How to buy and sell a home together

“It’s all about being prepared.”

“Before you begin any property process, you need to have a detailed discussion with your banking institution and have your finances sorted. It depends on your situation, but bridging finance can be an option for many people. You just need to be organised. I believe more people are prepared to look at this option nowadays, especially with interest rates at record lows,” McCabe says.

1. Should you buy or sell first?

In a rising market, it’s worth considering buying first and selling second, he says.

“This is especially true if you’re upsizing and it can save you thousands. If the property you’re selling is desirable and will have a high level of demand, there’s no reason you can’t look to buy first. It is a little unusual, but I have seen it done,” McCabe says.

2. What about time?

When it comes to selling in spring, McCabe says the sooner the better.

He says vendors who sell in the early part of spring – before the AFL grand final in the Melbourne market – can capitalise on pent-up demand and a peak in prices off the back of the quiet winter period.

“Those who sell early have the rest of spring and early summer to find a property, during a period of strong supply, before clearance rates level off. It’s possible to have sold, bought and moved into a new property – all before Christmas,” he says.

“It’s all about research and being prepared. Know what your current property is worth, do the sums with your financier, know what you want to buy and what you’ll be prepared to be pay for it … and be smart.”

3. What is simultaneous settlement?

A simultaneous settlement means the settlement for the sale of your old home and the purchase of your new one happens simultaneously.