Should You Buy a House First or Sell First?
By Leigh Martinuzzi | Martinuzzi Property Group – eXp Australia
Moving to a new home usually means making a decision about your current one too. And for a lot of homeowners, the biggest question is this: do you buy first, or sell first?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
The right move depends on the market you’re in, your finances, and how much certainty (or flexibility) you need. The key is weighing the pros and cons of each option so you can choose the path that suits your situation, not someone else’s. A smart starting point is looking at the current market. Are we in a buyer’s market or a seller’s market?
If it’s a buyer’s market
In a buyer’s market, there are more homes for sale and fewer buyers competing. That typically means properties take longer to sell and prices can be under pressure. In this scenario, selling first can be the safer option. It gives you clarity on your budget and reduces the risk of being stuck with two properties if the sale takes longer than expected.
If it’s a seller’s market
In a seller’s market, there are fewer homes available and plenty of buyers. Competition is stronger, which can push prices up and help homes sell faster. In this case, buying first can make sense, because there’s a good chance your current home will sell quickly and at a price you’re comfortable with.
Your Finances Matter More Than the Market
Market conditions are important, but your financial position matters even more. Before deciding what to do first, you need a clear picture of your “wiggle room”:
- How much equity do you have?
- Can your income comfortably cover repayments if there’s a short overlap?
- Would you need bridging finance?
- How would you cope if your home took longer to sell than expected?
If you want certainty and a clean budget before you commit to a purchase, selling first is usually the better option. You’ll know exactly what you’re working with and can move forward with confidence. If you have a strong income and enough equity, you may be able to buy first without needing to sell immediately.
Either way, it’s always worth speaking with an expert before making a call. A local real estate agent can help you understand your market, likely sale timelines, and realistic pricing, so you can make a decision based on facts, not guesswork.
Buying Before Selling – Pros
Peace of mind
- You can lock in your next home first, so you’re not stressing about finding somewhere to go if your current property sells quickly.
Using equity for a deposit
- You may be able to access equity in your current home to fund your deposit, which can open up more options when buying.
Stronger negotiating position
- Sellers often prefer buyers who aren’t relying on another sale. If your offer isn’t conditional, it can look cleaner and more attractive.
More time to shop around
- You can take your time comparing homes, attending open homes, and choosing the right location without feeling rushed.
Smoother transition
- Buying first can make life easier, especially for families. It reduces disruption to schooling, work routines, and day-to-day life.
Buying Before Selling – Cons
You may need bridging finance
- Buying first can mean bridging finance or a tighter timeline, which can add pressure to sell within a certain window.
Risk of a sale price shortfall
- If your current home sells for less than expected, you may need to cover the gap, which can affect your overall budget.
Pressure to accept a lower offer
- If time is working against you, you might feel pushed to take an offer you wouldn’t otherwise accept.
Double mortgage repayments
- For a period, you may be paying two mortgages (or mortgage plus rent), which can put real strain on cash flow.
Market movement risk
- If the market shifts while you’re selling, your final outcome may be different than you planned, particularly if conditions soften.
Selling Before Buying – Pros
Clear financial picture
- Once your home is sold, you know exactly how much you have available for your next purchase.
Simpler budgeting
- You can plan more accurately, including purchase costs, moving costs, renovations, and furnishings, without guessing what your sale result will be.
More negotiating freedom
- With time on your side, you can negotiate with less pressure and potentially secure a better deal.
Less financial strain
- Selling first reduces the risk of juggling two properties and avoids the stress of double repayments.
Selling Before Buying – Cons
You could feel rushed to buy
- If your home sells quickly, you may need to find a new place fast, which can lead to rushed decisions.
Prices could rise while you wait
- If the market lifts between your sale and your purchase, you might find your buying power doesn’t stretch as far as you hoped.
You may need temporary accommodation
- You might need to rent or stay elsewhere in between homes, and those costs can add up.
Fewer choices under time pressure
- If stock is low or competition is strong, urgency can force compromises on location, features, or price.
More emotional stress
- A fast-moving timeline can feel intense, especially when you’re trying to make a major decision quickly.
Final Take
Buying before selling can give you flexibility and a smoother transition, but it often comes with financial pressure and added risk. Selling before buying offers clarity and control, but you may need a backup plan for where you’ll live and what you’ll do if prices move.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your market conditions, your financial position, and your personal comfort with risk and uncertainty. The goal is to choose the option that lets you move forward with confidence, not stress.
At Martinuzzi Property Group, we believe selling (and buying) should feel clear, calm, and well-managed, not confusing or rushed. Our approach is built on radical honesty, genuine care, exceptional communication, and outstanding results. That means you’ll always know where you stand, what your options are, and what the smartest next step looks like for your situation.
Thinking of selling or even just considering your options? If you’re planning a move and wondering whether to buy first or sell first, reach out to the team at Martinuzzi Property Group. We’re happy to help you map out the right strategy, understand the current market, and move forward with confidence.
👉 Get in touch with us today and and let’s give you fantastic results that you deserve.
Request Your Free Market Appraisal Today!
Click here to book your appraisal
SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date with all the latest property insights and news.
Click Here to Subscribe
The Sunshine Coast Seller’s Guide to Choosing the Right Agent
Get Your Free Guide Here
Just Listed Your Home? Here’s What Happens Next (And How to Get Ready for a Great Result)
Download the Guide Here