One of the biggest questions when you move is whether to buy your next home first or sell your current one before you buy. Both have advantages and risks, and the right choice depends on your finances, the market and your own circumstances.
Buying first
For many people, buying first feels like the safer option. You secure the next home without the pressure of finding something quickly once yours has sold, which matters most when good homes are scarce. You know where you're going, and you're less likely to need temporary accommodation or storage if the dates don't line up.
The risk is financial. Until your current home sells, you don't know exactly what it will fetch, so it's hard to set a firm budget for the next one. Some buyers also need bridging finance, which adds cost and pressure if the first home takes longer to sell than expected.
Bridging finance has also become harder to get. When the Reserve Bank raised rates again in March 2026, Monique told View.com.au what she was seeing:
“Many buyers who would typically prefer to secure their next home before selling are finding themselves at a disadvantage, as several banks have recently reassessed their lending portfolios and are now limiting or withdrawing relocation and bridging finance options.”
Talk to your lender before you commit to buying first, not after.
Selling first
Selling first gives you financial certainty. Once the sale is done, you know exactly what you have to work with and can look for your next home within that budget. It can also strengthen your position when you negotiate, because sellers tend to see you as a serious, prepared buyer.
The downside is the pressure to find somewhere quickly once your home has sold. In a fast-moving market, that can lead to rushed decisions or settling for less than you wanted.
Ways to make either work
Whichever way you go, timing and planning matter. A few things can take the pressure off:
- flexible settlement terms
- an extended settlement
- a rent-back arrangement, where you stay on in the home you've sold for an agreed period
- careful planning around both sets of dates.
Every move is different. We help clients work out which order suits them, starting with a realistic idea of what their current home is likely to sell for.
