Finally hubby and I decided to downsize our PPOR. We have been looking on and off over 2 years and now we finally did it. But the process was less than ideal and hopefully someone learns something from our experiences.
First NO: Do not buy house first and then sell the existing PPOR
Because we are creazy people we bought the house first and then madly were slaving over our current PPOR to get it ready to the market. Advise: there are millions of things and details that has to be done before a house is ready for inspections and everything takes double the time than you initially think.
Second NO: Do not change jobs at the same time when buying and selling your PPOR
Immediately after we bought the new PPOR but before selling the current one both I and my hubby were offered new jobs, that were too good to be refused. Advise: Do not be greedy. Starting in a new workplace and new job is stressful period without added stress of getting your current house ready to the market and keeping it in tip top condition during the marketing campaign and inspections. Still wondering why do houses need to look like that no-one lives there...
Third NO: Do not accept settlement of your existing PPOR before settling the new one
We bought the new house in mid-June with approximately 6 months settlement, so this gave us time to spruce up our current house for sale and conduct sale process. In the end we received so good offer for our current house that we accepted the settlement date that is 1 month earlier than our new house and we were not successful to bring the settlement of the new house forward. Advise: Do not be greedy. Moving twice is extremely stressful and logistical nightmare and especially finding the place where to live with pets for a month is almost mission impossible.
Fourth NO: If you are hoarder and downsizing and have a lot of c##p to get rid of do not accept short settlement period.
Over the last 10 years we have managed to collect enormous amount stuff. Maybe because we had a lot of space and never have had a need to throw anything away. Advise: Do not be greedy and accept the highest offer with the shortest settlement. Sorting out, selling, donating and packing everything takes time and is stressful.
And we have not even moved yet...
First NO: Do not buy house first and then sell the existing PPOR
Because we are creazy people we bought the house first and then madly were slaving over our current PPOR to get it ready to the market. Advise: there are millions of things and details that has to be done before a house is ready for inspections and everything takes double the time than you initially think.
Second NO: Do not change jobs at the same time when buying and selling your PPOR
Immediately after we bought the new PPOR but before selling the current one both I and my hubby were offered new jobs, that were too good to be refused. Advise: Do not be greedy. Starting in a new workplace and new job is stressful period without added stress of getting your current house ready to the market and keeping it in tip top condition during the marketing campaign and inspections. Still wondering why do houses need to look like that no-one lives there...
Third NO: Do not accept settlement of your existing PPOR before settling the new one
We bought the new house in mid-June with approximately 6 months settlement, so this gave us time to spruce up our current house for sale and conduct sale process. In the end we received so good offer for our current house that we accepted the settlement date that is 1 month earlier than our new house and we were not successful to bring the settlement of the new house forward. Advise: Do not be greedy. Moving twice is extremely stressful and logistical nightmare and especially finding the place where to live with pets for a month is almost mission impossible.
Fourth NO: If you are hoarder and downsizing and have a lot of c##p to get rid of do not accept short settlement period.
Over the last 10 years we have managed to collect enormous amount stuff. Maybe because we had a lot of space and never have had a need to throw anything away. Advise: Do not be greedy and accept the highest offer with the shortest settlement. Sorting out, selling, donating and packing everything takes time and is stressful.
And we have not even moved yet...
Last edited: