If you're a care operator looking to grow your business by buying more homes, securing the right finance is key. Whether you're approaching banks, private equity, or specialist lenders, they all want to see one thing: a capable and trustworthy management team.

Buying more homes is exciting, but investors want to know that you can manage growth without losing control or quality. Here’s what matters most to them — and what you should focus on when raising funds.

1. Show your track record

Investors want proof that you can run care homes well. That means:

• High and stable occupancy
• Strong financial performance (especially profit margins and cashflow)
• Good CQC or CI inspection outcomes
• Evidence you’ve improved or turned around struggling services

If you’ve done this before, make it part of your pitch. If you're new to buying homes, surround yourself with people who’ve done it.

2. Prove you understand regulation

Regulation is one of the biggest risks in care. Investors want to know that you:

• Understand what inspectors look for
• Have a strong compliance and quality system in place
• Can deal with issues before they become major problems

A history of clean or improving reports helps to build trust quickly.

3. Staff: Your biggest asset

Great care needs great staff. Lenders and investors will ask:

• Do you retain your team?
• How much do you rely on agency staff?
• Do your managers stay long-term?
• How do you keep staff motivated and supported?

Having a stable, happy team shows you run your homes well — and that you can scale successfully.

4. Be smart about marketing

An empty bed costs money. A full bed makes money. You need to show that you know how to:

• Keep occupancy high
• Attract private pay residents
• Work with local councils and hospitals
• Promote your homes online and in the community

If you’ve had success filling beds quickly, make sure you share it when asking for funding.

5. Know your numbers

Investors want to see that you understand your business. That includes:

• Weekly occupancy and income figures
• Fee rates and costs per resident
• Agency spend and staff costs
• Profit per home and per bed
• Growth forecasts if you buy new homes

If you can present this clearly and accurately, it gives people confidence that you’re in control.

Final tip: It’s about trust

Whether you’re buying one home or ten, raising finance is about building trust. Show that you have the skills, people, and systems to grow safely and profitably — and that you care about delivering good care.

If you can do that, the money will follow.

Book your free ticket for Care Management Show on 27 June to hear more from Dasos in his session in the Caring Times Owners Club theatre.