When it comes to moving home, one of the first big questions is: should you sell your current property before you buy your next one?

It’s a decision that feels especially important here in East Lothian, where homes in areas like North Berwick, Dunbar, Gullane, Aberlady and Haddington are in high demand and sometimes go under offer within a week. While it might feel ‘safer’ to secure your next property first, in reality, selling before you buy almost always puts you in the stronger position. More and more buyers are seeing their offers turned down because they still need to sell their own property first. In today’s fast-moving market, sellers don’t want the added risk of waiting for another sale to go through – especially when a chain-free buyer is ready to move quickly.

Here are the benefits of selling first;

You’re a more attractive buyer.

In East Lothian, competition for homes is fierce. Being ‘chain-free’ makes you far more appealing to sellers, because it shows you can move quickly and without complications. In multiple-offer situations, this can give you a real edge (sometimes even over higher offers). It provides you with the flexibility to move fast, without being held back by the timing of your own sale. Sellers love this – and it could be the difference between getting your dream home or losing out.

You’ll know your exact budget.

By selling your home first, you’ll know exactly how much you’ve achieved for it before bidding on your next. That gives you financial certainty and confidence to offer competitively when the right home comes up. Perhaps you can afford a little more than you initially thought? Perhaps you’ll have a larger budget for future refurbishments/improvements?

Less risk, fewer delays.

Property chains can cause stress and setbacks – if one link fails, everything/everyone is delayed. By selling before you buy, you remove that risk entirely, making the process simpler for everyone involved.

What about the gap? Will I be ‘homeless’?

Understandably, many people worry about where they’ll live between selling and buying. Short-term renting, staying with family, or using temporary accommodation are the most common solutions. While it might feel inconvenient, that short gap is usually outweighed by the advantage you gain as a buyer. Your purchaser may even be happy to allow you the time to find something yourself before moving in, and you can align the entry dates.

Our advice?

In East Lothian’s busy market, selling first isn’t just a smart strategy, it’s often the key to securing the home you really want. If you’re planning a move our team can guide you through the process, help you line up the timing, and make sure you’re in the strongest position possible when it comes to buying your next property.

Thinking of moving? Contact Cameron Thomson from Paris Steele today for a free property valuation and expert advice on how to get started. Email
cthomson@parissteele.com, call us on 01620 497497, or pop into our North Berwick or Dunbar offices – we’d love to help.