Should You Sell Your Home Before Buying a New One?
Deciding whether to sell your current home before buying your next one is one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners across Twickenham, St Margarets, Chiswick, Shepperton and the surrounding areas. Moving home is a major financial and emotional decision, so it is completely natural to want clarity on the best order in which to do things. Some people feel more comfortable securing their next home before listing their current one, while others prefer the security of having a confirmed sale before starting their search. At David McGeachie Property Sales, we bring almost two decades of local experience to the process and understand how the South West London market behaves. Because we are a small, independent agency, we offer direct, personal guidance rather than a corporate one-size-fits-all approach. Having lived in Twickenham for nearly thirty years and built a business rooted in the local community, we have supported many clients through this same decision. This blog explores when selling first might make sense, when buying first could be the right move and how to plan your journey confidently.
Why Selling Your Home First Can Be the Safer Option
For many homeowners, selling first provides a clear and reassuring foundation for the rest of the move. Once your home is sold, you know exactly how much you will have to work with when searching for your next property. This helps prevent financial overreach, which can happen if you start committing to a purchase before understanding your final sale figure. Because the South West London market is competitive and fast-moving, having your sale completed can also make you a more attractive buyer. Sellers often feel more comfortable accepting an offer from someone who is not dependent on selling their own property. Being chain-free, or at least chain-reduced, can put you ahead of other buyers who still need to find a purchaser.
Selling first also removes the pressure of moving before you are ready. Without a pending purchase waiting on you, you can take the time to secure the right home instead of rushing into something simply because of timing. This approach also avoids the financial strain of bridging loans or the risk of temporarily supporting two mortgages. At our agency, we provide free valuations and honest advice based on experience rather than inflated estimates. Many of our long-standing clients return to us because they trust our straightforward approach. When we give guidance on timing and expected sale prices, it is rooted in genuine market knowledge rather than sales targets, which helps sellers plan more effectively if they choose to sell before buying.
When Buying First Might Be the Right Move
Although selling first is often the more cautious route, there are situations where buying your new home first can be the better choice. If you have the financial flexibility to manage the initial overlap, purchasing first allows you to secure the right home in a fast-moving market. Some areas that we cover, such as Twickenham, St Margarets and Chiswick, regularly attract high levels of demand. When the perfect property appears, waiting for your own sale to complete can result in missed opportunities. Buying first can also make sense if you have a specific deadline that cannot shift, such as a relocation, changes in family circumstances or a schooling requirement.
In some cases, homeowners prefer to buy first because they want the certainty of knowing where they will be moving before allowing viewings of their current home. It can also reduce the disruption of living in a property that is on the market if you feel more comfortable vacating before it is listed. However, buying first does carry greater financial risk. You may temporarily own two properties, meaning two sets of costs, and you may need to sell your current home more quickly than planned. This is why understanding your financial position clearly is essential before choosing this option. We always encourage buyers to speak openly with us about their circumstances so we can guide them on realistic timelines and likely sale outcomes.
Key Questions to Ask Before Making Your Decision
Making the right choice begins with an honest assessment of your circumstances and the conditions of the local market. The first question is how quickly your current home is likely to sell. Our valuations are based on detailed knowledge of South West London and years of experience, and we always provide a realistic assessment rather than an overly optimistic figure. Understanding how your type of property performs in the current climate will help you decide whether selling first aligns with your plans.
You should also consider your financial position. If the sale of your current home is essential for funding your next purchase, selling first is usually the more secure route. If you have savings or equity that allow temporary flexibility, you may feel comfortable buying first. Think about your timeline and how comfortable you are with potential delays. Some people have no issue with a short stay in temporary accommodation, while others prefer a more seamless transition. Reflecting on how you handle uncertainty is also important, as buying first can involve more moving parts.
Practical Strategies if You Choose to Sell First
If you decide that selling first is the right path, preparation is key to achieving the best possible result. A realistic valuation will set the right expectations from the start. Our hands-on service allows us to guide you through preparing your property, from small improvements that increase appeal to ensuring that photographs and presentation reflect the strengths of your home. Many of our testimonials reflect how clients appreciated the personal involvement and honest feedback they received.
While your home is on the market, it is sensible to begin exploring your buying options. Registering your interest early helps you stay informed about suitable properties. Once a firm offer is accepted on your home, you will be in a strong position to negotiate your purchase confidently. With strong communication between all parties, including solicitors and the other agents involved, we help coordinate timings so that your sale and purchase align as smoothly as possible. Because we are a smaller agency, you always deal directly with the same person, which ensures continuity and reduces stress.
Practical Strategies if You Choose to Buy First
If you are buying before selling, the key is to remain realistic and organised. Understanding your borrowing position and the costs associated with temporary overlap is essential. Once your purchase is underway, it is important to list your current home promptly to avoid unnecessary financial pressure. Pricing your property accurately helps ensure it receives interest quickly, and we work closely with sellers in this situation to keep the process moving at a sensible pace. Good communication is especially important if you buy first, as you will want steady updates on viewings, feedback and timing so you can plan accordingly.
Conclusion
There is no universal answer to the question of whether you should sell your home before buying a new one. Both routes have clear advantages and challenges, and the right choice depends on your financial position, your priorities and your comfort level with risk. What matters most is having reliable guidance from someone who understands your local market. At David McGeachie Property Sales, we have built our reputation on honest advice, long-standing relationships and a commitment to personal service. With deep knowledge of Twickenham and the surrounding areas and nearly twenty years of experience, we are here to help you make the choice that works best for you. If you would like to discuss your plans or arrange a free valuation, we would be delighted to help you begin the next step of your move.
