.
These relationships can lead to referrals, collaborations and valuable support throughout your career.
For many practice owners, this sense of belonging becomes one of the most rewarding aspects of working outside London.
Attract Loyal Local Staff
Recruiting and retaining great employees can be easier in areas where people are looking for long-term careers rather than short-term opportunities.
“If people are constantly having to commute into London, you may find you end up losing them when they start families or can’t keep up with the living and travel costs,” explains Erika Schoeman of Elegance Dental based in Hertfordshire.
“Lower living costs outside London often make salaries go further, helping practices like ours attract experienced receptionists, dental nurses, hygienists and administrative staff who want stability and a better quality of life.”
The Office for National Statistics reports that average house prices in London remain substantially higher than the UK average, making affordability a major challenge for many workers. In contrast, many regional towns offer more affordable housing, shorter commutes and improved work-life balance.
Staff who enjoy living locally are also more likely to stay with the practice, creating consistency for patients and reducing recruitment costs.
A Healthier Future for Everyone
Choosing to establish a medical or dental practice outside London is about more than saving money. It offers the chance to become part of a community, build lasting relationships and create a practice that grows alongside the people it serves.
Lower property costs, increasing demand for healthcare and access to committed local staff all contribute to a stronger foundation for long-term success.
For many practitioners, moving beyond the capital is not a compromise. It is an opportunity to build a thriving practice while enjoying a better balance between professional success and personal fulfilment.
