Should You Sell Before You Buy in Christchurch? Let’s Talk About It.

1 November 2025

It’s a question I get all the time — “Should I sell my home before I buy the next one?”

And honestly? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It really depends on your situation, your finances, and how much stress you’re comfortable taking on. But what I can do is help you weigh up both sides — the good, the bad, and the “depends on how brave you’re feeling!”

Let’s break it down together.

Selling First — The Safer, Smarter Move (for Most People)

For many Christchurch homeowners, selling before you buy just makes sense. It’s the less stressful option — you’ve got clarity, you know your budget, and you don’t have to juggle two mortgages at once.

Why Selling First Can Work Well

You’ll Know Exactly What You Can Spend

Once your home is sold, you’ve got real numbers in front of you — not guesses. That means you can shop with confidence and avoid overstretching.

No Bridging Finance or Double Mortgage Headaches

Holding two properties sounds nice in theory… until you’re paying interest on both. Selling first keeps things simple (and your wallet happy).

Stronger When You’re Buying

If you’ve already sold, your next offer isn’t tangled up with “subject to sale” conditions. That can make all the difference in a competitive market.

You Can Take Your Time

If you need to rent for a few months or bunk in with family while you house-hunt, that’s okay. You’ll make your next move on your terms — not because you’re racing the clock.

The Downsides

You might need temporary accommodation if your dream home hasn’t shown up yet. If prices rise between your sale and your next purchase, you could end up paying more later. But for most people, the trade-off is worth the peace of mind.

Buying First — When the Right Home Comes Along

Sometimes though, you spot the one. It’s perfect — and you can’t bear the thought of losing it while you wait for your own place to sell.

Why Buying First Can Work

You Secure Your Dream Home

If you’ve been hunting for a while and finally find the one, buying first means you don’t have to let it slip away.

No Moving Twice

You can go straight from your old front door to your new one — no short-term rentals, no storage units, no double move.

The Downsides

Bridging Finance Isn’t Cheap

You’ll likely need short-term lending to cover both homes. Interest costs can add up quickly, and it’s not always easy to qualify.

Pressure to Sell Fast

If your current home takes longer to sell, you might start to feel the pinch — or accept a lower offer than you’d hoped for.

It’s Riskier

Carrying two mortgages can feel stressful, especially in a steady market like Christchurch where sales aren’t instant.

Here’s What I’m Seeing in Christchurch Right Now

Our market is pretty balanced at the moment — there’s steady buyer activity, but properties aren’t flying out the door overnight. That’s why I usually tell my clients: if you can, sell first. It gives you more control, less stress, and clearer numbers.

But — and it’s a big but — if your finances are solid, your current home is likely to sell easily, and you’ve found the perfect next step… then buying first can absolutely work. It’s all about having a solid plan and a trusted advisor in your corner.

A Few Tips to Make Either Option Easier

• Chat to your mortgage adviser early. Ask about pre-approval or bridging finance options.

• Get your current home ready to go. Even if you don’t list it right away, have photos and paperwork ready so you can move fast if needed.

• Work with an agent who’s hands-on. Timing the sale and purchase can be tricky — but with the right strategy, you can make it smooth and stress-free.

At the end of the day, every move is personal. Your goals, your finances, your timing — they all matter. If you’re sitting there wondering which way to go, let’s chat it through. I can help you weigh up your options and find the right path forward for you. Because when you plan it right, moving doesn’t have to be scary — it can actually be exciting.

Thinking about your next move? I’d love to help you map out your best strategy — whether that’s selling, buying, or just exploring your options.