Should you sell your property before buying, or buy first?

Should you sell your property before buying, or buy before selling?

26 June 2026

According to Naomi Charest, a real estate broker at LD Agence Immobilière, the real estate market in the Estrie region is still unbalanced in 2026. Although the situation is less extreme than it was in 2021 or 2022, the number of homebuyers still significantly exceeds the number of sellers in certain price ranges, mainly for properties under $600,000. In a context where properties are selling very quickly, is it a good strategy to buy before selling your current property so you don’t miss out on an interesting opportunity?

“It’s a risky strategy from a budgeting perspective, and not all buyers have the financial capacity to take that risk,” says Naomi Charest. (vendre sa maison)“Finding yourself responsible for paying for and maintaining two properties can generate a lot of stress. At LD, we have developed an effective strategy that consists of putting your home on the market while setting a possession date and signing date several months ahead, depending on the season. This gives buyers time to shop for their future property.”

In many cases, careful planning and a clear understanding of local market conditions can make a significant difference in the outcome of a real estate transaction. Working closely with an experienced broker allows homeowners to better evaluate their options, anticipate potential challenges, and make informed decisions throughout the process. A well-prepared seller is generally in a stronger position to negotiate favourable terms and move forward confidently when the right opportunity becomes available.

The only risk associated with selling before buying is ending up without a property for a certain period of time. “But that rarely happens, especially if you are proactive in the market and well supported,” Naomi explains. “Generally, depending on the price range of the future property, people will make an offer conditional upon the sale of their home. (maison à vendre)Of course, this also means they may be less attractive than another buyer making an unconditional offer. However, if you are looking for peace of mind and are less comfortable with risk, it remains a good strategy.”

According to Naomi, late winter or early spring is a good time to put your property up for sale.

Multiple offers and bidding wars

Even in 2026, more affordable properties are often subject to multiple offers. “For properties priced at $500,000 or less, sellers usually find a buyer quickly. It is not uncommon for them to face multiple offers. (estimation propriété gratuite)They can then accept the most advantageous one, which will allow them to feel more comfortable when purchasing their new property. However, we can never predict a multiple-offer situation.”

What about first-time buyers?

The situation is currently quite difficult for first-time buyers. Since properties priced at $500,000 or less are highly sought after and often attract multiple purchase offers, this can create bidding wars.

“My role with this category of buyers is to lay all the cards on the table, to be honest with them, and to establish the best strategy for their specific situation,” Naomi concludes. “Their purchase must remain a secure investment. Yes, they may sometimes face several rejections depending on the price range. Buying a home is often emotional for buyers, but when they are well advised and stay within their budget with the help of their broker, everything is in place for them to finally find the right home for them!”

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