How to coordinate your home sale and job relocation timeline

Why timing matters during a relocation

Most job relocations have fixed start dates. If your sale doesn’t align with your move, it can lead to:

• Being unable to access funds from your current home.
• Paying two sets of bills and housing costs.
• Storage or short-term rental costs.
• Significant stress and pressure on you and your family.

Start planning early

As soon as your job offer is confirmed, start preparing your timeline. Giving yourself 8 to 12 weeks allows time for:

• Researching your new location.
• Engaging with estate agents or exploring alternative sale routes.
• Decluttering and tackling minor home improvements.
• Booking removal services or temporary accommodation if needed.

Should you sell before or after relocating?

This is one of the first decisions to make. The right answer depends on your finances, timeline, and how involved you want to be in the sale.

Selling before you move

Selling before relocation simplifies your finances and lets you avoid owning two homes at once.

Pros:

• No need to cover two mortgages, council tax, or utilities.
• Unlocks funds for your next home purchase.
• You can manage viewings and negotiations in person.
  

Cons:

• You may need to secure temporary housing if your sale completes before your new home is ready.
• A rushed timeline could lead to compromises on price or terms.

This option is often best if your new employer expects you to buy a home quickly or if you want a clean financial break before moving.

Moving first, selling later

Relocating before you sell can give you more flexibility but may require extra financial resources.

Pros:

• You have more time to prepare, stage, or renovate the property.
• You avoid disrupting your job transition with sale-related stress.
• You might be able to wait for better market conditions.
  

Cons:

• You’ll need to manage the sale remotely.
• You may pay double housing costs temporarily.
• You’ll need a trusted local solicitor or estate agent to handle the process.

This route suits people with employer support or spare financial capacity.

What is a bridging loan?

If you’re struggling to sell before your new purchase completes, a bridge loan can help you move without delay.

A bridge loan is a short-term financial product secured against your current home. It provides funds to buy your new home before your existing one sells.

Advantages:

• Gives access to equity for a deposit or purchase.
• Speeds up your ability to relocate.
• Avoids losing your next home due to delays.
  

Risks and considerations:

• Interest rates and fees are higher than standard mortgages.
• Your lender will expect a clear repayment plan — usually from your home sale.
• If your sale takes longer than expected, it can become financially risky.
  

Bridge loans can work well in strong property markets or when you have significant home equity. But for tight relocations, avoiding loans altogether through a cash sale may be the better route. Read our guide What is a bridging loan for more info.

Option 1: Selling with an estate agent

Estate agents offer the potential for the highest sale price, but the process can be lengthy and unpredictable.

Flexibility and control

You choose the asking price, marketing style, and buyer. But market fluctuations, buyer chains, and financing issues can derail timelines quickly.

Timelines

• Most sales complete within 3 to 6 months.
• Sales often involve chains, where one buyer relies on another sale.
• Fall-through rates are high if buyers withdraw or lose mortgage approvals.

Costs

• Estate agent fees range from 1.2% to 3.6% of the sale price (including VAT).
• You’ll also need to budget for solicitors, EPCs, and possible repairs or staging.

Risks

• Chains can collapse, restarting the entire process.
• Delays could leave you paying for two properties.
• You may lose your new home if you need sale funds and can’t complete it in time.
  

When it works well

This route is ideal when you have time to sell and are aiming for the best market value — not when you’re under pressure to relocate on schedule.

Option 2: Selling at auction

Property auctions offer a fixed timeline and guaranteed completion, but come with financial trade-offs.

Flexibility and control

You can set a reserve price to protect your minimum expectations. However, you have no control over the final price once bidding begins.

Timelines

• It typically takes 6 to 8 weeks from listing to completion.
• Once sold, buyers must complete within 28 days.

Costs

• Entry fees range from £300 to £1,000.
• Legal packs cost £200 to £500.
• Auction houses charge 2% to 3% commission plus VAT.
  

Risks

• If your home doesn’t sell, you lose time and upfront costs.
• Investors may bid lower than open market value.
• The pool of interested buyers is smaller.

When it works well

If you have a non-standard property or a very fixed relocation timeline, auction is a good way to guarantee a sale date.

Option 3: Selling to a cash home buyer (Habello)

Cash buyers offer the most flexibility for relocators who need speed, simplicity, and certainty.

Flexibility and control

You choose your move-out date, and Habello works to match your job relocation timeline. There are no chains, no listings, and no viewings.

Timelines

• Completion can happen in just 7 to 14 days.
• We can delay the completion date if your job move requires it.
  

Costs

• No estate agent or solicitor fees.
• No hidden charges or delays.
• Legal support included as part of the service.
  

Risks

• Offers are typically 80% to 85% of full market value.
• You trade potential price for speed, savings, and peace of mind.

When it works well

This is the best route if you have to move quickly, want to avoid disruption, or need access to funds fast.

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