When it comes to moving up in the Calgary real estate market, one of the most common questions homeowners face is whether they should sell their current property before buying the next one. It sounds simple, but the timing can make a huge difference to your finances, your stress level, and your ability to land the right home.
Having helped hundreds of Calgary families transition from starter homes into dream properties, I’ve seen both approaches succeed…and fail. The right decision depends on your personal situation, your finances, and the current state of the market. Let’s break it down.
Calgary Real Estate Overview
Calgary’s market has been on a rollercoaster the last few years. After an extended period of record demand and rising prices, the pace has started to balance. That means move up buyers have more options than they did during the peak frenzy, but competition still exists in certain neighbourhoods and price points.
In 2025, benchmark prices are holding steady overall, but inventory levels are climbing in some segments. This shift changes the dynamic for homeowners trying to decide whether to sell first or buy first. Timing is everything, and knowing the state of the market is the first step.
Why This Topic Matters for Calgary Homeowners
Buying and selling at the same time can feel like a juggling act. On one side, you want to make sure you don’t sell too soon and end up without a home. On the other, you don’t want to buy too quickly and get stuck carrying two mortgages.
Calgary adds another layer of complexity because different neighbourhoods move at different speeds. An estate home in Upper Mount Royal can take longer to sell compared to a more affordable detached home in Cranston. These differences matter when planning your strategy.
Over the years, I’ve worked with families across the city, from first time condo owners upgrading to detached homes to long time homeowners downsizing from large properties. Every situation is unique, and that’s why this decision deserves careful thought.
Options for Move Up Buyers in Calgary
There are three main approaches most homeowners consider. Each comes with its own pros and cons.
Sell First Then Buy
This is the more conservative approach, and for many families it offers peace of mind.
Pros:
- You’ll know exactly how much equity you have before committing to the next home.
- There is less financial risk because you avoid the chance of carrying two mortgages.
- When you are ready to buy, you’ll be in a stronger position to negotiate with cash in hand.
Cons:
- You may need temporary housing if your new home isn’t ready yet.
- Moving twice can be expensive and stressful.
Buy First Then Sell
This approach can work well if you have strong financial backing or access to creative financing solutions.
Pros:
- You won’t be left without a home in between transactions.
- You have more time to search for the perfect property without the pressure of a deadline.
Cons:
- You may need bridge financing to carry two mortgages temporarily.
- There is pressure to sell quickly, which sometimes leads to pricing lower than you hoped.
Bridge Financing and Conditional Offers
Bridge loans are short term solutions that allow you to buy before your current property closes. In Calgary, many lenders and mortgage brokers can help with this type of financing, but it’s important to know the terms and costs upfront.
Conditional offers are another option, where you make the purchase dependent on selling your home. In a hot market, sellers rarely accept these conditions, but in today’s more balanced environment they may be possible.
Local Factors and Neighbourhood Insights
The right strategy can also depend on the type of property and the community.
- A detached $500,000 home in Cranston or Tuscany may sell quickly due to family demand.
- A $2 million estate in Mount Royal or Bel Aire could take longer, and buyers in this price range often have more leverage.
- Inner city infills appeal to a specific buyer pool, while suburban family homes may attract multiple offers if priced right.
Knowing how your specific neighbourhood and product type performs is critical.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many Calgary homeowners run into trouble because they underestimate the complexity of buying and selling at the same time. Here are a few mistakes to watch for:
- Overestimating what your home will sell for and then being short on funds when it matters.
- Underestimating the time it takes for closing dates to align. On average, most transactions close anywhere from 1-3 months.
- Following generic advice instead of getting Calgary specific guidance.
Ryan’s Pro Tip: Always run a market evaluation before starting your home search. This ensures you know your numbers and prevents unwanted surprises later.
Calgary Real Estate Market Insights
According to the latest Calgary Real Estate Board data, inventory has increased compared to last year, though certain price ranges remain tight. Detached family homes under $600,000 are moving faster, while higher end properties are staying on the market longer.
These statistics matter because they determine which approach makes more sense. If you are in a segment with high demand, selling first can be a smoother path. If your property is in a slower moving category like a condo, buying first may give you breathing room.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Quick Summary:
Selling First
- Budget certainty
- Lower financial risk
- Possible need for temporary housing
Buying First
- Housing security
- More time to find the right property
- Risk of carrying two mortgages
Bridge Financing
- Provides flexibility
- Comes with costs and conditions
How We Can Help
As a Calgary realtor, my role is to help homeowners navigate this tricky timing. I create a tailored plan for each client based on their property type, neighbourhood, finances, and goals. Whether that means coordinating a quick sale before purchasing or lining up bridge financing, the goal is always to protect your equity and reduce stress.
If you want to see how this could work for you, let’s connect.
In Summary
So, should you sell your home before buying the next one in Calgary? The answer depends on your budget, your comfort with risk, and the type of property you’re moving from and into. Both strategies can work, but success comes down to planning ahead and making decisions with the right market data.
If you’re thinking about moving up, reach out and let’s create a plan that makes sense for your family and your goals.
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- 📧 Email: ryan@ryangillard.ca
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