Moving up is a different game from buying your first home. You’re juggling a sale and a purchase, timelines that don’t always match, and a chain that can feel outside your control. At Sidney & Co, we help Liverpool and Wigan sellers and buyers manage the whole process — honestly, transparently and with one point of contact from start to finish.
What does “moving up” mean?
Moving up usually means selling an existing property and buying a more expensive one — often to gain space, a better location, a garden, school catchment or simply more room to grow. Unlike a first purchase, it involves a chain: your buyer, you, and the people you’re buying from. Chains need patience and good communication, but they’re very manageable with the right plan.
Should you sell first or buy first?
There’s no single right answer, but here are the practical pros and cons we talk through with clients every day:
- Sell first, then buy. You’ll know exactly what cash you have, you’ll be chain-free on the purchase, and you’ll be a more attractive buyer. The downside is you may need temporary accommodation if you don’t find your next home quickly.
- Buy first, then sell. You can take your time finding the right property and avoid temporary moves. The risk is carrying two mortgages, unless you have enough cash or use a short-term bridging loan — which needs careful advice.
- Sync the two. Most people aim to sell and buy on the same day. This means agreeing a sale, finding a new home, and coordinating both sets of solicitors so everything completes together. It’s the most common route and the one we’re used to managing.
Get your finances straight first
Before you browse Rightmove or Zoopla, speak to a mortgage adviser. You need to know:
- How much your current property is worth — a realistic figure, not an optimistic guess.
- What equity you’ll have after your existing mortgage is repaid.
- How much you can borrow on your next purchase, and whether porting your current mortgage is an option.
- What the monthly payments will look like at higher borrowing levels.
- Budget for stamp duty, solicitor fees, estate agency fees, surveys and removals.
We can introduce you to our partner mortgage broker, Equation Financial, for independent advice tailored to your situation. There’s no pressure and no obligation.
Price your current home realistically
Overpricing is the single biggest reason homes sit on the market. Buyers are savvy, and an overpriced property quickly becomes stale. We’ll give you an honest valuation based on comparable sales, current demand and the condition of your home. Our fee is straightforward — 0.75% plus VAT — and we market every property with professional photography, detailed descriptions and maximum portal exposure.
Book a free valuation to find out where you stand.
Prepare your home for the market
- Declutter and depersonalise. Buyers need to imagine themselves living there. Clear surfaces, tidy cupboards and remove anything that makes the rooms feel smaller.
- Fix the obvious things. Dripping taps, cracked tiles, scuffed paint and worn carpets are easy wins. They suggest the home has been cared for.
- Let the light in. Open curtains, clean windows and add lamps to darker corners. Light sells.
- Think about kerb appeal. First impressions matter — a tidy front garden, clean door and working house number make a surprising difference.
Find your next home with a clear brief
It’s easy to get distracted by properties that look lovely but don’t actually suit your needs. Write a shortlist of must-haves and nice-to-haves before you start viewing. Think about:
- Space now and in the future — will the home still work in five years?
- School catchments, commute, public transport and local amenities.
- Garden size, parking, storage, energy efficiency and maintenance needs.
- The potential to extend or improve, and whether planning permission is likely.
Tell us your brief and we’ll flag suitable properties as soon as they come up — often before they hit the portals.
Making and negotiating an offer
When you find the right home, we’ll help you make an offer based on evidence, not emotion. Consider:
- How long the property has been on the market.
- Whether there are other interested buyers.
- Comparable sale prices nearby.
- Any work that needs doing — and the cost of it.
- Your position. A chain-free buyer or one with a sale already agreed is more attractive.
We’ll negotiate on your behalf with honesty and respect — no games, no artificial pressure. The goal is a fair price both parties can feel good about.
Chain management and communication
A chain only works when everyone communicates. Once both your sale and purchase are agreed:
- We’ll keep in regular contact with all the estate agents in the chain.
- We’ll chase solicitors and flag delays before they become problems.
- We’ll keep you informed — weekly updates as standard, and sooner if anything changes.
- We’ll help you plan exchange and completion dates that work for everyone, especially if you have children, pets or work commitments.
The calmer the communication, the smoother the chain.
Surveys and solicitors
Don’t skip the survey. A homebuyer’s or building survey will highlight issues that could affect your offer or budget. We can recommend trusted local surveyors and solicitors who work efficiently and communicate well. Good professionals save time and money.
Moving day and beyond
When exchange and completion are booked, the hard work is mostly done. Now it’s about logistics:
- Book a reputable removal firm early — Fridays and the last Thursday of the month book up fast.
- Redirect your mail, update utilities, broadband, council tax and insurance.
- Pack a first-night box with kettle, mugs, loo roll, phone chargers and snacks.
- Take meter readings at both properties on the day.
If you’re moving with a dog, have a look at our Moving House with Dogs guide — Sidney helped write it.
How Sidney & Co can help
We handle the whole move-up journey in one place: valuation, marketing, viewings, negotiation, chain management and referrals to mortgage, solicitor and surveyor professionals. You’ll have one dedicated contact who knows your timeline, your priorities and your dog’s name.
Get in touch with our Liverpool or Wigan office for a no-obligation chat about your next move.