Buying and Selling at the Same Time

Property Guides · Planning your move

Buying your next home while selling your current one can feel like a balancing act. Start with a plan for your budget, the order of the two transactions and where you’ll live if the dates don’t quite line up. Your agent, lawyer and lender can help you work through the options.

Start with your budget and timing

Think about when you’d like to move, whether that date is flexible and how much you can borrow. If you need the proceeds from your sale to buy, let your lawyer and lender know early. We can help you plan your sale and search around those arrangements.

Compare three possible sequences

Sell first, then buy

This can make the sale outcome clearer before you choose the next property. The practical question is where you will live if you have not completed a purchase when your sale settles. Price storage and temporary accommodation and decide how much flexibility you have over location and timing.

Buy first, then sell

Speak to your lender before assuming you can hold both properties or use bridging finance. Ask for a written explanation of eligibility, total costs and what happens if your current home takes longer to sell or sells for less than planned. Settled explains the cost and risk of bridging finance.

Coordinate the two agreements

Ask your lawyer how any conditions and proposed settlement arrangements should be documented. Do not assume matching dates remove all timing risk. Make a backup plan for movers, possessions, pets and overnight accommodation if the sequence changes.

Keep the two timelines together

Keep two columns headed “property I am selling” and “property I am buying”. For each, record the following, using adviser-confirmed dates rather than estimates where possible:

• Address and main agent contact.
• Lawyer or conveyancer contact.
• Agreement stage and any decision still outstanding.
• Conditions, deadlines and the person responsible for each action.
• Deposit arrangements and when funds must be available.
• Pre-settlement inspection arrangements.
• Settlement date, insurance arrangements and key collection process.
• Moving, storage and temporary accommodation bookings.

Note anything that needs to happen first, such as loan approval or an inspection. Keep your financial details private and use the secure channels your advisers recommend.

Questions to resolve before signing

1. What happens if my sale is delayed or the expected proceeds change?
2. Which commitments can I make now and which depend on another event?
3. Who checks that the two agreements work together?
4. When must each payment be available, and who confirms receipt?
5. What costs arise if I need storage or accommodation for longer?
6. Who tells the agent that settlement is complete and keys can be released?

Stay in touch as the dates change

If a date changes, tell your agent, lawyer and lender promptly so they can check what it means for both properties. Keep important arrangements in writing and ask your lawyer to handle any changes to an agreement.

Make a few notes

Print this page or copy the headings into your notes app to keep track of your plans.

Tell us what your move depends on

Use the form below to outline your preferred locations and timing and whether you have a property to sell. Please avoid including bank details or identity documents. We can help you plan the sales and search activity around the advice you receive. Continue with our selling guide, buying guide and moving checklist.

By Kaye McElwain, Licensee Agent, Ray White Mangawhai. Updated 5 October 2026. General information; your advisers can help with your circumstances.