Should You Buy or Sell First? Moving Up or Downsizing in Montreal, the West Island and Vaudreuil-Soulanges
By Spyros Papachristou, Residential and Commercial Real Estate Broker, Royal LePage Village, Real Estate Agency · Updated October 2026
Buy first or sell first?
This is one of the most common questions for families moving up, and for owners downsizing after the kids have left.
If you buy first:
- you can take your time finding the right home
- you avoid temporary housing
- you may carry two properties at once, so talk to your lender about bridge financing
- you know exactly what you have to spend
- your purchase offer is stronger, with no sale condition attached
- you’ll need a plan if you haven’t found your next home by closing
What about an offer conditional on selling my home?
Quebec’s promise to purchase allows a condition tied to the sale of your current property. It can protect you, but sellers may see it as less attractive, especially in competitive segments.
How do I decide?
It depends on your finances, the market for both homes, and your timing. We’ll look at both sides together, and your mortgage professional can confirm what’s financially possible.