The buy-first or sell-first dilemma: The right move may not be what you expect

It’s the age old property market conundrum – should you sell your home before you buy your next, or make your new purchase and then sell your existing property?In a perfect market, one would sell and buy seamlessly in the same timeframe but in reality that is not always possible.Typically, most vendors have to buy first and then sell which places them at risk of paying two mortgages.But on the other flip of the coin, selling your home before finding your next purchase brings the added stress of finding a suitable property, with the extra burden of paying money for a rental home while you hunt for your next buy.So, what is the best plan of action?Whether you are an owner-occupier, investor, or have a big mortgage, or are almost mortgage free, we’ve asked the experts to share their tips on the best plan for the life stage you are in.Whether to buy or sell first is strongly shaped by the type of buyer you are and your home loan. Picture: GettyIf you are a regular owner-occupier...Most property transactions are made by owner occupiers, making it hard to find a one-size-fits all answer to this classic question.Instead, Raine & Horne executive chairman Angus Raine says the decision w...