How to Sell and Buy a House at the Same Time | Guide

Can You Really Sell and Buy at the Same Time?

Selling your current home while purchasing a new one is one of the most complex real estate transactions you can undertake. While same-day settlements are rare, with the right strategy and an experienced agent, you can coordinate both transactions smoothly.

The key challenges include:

• Timing – Aligning two separate settlements
• Finance – Managing mortgage obligations on both properties
• Logistics – Avoiding temporary accommodation between moves
• Negotiation – Balancing your position as both buyer and seller

Below are four proven strategies to help you navigate this process successfully.

Strategy 1: Extend the Settlement Period

A simultaneous settlement sounds ideal but is difficult to achieve when both transactions depend on each other. If one is delayed, both can fall apart.

How it works:

• If you sell first: Negotiate an extended settlement period (3–6 months) in your sale contract, giving you time to find and settle on a new property
• If you buy first: Request an extended settlement from the seller, allowing time to sell your existing home

Tips for success:

• Offer an incentive (e.g., higher price or flexible terms) to encourage the other party to agree
• Work with a skilled selling agent who can negotiate favourable settlement terms
• Be upfront about your situation—transparency builds trust

Pro tip: Extended settlements work best in balanced markets. In hot markets, sellers may reject longer timeframes.

Strategy 2: Make Your Offer "Subject to Sale"

This approach lets you purchase a new property conditional on selling your current home first.

How it works:

• You include a "subject to sale" clause in your purchase contract
• You only proceed with the purchase once your existing property sells
• You avoid paying two mortgages or needing temporary accommodation

The trade-off: Sellers may prefer unconditional offers from other buyers. To make your conditional offer more attractive:

• Offer a competitive price – A higher offer can tempt sellers to wait
• Set clear deadlines – Specify dates for your contract to go unconditional and settle
• Show proof of market activity – Demonstrate your property is actively listed and attracting interest

What if conditions aren't met? If you fail to sell by the agreed date, either party can typically terminate the contract. This protects both sides but means you could lose your dream home if your sale takes too long.

Strategy 3: Use a Bridging Loan

If you want to buy before selling, a bridging loan can bridge the financial gap between the two transactions.

How it works:

• The lender provides short-term finance to cover both properties
• You typically pay interest-only during the bridging period
• Once your existing property sells, the bridging loan is repaid and your new mortgage begins

Key considerations:

• Equity required – You'll generally need significant equity in your current home to qualify
• Interest accumulates – Unpaid interest is added to your final loan amount
• Lender conditions vary – Different lenders use different models to calculate bridging amounts
• Risk factor – If your property takes longer to sell than expected, costs increase

Before applying:

• Get a realistic property appraisal to understand your equity position
• Compare bridging loan products from multiple lenders
• Calculate worst-case scenarios if your sale is delayed

Important: Bridging loans suit sellers confident their property will sell quickly. If your local market is slow, this strategy carries higher risk.

Strategy 4: Sell Quickly to Reduce Chain Complexity

The faster you sell, the more flexibility you have when buying. Long sales chains create delays and increase the risk of transactions falling through.

Options for a faster sale:

• Auction – Sets a fixed date for sale completion, giving you certainty on timing. Risk: Property may sell below expectations or fail to sell
• Quick sale companies – Cash buyers who purchase directly from you. Trade-off: You'll receive less than full market value
• Experienced agent – An agent with a track record of fast sales can price, market, and negotiate effectively to minimise time on market

How LocalAgentFinder helps: Compare real estate agents based on their average days on market, recent sales, and seller reviews. Finding an agent who sells properties quickly in your area gives you a significant advantage.

5 Tips for Managing Both Transactions Smoothly

1. Stay Organised

Keep all documentation current and accessible. Respond to requests from agents, lawyers, and conveyancers promptly. Being the cause of delays puts both transactions at risk.

2. Be Proactive With Your Sale

Don't rely solely on your agent—take action yourself:

• Declutter and style your home for photos and inspections
• Share your listing on social media and property groups
• Be flexible with inspection times to maximise buyer access

3. Look for Properties With Short Chains

Prioritise homes that are already vacant or have motivated sellers ready to move quickly. This reduces your risk of delays on the buying side.

4. Align Your Agents

If possible, use agents who communicate well and understand your dual transaction. Some sellers use the same agency for both buying and selling to streamline coordination.

5. Have a Backup Plan

Know what you'll do if timelines don't align:

• Short-term rental – Budget for temporary accommodation if needed
• Storage – Arrange furniture storage in case of a gap between settlements
• Family or friends – Have a fallback option for a few weeks if required

Why the Right Agent Makes All the Difference

Selling and buying simultaneously is a major financial decision. The right real estate agent can:

• Coordinate timing – Align both settlements to minimise gaps
• Negotiate effectively – Secure extended settlements or favourable conditions
• Price accurately – Avoid delays caused by overpricing
• Manage the process – Keep all parties informed and on track
• Reduce stress – Handle the complexity so you don't have to

An experienced agent who understands your situation can be the difference between a smooth transition and a stressful ordeal.

Compare Agents to Find the Right One for You

LocalAgentFinder helps you compare real estate agents in your area based on:

• Commission rates and fees – Understand what you'll pay
• Sales history – See recent results in your suburb
• Marketing strategies – Compare how agents will promote your property
• Verified reviews – Read feedback from other homeowners

Why Sellers Choose LocalAgentFinder

• Free service – No cost, no obligation
• Side-by-side comparison – Evaluate multiple agents at once
• Trusted since 2007 – Connecting Australian homeowners with top agents

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you're selling first, buying first, or trying to do both at once—the right agent makes it easier.

Compare Real Estate Agents

Key Takeaways

• Extended settlements give you time to coordinate both transactions
• Subject to sale clauses protect you but may weaken your offer
• Bridging loans let you buy first—but carry financial risk
• Fast sales reduce chain complexity and give you more flexibility
• The right agent can coordinate timing, negotiate terms, and manage the process