When you’re planning a move, one of the first big questions people often ask us is:
“Should I sell first or buy first?”
It’s a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation. And there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But with a little clarity and the right guidance, you can make a move that feels confident and not chaotic.
Option 1: Selling First
Selling first means you’ll know exactly how much you’ve got to spend, and it puts you in a stronger position when negotiating on your next home.
You’ll be what agents call a “proceedable buyer”, which sellers love. In many cases, it can even help you win against competing offers.
The challenge?
You’ll need to be proactive once you have agreed on a sale, and we recommend to go out viewing for your next property purchase as soon as your home is live. This way, once you have some strong interest in your own property, you’ve got a much better idea of what’s in the market and how much you will need to spend.
Option 2: Buying First
Some people prefer to start house-hunting right away, especially if they’ve seen their dream home come to market.
The risk is that you’re relying on your current home to sell quickly and at the right price, so the pressure is on. If your marketing process drags, and finding the right buyer takes a little longer than expected, it can complicate your onward move and cost you money.
That’s why many buyers choose to line up with their agent early, agree on a clear marketing plan, and get an in-person market appraisal done in advance. That way, as soon as they spot the right home, they’re ready to hit “go” on their own sale.
Option 3
Some homeowners we help choose a third option:
Get everything ready behind the scenes before making a move.
That means arranging an in-person valuation, understanding your property’s true market value, and getting advice from your local property expert at Brookings, who knows your area and how to get you the best price.
It doesn’t commit you to anything, but it does give you options. You’ll know where you stand, what your home could sell for, and what’s possible when the time is right, even if that is more than 6 months away.
Start with a no-pressure market appraisal
We offer a free, in-person valuation where we take the time to understand your goals and explain how the selling process works. We do this clearly, honestly, and without any pressure.
There’s no commitment. Just practical advice from people who genuinely want to help.
Whether you’re planning a move in 6 weeks or 6 months, an accurate valuation is the first step toward selling with confidence.
Send an email to salesteam@brookings.co.uk or give us a call at 020 8591 9088 to book a free in-person valuation.
