Imagine a couple dreaming of expanding their family. One evening, they browse Centris, searching for their future home in Montreal, and stumble upon a house that checks all the boxes: perfect location, bright spaces, and that little something that makes the heart skip a beat. They visit the property… and it’s love at first sight. But then comes the question: can they buy before selling their current home?

There’s no right or wrong answer, but the situation can be clarified.

For buyers with a comfortable budget and a clear idea of where they want to live, buying their dream property first can be an interesting option. It allows them to secure the desired home and have several months before finalizing the sale of their existing property with the notary. In 2026, flexible move-in dates are becoming a true strategy, especially with average selling times of 53 days, depending on the type of property and neighborhood in Montreal (APCIQ, February 2026).

For most homeowners, carrying two mortgages simultaneously remains difficult, if not impossible. In this context, the most common and secure approach is to sell the existing property first, while planning a suitable move-in date a little further in the future, in order to reduce stress and allow enough time to find their new home. This helps establish a precise budget, carefully choose the future residence, and minimize the pressures of managing multiple transactions at once.

Falling in love with a property can make the decision even more complicated. But sometimes, it’s better to take the time to establish a solid strategy rather than succumb to urgency, avoiding unnecessary stress and approaching this major change with confidence.

To develop the best strategy tailored to your situation, Bardagi – RE/MAX du Cartier G.B. guides each client with expertise and care. Their personalized approach ensures a smooth navigation between selling and buying, finding the ideal balance to achieve your real estate project in Montreal without stress.