Should I Sell Before I Buy? Pros and Cons Explained

By James Evans, Director, TouchPoint Mortgages.

🏡 Should I Sell Before I Buy? Pros and Cons Explained

One of the most common questions homeowners ask when planning a move is:
“Should I sell my current home before buying the next one?”

The answer isn’t always straightforward. Your financial position, market conditions, and personal preferences all play a role.

In this blog, we break down the pros and cons of selling before you buy, and how working with a local mortgage advisor in Littlehampton or Rustington can help you decide what’s best.

Selling First – The Pros

✅ Once you’ve sold, you’ll know the exact equity you have to use as a deposit — making your onward purchase more straightforward.

✅This puts you in a stronger position when negotiating and increases your chances of getting an offer accepted quickly.

✅There’s no ticking clock or pressure to align both deals. You can rent temporarily if needed and take your time house-hunting.

Selling First – The Cons

❌If you sell before buying, you may need to rent or stay with family — which could mean two moves (and two lots of costs).

❌If there’s a gap between selling and buying, rising house prices could leave you needing to borrow more than expected.

❌Packing, removals, and setup costs can all double if you sell, move out, and then buy again later.

Buying Before Selling – The Pros

✅Find your next home, complete, and move without needing to rent or store your belongings.

✅Especially helpful if you have young children or work from home — it avoids temporary disruption between moves.

Buying Before Selling – The Cons

❌Buying first often requires more complex financing. You may need to remortgage or take out a bridging loan, which can be expensive and high risk.

❌If your current home hasn’t sold yet, sellers may see your offer as less secure.

How a Mortgage Advisor Can Help

At TouchPoint Mortgages, we can:

Work out your maximum borrowing capacity
Advise whether porting your mortgage could work (see our blog on How Porting Your Mortgage Works)
Talk you through remortgage vs bridging options
Help you line up your timelines so you avoid unnecessary stress

💬 Not sure which route to take? Start with a no-obligation chat with a mortgage advisor in Rustington or Littlehampton.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to selling before buying. It all depends on your personal circumstances, finances, and goals.

At TouchPoint Mortgages, we help you weigh up all the options, so you can make a decision that feels right — and works financially.

👉 Explore your Homemover options
👉 Speak to a mortgage advisor in Littlehampton or Rustington
👉 Read our guide on porting your mortgage to see if keeping your current deal is possible

get in touch

Send your message and we will be in touch, alternatively you can book an appointment to chat to one of our team.