Some people sell the home they’re living in before starting to look around for another home. They find it less stressful because they know exactly how much they have to spend on their next home and there is no risk of their home not selling in time for the money to be available for the second property. But is this the only way?

Selling first is certainly the safest option financially in most circumstances. As well as reducing risk of financial shortfall, arranging the finance itself is more straightforward because all figures are known and stress is reduced.

But unless you arrange a delayed settlement, or sell your current home in the period between exchange and settlement, you may need interim accommodation. While this may not be so expensive, other expenses take their toll - storing excess furniture and paying two sets of removalists’ costs for example. And what if you just can’t find the right house?

Buying first allows for a straightforward move from one home to the other, but it may be stressful and financially demanding paying a double mortgage if your home takes longer to sell than expected. You may then feel that the best solution is to take less for your current home in order to save the costs of bridging finance.

There is no hard and fast rule that covers buying or selling first as each person’s individual financial and accommodation options vary; however, it is almost always useful to take into account the state of the market before making a decision. In a sellers’ market where prices are rising and there are more buyers than properties for sale, it might be sensible to buy first, as your property is likely to sell fast when you do sell it and the longer you can wait, the higher the price will be compared with the one you bought.

Conversely, in a buyers’ market where there are lots of properties for sale, it may be smart to sell first, especially as this is just the kind of market where you may get less than anticipated for you current home.

It’s surprising how many people somehow manage the seemingly impossible – a simultaneous settlement. Those that are successful have usually done their market research thoroughly and have realistic expectations about what their current home is likely to sell for.