Coordinating a sale and a purchase can feel like a balancing act. With the right preparation and expert guidance, it can be a smooth and successful transition into your next home. Here are our top tips for managing both sides of your move at the same time.
- Get a realistic valuation early
Your first step should always be to establish what your current home is worth as this directly impacts what you can afford next.
An accurate valuation allows you to:
- Set a realistic asking price
- Understand your purchasing budget
- Avoid overcommitting financially when viewing new homes
- Put your home on the market before you start searching seriously
One of the most important steps in managing a move is to sell first (or at least get your property on the market early).
In Guernsey’s competitive market, buyers are taken more seriously when their own home is already under offer. It also helps prevent disappointment if you find your ideal next property before you are in a proceedable position.
As some buyers are willing to wait while a vendor finds an onward purchase, sellers can get ahead of the competition by listing their property before finding their next home.
- Be clear about your position from the start
When you find your next home, transparency is key. Make sure your estate agent and the seller know:
- Whether your property is under offer
- Your ideal timeline for moving
- Any flexibility you may or may not have
Clear communication can make the difference between an accepted offer and a missed opportunity.
- Expect, and plan for, a property chain
Most people moving home will be part of a property chain, where multiple transactions are linked together.
Key tips:
- Stay in regular contact with your agent and advocate
- Be flexible where possible with timing
- Prepare for occasional delays due to other parties in the chain
- Consider temporary flexibility in your plans
If timings become difficult, temporary solutions can help keep your move on track. If the property you are buying is vacant, the seller may allow you to move in before completion in court, although this is entirely at their discretion and short-term insurance would usually be needed.
Some sellers may also agree to let you store belongings at the property before completion, allowing you to move out of your current home and stay temporarily with family, friends or in short-term accommodation.
Every move is different, so speak to your estate agent to understand what options may be available.
- Keep communication flowing between all parties
Successful moves rely heavily on communication between:
- Estate agent
- Advocate
- Mortgage provider/broker
- Buyers and sellers
Responding quickly to requests and keeping everyone updated reduces delays and helps maintain momentum throughout the process.
- Prepare for the conveyancing process
In Guernsey, completion takes place through the Royal Court on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This makes coordination especially important when aligning a sale and purchase. Your estate agent and your advocate will work closely together to ensure both transactions are ready to complete in sync.
- Stay organised during the move
Once your sale and purchase are progressing, organisation becomes essential:
- Book removals early
- Arrange final utility readings
- Declutter and pack in stages
- Notify relevant services in advance
A well-planned move reduces stress and helps ensure moving day runs smoothly. At Swoffers, we guide clients through every step ensuring both sides of your move stay aligned. If you’re considering a move, speak to our team for tailored advice on your next steps; telephone: 01481 711766 email: sales@swoffers.co.uk
