Should You Buy or Sell First in Ottawa? Here’s How to Decide
Thinking about moving, but not sure what to do first—buy or sell? You’re not alone. For many Ottawa homeowners, this is one of the biggest questions in the process. It can feel like a balancing act, especially when timing matters and the stakes are high.
The right answer depends on your finances, your timeline, and the type of property you’re dealing with. Here’s how to weigh your options and move forward with confidence.
Selling First: A Safer Financial Move
For most people, selling first offers more financial certainty. You’ll know exactly what you can afford and won’t be stuck carrying two properties at once.
Advantages:
You’ll have a clear budget for your next home.
There’s no overlap in mortgages or housing costs.
You’ll be seen as a more serious buyer if you’re shopping with funds already secured.
Considerations:
It can feel stressful if you haven’t yet found the right home to buy.
You may need to arrange temporary housing or move twice.
In competitive areas like Westboro or New Edinburgh, you might face limited inventory when it's time to buy.
Buying First: Ideal for the Right Opportunity
Buying first can make sense if you’ve already found a home you love or if your current property is in a high-demand neighbourhood where selling quickly is more likely.
Advantages:
You can move on your own timeline without rushing.
Your current home can be fully staged and shown while vacant.
You won’t miss out on a rare opportunity in a neighbourhood you’ve been watching.
Considerations:
You’ll need to be financially comfortable carrying two homes temporarily.
If your current home takes longer to sell, it may create pressure to lower the price or accept less ideal terms.
Bridge financing may be required, depending on your mortgage lender.
The Current Ottawa Market
Ottawa’s market is stable but varies significantly by neighbourhood and property type. Detached homes in suburban areas like Barrhaven, Riverside South, and Kanata often sell quickly, while condos downtown or older homes in Sandy Hill may take longer, depending on inventory and pricing.
In 2024, the average detached home in the west end sold in under 20 days, while some urban condos took over a month. This kind of information can impact whether buying or selling first is the smarter move.
At New Purveyors, we track this data in real time. That means we can help you time your transition in a way that protects both your equity and your sanity.
Tips for Managing Both
Get pre-approved before making any moves so you understand your borrowing limits.
Ask your lender about bridge loans if you’re considering buying before selling.
Be flexible with closing dates on both sides to allow for a smoother transition.
Work with an agent who knows the market and can help negotiate terms that align with your goals.
So, What Should You Do First?
There’s no universal answer. The best approach depends on your comfort level, property type, and the neighbourhoods involved. If you're downsizing from a detached home in Alta Vista or upgrading to a larger space in Orleans, your plan might look very different from someone moving from a condo in Centretown.
Let’s Build a Plan That Works
We help Ottawa homeowners make smart, well-timed moves—whether you're buying first, selling first, or doing both at once. If you're not sure which path to take, our team is here to walk you through your options with clarity and strategy.
Get in touch to book a no-pressure consultation with one of our agents.
