How do you navigate the tricky timeline to sell and buy simultaneously? There’s a lot to consider. We brought together Foxtons sales experts, Alexander Hall mortgage experts and conveyancing experts from Conveyan to answer the most frequently asked questions.
FAQs on buying while selling:
• When should I start my search and my sale?
• Should I sell my house before buying another one?
• What could slow down my sale or purchase?
• What should I do about mortgages?
• How do I navigate the deposit?
• What is the timeline for selling and buying?
(Click on your question to jump to it)
When should I start my search and my sale?
Foxtons recommend our sellers begin searching for their next home right when they’ve instructed us to put their property on the market. It’s a balancing act – getting the buying and selling to complete at just the right time when you’re in a chain. But it’s one we’re well prepared to help you navigate.
“Don’t wait for the offer.”
“It’s important that you don’t start your search at the point of receiving an offer. Finding your next home can take time, get out on viewings so that when we find you a buyer you have narrowed down your own search criteria and you are not starting the process from scratch.”
James Stevenson,
Foxtons Sales Area Director - Central North
Should I sell my house before buying another one?
You absolutely can, but you will be doubling up on a few costs:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Relaxes your timeline as a buyer | Requires additional storage and moving costs |
| Puts less pressure on you to negotiate as a buyer | Requires additional costs in hiring a solicitor, paying transfer fees, etc. |
| Doubles your time spent dealing with the property market | |
| Potential pro or con: Opens your purchase to changes in house prices and mortgage rates | |
What could slow down my sale or purchase? How do I avoid that happening?
In an ideal world, your paperwork will sail through without a hitch. But, if you’re the type who hopes for the best and prepares for the worst, here are a few common speed bumps that can crop up:
• Searches are slow or paperwork is missing
• Someone in the chain is delayed in securing a mortgage
• The surveyor decides they need a second look
• Someone in the property chain hits a snag
• Buyers get cold feet or haggle at the eleventh hour
But don’t let that put you off – we help clients like yourself succeed, every day. Here are our top tips to keep your sale or purchase running smoothly:
1. Take the time, early on, to find a trustworthy solicitor. Conveyan, our panel of third-party firms, all have strong track records on Foxtons cases.
2. Be absolutely sure you’ve got all the paperwork ready. Conveyan’s ‘Sale-Ready’ Pack helps you prepare, so the solicitors have everything they need.
3. A mortgage adviser, like our partner firm Alexander Hall, will help you ensure your mortgage is taken care of and ready to go when you need it. This is why we're always on about buyers getting their mortgage agreement in principle.
4. Trust your agent. When it comes to smooth-talking buyers with cold feet or lighting a fire under slow solicitors, we've got your back. After all, we’re number 1 for a reason.
When do I hire a solicitor and can I use the same solicitor for everything?
The short answer? The sooner the better. Give yourself the chance to find a solicitor who will keep things ticking along nicely. We recommend hiring a solicitor right after you instruct Foxtons to sell your property.
It's quite common (and convenient) to use the same solicitor for both your sale and purchase. Why?
• You'll build up trust with them
• Fewer people sorting through your paperwork
• Avoid the hassle with money transfers through multiple people
• Your solicitor will be clear on your entire timeline
If you give Conveyan a go, here's how it works:
You'll talk with the team about your timeline. They'll then suggest a few solicitors the panel who would be best suited to your case. Feel free to ask them any burning questions you might have.
Once you've picked your solicitor, Conveyan will handle all the introductions.
The best bit? While Conveyan does the legwork for you, the decision is entirely yours, so you can steer your own sale forwards.
What should I do about mortgages? How will I know my budget before my house has sold?
Wondering about mortgages? The big question is whether to stick with your current deal or switch to a new one. It's not one-size-fits-all, mind – it depends on your situation.
Here's our top tip: once you've got your estate agent on board, schedule an appointment with a mortgage adviser after. Bring along the property valuation we've created for you - it'll help set your budget and get your property search off to a flying start.
We often point our clients towards Alexander Hall mortgage advisers. They're a dab hand at guiding you through this process and can help you get the best finance in place for your situation.
“At Alexander Hall we deal with such a wide range of lenders, with differing propositions and affordability options. One of our advisers might be able to propose a solution you weren’t aware of. This could mean cheaper payments by considering a different structure to your mortgage, or a greater level of borrowing meaning you can afford to buy in a better location, or with an extra bedroom or the garden you dreamed of.”
Richard Merrett,
Managing Director, Alexander Hall
How do I navigate the deposit?
The deposit (usually 10%) is exchanged with the signed contracts. Typically, it's just passed along the chain - from your buyer's solicitor to yours, then on to the seller's.
Upsizing? You might need a bigger deposit, but don't fret. Have a chat with your solicitor – they can often arrange for only part of the deposit to be paid at exchange. It’s best to organise this early on, though. If you are required to pay the full 10% deposit, you might need that extra time to gather funds.
Quick tip: Most banks limit daily transfers to £25,000, so plan ahead if you need to move larger sums.
What is the timeline for selling and buying?
Ideally, here’s the order for what and when things happen if you’re buying and selling simultaneously.
| Book a Foxtons valuation | |
|---|---|
| Ready to start? Instruct us to sell your property. | |
| Straight away, you’ll need to bring us:
✔ A valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and a valid EWS1 form if applicable ✔ Proof of ID and address ✔ A set of keys, so we can start scheduling viewings | |
| For your sale: | For your onward move: |
| Hire a solicitor. Gather and share your documents with your solicitor, including your Fixtures and Fittings form. | Take our valuation to a mortgage adviser, and they’ll help you sort out your budget. |
| Leaseholder? Talk to your management company about the timeline for the ‘management pack.’ | |
| Prepare your property for photography and viewings | With your budget ready, start searching for your new home. |
| When we've found you the right offer, agree the offer with your Foxtons team. | When you’ve found the right property, make an offer. |
| Processing begins | |
| Update your solicitor. Your solicitor may request your help with some of the buyer’s enquiries. | Update your mortgage adviser. |
| Leaseholder: check that your management pack is progressing. | Schedule any surveys. |
| Upsizing? Discuss the deposit with your solicitor and mortgage adviser – give your solicitor time to negotiate and yourself time to gather any additional funds. | |
| Note: This stage can take weeks, even a few months. Expect regular check-ins with Foxtons. Check in with your mortgage adviser and solicitor regularly, as well, and be sure you are responding quickly so nothing is held up on your end. Any questions? We’re here to help. | |
| Exchange contracts | |
| Review the draft contract to sell your home. | Review the draft contract to buy your home. |
| When the contract is edited so everyone agrees, sign the contract and agree the completion date. | When it’s edited so everyone agrees, sign the contract, send your deposit and agree the completion date.
We recommend using CHAPS to transfer your deposit. |
| Completion day | |
| Move out by 12pm on the completion date and bring us your keys. | Bring your ID to the estate agent after 12pm on the completion date to receive the keys to your new home. |
One step at a time
Any questions? Best thing for it is to book a property valuation – the experienced professionals in your local Foxtons office will walk you through what you need to know now, and put your mind at ease about the road ahead.
Source: This article was reviewed and edited by the Foxtons Sales department, Alexander Hall mortgage advisers and Conveyan, to ensure you have the most valuable information in front of you when you’re navigating buying and selling property. If you have any questions, get in touch. We’re always happy to help.
