Should You Buy Before You Sell in Today’s Market? What homeowners in Winnipeg should know before making the leap!

Introduction: Understanding Winnipeg’s Market in 2025

The Winnipeg real estate market continues to shift, leaving many homeowners wondering: should I buy before I sell my home?
With rising property values, changing interest rates, and limited inventory in key neighbourhoods like River Heights, Windsor Park, and St. Vital, timing your move can make all the difference.
This guide will help you understand whether buying first or selling first is right for you — and how to protect yourself financially either way.

1. Why Buying Before Selling Appeals to Many Homeowners

In Winnipeg, homes in desirable areas don’t stay on the market long. That’s why some homeowners choose to buy first, ensuring they don’t miss out on the perfect property.

Benefits of buying before selling include:

• Locking in a great property in your preferred neighbourhood.

• Avoiding the pressure of finding a home quickly after your sale.

• Taking advantage of a favourable mortgage rate or builder incentive.

✅ Pro tip: If you’re buying first, talk to your lender about bridge financing or an open mortgage option that gives you flexibility until your current home sells.

2. The Risks of Buying Before Selling

While appealing, this route carries financial and emotional risks.

Potential drawbacks include:

• Carrying two mortgages at once.

• Managing double utility bills, insurance, and taxes.

• Selling under pressure if your first home takes longer to move.

• Potential price fluctuations if market conditions shift.

Example: If you buy a new home in Sage Creek before selling your house in St. Vital, and your sale lingers, your monthly costs could spike by thousands.

3. When Buying First Makes Financial Sense

Buying first isn’t always risky — it can be a winning move under the right conditions.

You may want to buy before selling if:

• You have strong equity in your current home.

• You’ve been pre-approved and can handle short-term overlap.

• You’re moving into a competitive or limited-inventory area (like Charleswood or Linden Woods).

• You’re upgrading for family or lifestyle reasons, and the opportunity won’t come again soon.

📈 Local insight: Winnipeg’s average detached home price remains below national levels, giving qualified buyers a unique chance to move up while staying financially stable.

4. When You Should Sell Before Buying

For many homeowners, selling first brings peace of mind.

You should sell before buying if:

• You need equity from your current sale for your down payment.

• You’re on a tighter budget or dislike financial uncertainty.

• The market in your area is slowing (e.g., longer average days on market).

• You prefer knowing exactly what you can afford next.

Bonus tip: List your home with a conditional possession period to give you time to shop after your sale.

5. Smart Strategies to Balance Both Moves

If you’re torn, here’s how Winnipeg homeowners can balance both ends:

• Get a market evaluation from a trusted Winnipeg Realtor (I can provide this).

• Stage and pre-market your home early — photos, videos, and staging ready to go.

• Negotiate flexible terms when buying (longer possession or rent-back options).

• Talk to your mortgage broker about short-term financing or bridge loans.

• Stay flexible — timing matters more than ever in today’s real estate landscape.

6. Realtor Insight: What I Tell My Winnipeg Clients

As a Realtor with over 15 years in Winnipeg real estate, I’ve helped countless families decide whether to buy or sell first.
In 2025, the key is to analyze your finances, timeline, and risk tolerance before making the leap.

If you have a clear plan, stable income, and confidence in your home’s market value, buying first can absolutely work.
But if you’re uncertain or stretched thin, selling first ensures you’re moving from a position of strength — not stress.

7. Ready to Plan Your Next Move?

If you’re wondering, “Should I buy before I sell in Winnipeg?” — let’s create a custom plan based on your goals and property type.

📞 Contact Ainsley Yoong, Winnipeg Realtor
👉 Call/text: 204-999-2723
📧 Email: ainsley@yoong.ca
🌐 Website: SellBuyWinnipeg.com

Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or relocating, I’ll help you time the market right — and make your next move smooth and stress-free.