Do you sell before you buy OR buy before you sell?

Do you sell before you buy OR buy before you sell?

It’s one of the most common questions homeowners ask: “What should I do first - find my next home or get mine on the market?”

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But there is a smarter way to approach it so you don’t end up rushed, stressed, or missing out on the property you really want. 

Start by knowing your numbers. You’ve already taken the first step by checking your online valuation, but that estimate can only take you so far. An in-person valuation shows you what your home could actually achieve in the market right now. Once you know that figure, the rest of the process becomes clearer - you know what you can afford, how fast you could move, and what your options really look like. 

Register as a buyer early. You don’t need to be on the market to start looking. When you register for property alerts, you’ll see homes before they hit the portals, giving you a head start. This way, when the right home appears, you won’t be scrambling to get organised - you’ll already be halfway there.


So which comes first? For most sellers, the best approach is to prepare early: understand your value, know your buying position, and get the groundwork in place before you fall in love with your next home. It puts you in control and removes a lot of the pressure. 

If you’re weighing up your next move, book your free in-person market appraisal. It’s the easiest way to get clarity on where you stand and make sure you’re ready when the right property appears.



Get in touch with us

The Bank of England has made its first interest rate cut in four months, bringing the base rate down to 3.75%. But what impact will this have on your property journey, whether you're buying or selling in the UK?

If you’re planning to sell in early 2026, now is the time to understand the timeline, the preparation and the steps that will help you move smoothly from listing to completion.

Your online valuation was a great starting point, but it’s only a rough guide. Algorithms can’t walk through your home, see the upgrades you’ve made, or understand the demand we’re currently getting from buyers. That’s why in-person valuations are always more accurate.

Homeowners ask this all the time, and the honest answer is simple: the “right” time depends on your plans, not the headlines.