Deciding to move is exciting; deciding whether to sell first or buy first is where things get complicated. The order you choose affects your negotiating strength, your financial comfort, and how smoothly your move unfolds.

Selling first appeals to homeowners who want clarity. Once your sale completes, you become a chain‑free buyer, which gives you a real advantage when negotiating on your next home.

You also know exactly what you can afford, reducing financial risk. The downside is timing. Without an onward purchase lined up, you may need temporary rental accommodation, which offers flexibility but can mean moving twice and dealing with storage or short‑term leases.

Buying first offers a different kind of reassurance. You secure your next home before letting go of your current one, which is ideal if you’ve already found the right property. But this makes your move chain‑dependent, leaving you vulnerable to delays or fall‑throughs. It may also require covering two mortgages temporarily or turning to bridging finance, a useful but more expensive way to bridge the gap between transactions.

Some vendors choose to sell first and rent in the interim, breaking the chain entirely. This gives you maximum freedom when searching for your next home, though the double move and rental costs are important considerations.

Ultimately, the right choice depends on your finances, your appetite for uncertainty, and the pace of your local market. Selling first suits those who want negotiating power and financial clarity, while buying first works best for those who’ve already found the right home and can comfortably manage the overlap.