Deciding whether to sell or buy first? You're not alone—it’s one of the biggest decisions Ontario homeowners face.

Should You Sell Before You Buy in Ontario?

If you're planning to move, there's a good chance you’ve asked yourself this: Should I sell my home before buying the next one—or buy first, then sell?

It’s one of the most common dilemmas in real estate, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But there is a strategy that’s right for you—and this guide will help you find it.

🟡 Option 1: Sell First, Then Buy

✅ Pros:

• You know exactly how much equity you have to work with
• Less financial pressure—no risk of carrying two mortgages
• Stronger position when buying (no sale condition)

⚠️ Cons:

• Time crunch: You’ll need to find your next home quickly
• May require temporary housing or storage

This option is often ideal in a balanced or slower market, where homes take longer to sell and you don’t want to be stuck owning two properties at once.

🟢 Option 2: Buy First, Then Sell

✅ Pros:

• You can take your time finding the perfect next home
• No need for temporary housing or rushed decisions

⚠️ Cons:

• Risk of carrying two homes (and two mortgages)
• May need bridge financing to close both deals smoothly

This can work well in a hot seller’s market—like Spring in Brockville—where your current home is likely to sell quickly with the right prep and strategy.

💸 How Bridge Financing Works in Ontario

Bridge financing is a short-term loan that lets you access the equity from your existing home so you can buy before it closes.

It’s a useful option if your current home is already under contract, but the closing date comes after your purchase. Most lenders offer bridge loans for 30 to 90 days, secured by your home sale.

Wondering if you qualify? I can connect you with trusted local mortgage partners to walk you through it.

🔍 What to Consider Before Choosing

• Market conditions: Is it a buyer’s or seller’s market?
• Your finances: Can you handle overlap if needed?
• Risk comfort: Are you OK buying without knowing your sale price—or selling without a next home lined up?
• Timeline flexibility: How quickly do you need to move?
• Type of property: Downsizing? Upsizing? Waterfront? Your strategy may shift depending on what you’re moving into.

🧠 Real-Life Examples

Retirees downsizing: Often prefer to sell first so they know their budget and avoid pressure. Some even move in with family short-term while they shop.

Young families upsizing: If they find their dream home, they may buy first and price aggressively on the sale side to keep things moving fast.

Long-distance moves: Buying first helps lock in something specific, especially in tighter inventory markets like Ottawa or Eastern Ontario.

🛠️ You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone

I help clients make these moves all the time—and there’s a plan that can work for your unique situation.

From timing your sale prep, to getting pre-approved, to figuring out how buying will look on the other side, I’ll walk you through it. No pressure. No guessing.

Start with a free home evaluation and we’ll build your custom game plan from there.

Click here to get your free home value report