🏡 Buy First or Sell First? Making the Right Move for You

🏡 Buy First or Sell First? Making the Right Move for You

One of the questions we’re asked most often is: “Should I sell my home before buying my next one, or the other way around?” There’s no simple answer — it depends on your situation, the market, and what feels right for you. But understanding the pros and cons of each option can help you move forward with confidence.

🏠 Selling First: Clearer Finances, Less Pressure - For many, selling first offers a greater sense of financial clarity and control.

✔️ Financial Certainty - By selling your home first, you’ll know exactly how much you have to spend on your next property — no guesswork, no surprises.

✔️ Less Financial Risk - You won’t be juggling two mortgages or relying on bridging loans, helping to keep stress levels low and budgeting more manageable.

✔️ Stronger Position as a Buyer - With the cash in place, you may be in a better position when negotiating on your next purchase — especially in a competitive market.

⚠️ One Consideration: If you don’t find your next home right away, you may need to plan for temporary accommodation or explore a leaseback arrangement.

🏡 Buying First: A Seamless Transition - If you'd prefer a smoother move without temporary housing in between, buying first might suit you better.

✔️ No Gaps Between Moves - You can move straight from your old home into your new one — no storage, no short-term lets, no extra stress.

✔️ Time to Find the Right Place - Without the pressure of having already sold, you can take a little more time to make sure your next home is just right.

✔️ Avoid Missing Out - If the market is hot and you see something you love, buying first helps you secure it before someone else does.

⚠️ One Consideration: You’ll need to be comfortable managing two mortgages, at least for a short period. Bridge financing or other funding options may help. (If you'd like to chat with our in-house mortgage advisor, who has access to the whole market, click here.

💡 Not Sure Which Way to Go? Here Are a Few Tips:

🧾 Review Your Finances: Can you comfortably carry two mortgages? Or would it feel better to know your budget upfront?

📈 Consider Market Conditions: In a seller’s market, it might make sense to sell first. In a buyer’s market, securing your next home first can be a smart move.

🛟 Have a Back-Up Plan: Whichever route you take, plan for the "what ifs." Temporary housing, leasebacks, bridging loans — we can help you explore your options.

Let’s Talk It Through - Still weighing things up? We’re always happy to talk it through. And if you’re not quite ready to make a move yet, that’s fine too — we can help you get Market Ready, so you’re in a strong position when the right property does come along.

Whether you’re thinking about selling, buying, or just testing the waters, we’d love to hear from you.

📅 Book your appointment now for expert advice and an up-to-date valuation.

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After 33 years in their family home, Charles and Lesley Garner have embarked on an exciting new chapter, having just moved into a stylish two-bedroom bungalow at The Croft—a boutique development by Cotswold Homes in the charming village of Down Ampney, near Cirencester.

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