Should I Sell First or Buy First? A Practical Guide for WA Homeowners
This is one of the biggest decisions homeowners face and one of the easiest to get wrong without a plan.
Sell first and you risk being homeless.
Buy first and you risk financial stress.
So what’s the right move?
The honest answer: it depends on your situation, the market, and your risk tolerance. Let’s break it down properly.
Option 1: Selling First
Pros:
Certainty around your budget
No pressure to accept a lower offer
Clear timelines once sold
Cons:
You may need temporary accommodation
Less flexibility when buying
Best suited for:
Sellers with low risk tolerance
Downsizers
Markets where stock is limited
Option 2: Buying First
Pros:
Time to find the right home
Stronger Offers
Smoother move
Cons:
Financial pressure
Reliance on bridging finance or savings
Risk if your home takes longer to sell
Best suited for:
Strong equity positions
Flexible timelines
Buyers confident in demand for their current home
What Is a Subject-to-Sale Strategy?
A subject-to-sale clause allows you to buy a home on the condition that your existing property sells first.
This can:
Reduce risk
Protect your finances
Keep options open
However, not all sellers will accept this — and strong negotiation matters.
Bridging Finance — Helpful or Risky?
Bridging finance can help cover the gap between buying and selling, but it comes with:
Higher interest rates
Strict timelines
Added pressure if the market shifts
It’s a tool not a safety net.
Market Conditions Matter
In a strong seller’s market, buying first can be less risky.
In balanced or uncertain markets, selling first often provides peace of mind.
Local conditions, not headlines, should guide your decision.
There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Answer
The best approach depends on:
Your finances
Your flexibility
Your local market
Your stress tolerance
What matters most is having a clear plan before committing.
Final Thought
This decision affects more than just numbers, it affects your lifestyle, stress levels, and flexibility.
A quick strategy chat early can save months of pressure later.
If you’d like help mapping out the best approach for your situation, I’m always happy to talk it through, no pressure, no obligation.
