Before selling and buying, put both moves on one timeline.

Begin with the next home

A selling price is useful only in the context of what happens next. Start by setting out what your next home must do, a comfortable budget and the date by which you need somewhere to live.

Put the sale and purchase on one page. Mark the steps that are confirmed, the steps that depend on another party and the decisions that still need professional advice.

Separate proceeds from money available today

An expected sale price is not the same as available cash. Loan repayment, applicable refunds, fees and other adjustments affect the amount and timing of the funds you can use. Get figures specific to your situation.

Keep separate lines for cash you already have, funds expected from the sale and funds that depend on financing. This helps identify a gap before it becomes an urgent problem.

Plan for the period between homes

Moving dates, renovation and temporary accommodation can affect both your budget and your options. A property that suits you on paper may create a difficult transition if the dates do not work.

Ask what happens if the sale takes longer, the next home needs additional work or a planned handover changes. A practical fallback is worth discussing before you make commitments.

Make the sequence part of the decision

Selling first and buying first involve different trade-offs. The appropriate sequence depends on your finances, obligations and ability to manage uncertainty. Work through the actual circumstances with your appointed professionals.

A good plan makes the next few decisions clearer. It should tell you what needs to happen first, which numbers need confirming and when you need to revisit the budget.

Plan the sale, purchase and move together so that one decision does not quietly constrain the next.