How to sell and buy a new apartment at the same time

Buying and selling an apartment at the same time may sound like a big challenge, but with good organization and a little planning, everything can be put together without stress. It is not uncommon for people to find themselves in a situation where they want a new apartment, but are not sure how to coordinate the sale of the old one and the purchase of the new one. Read on for some practical tips to help make the whole process as smooth as possible.

1. Start by selling your apartment

It is best to start selling your existing property first. This way you will know how much you can get and it will be easier to determine the budget for buying a new apartment. Don't rush into buying before you are sure of the sale.

On average, apartments in Croatia are sold within 3 to 6 months, but this time can vary depending on several key factors. First of all, location is important - apartments in larger cities such as Zagreb, Split and Rijeka are generally sold faster due to higher demand and a larger number of potential buyers. On the other hand, properties in smaller towns or rural areas may wait longer for a buyer.

Also, the condition of the property plays a major role. Well-maintained and modernly furnished apartments attract more interest and sell faster, while apartments that need major renovation or repairs are likely to stay on the market longer. The price of the property must be realistic and in line with the market; too high a price can significantly slow down sales, while too low a price can attract quick offers, but also potential losses.

Another factor that affects the time of sale are external conditions such as the economic situation, interest rates on loans and seasonal variations - for example, the summer months often bring less activity on the real estate market. All these items should be kept in mind when planning a sale, as this will help you more realistically estimate how long it will take you to get an offer for your apartment.

2. Talk to the bank about finances

If you are planning to buy a new apartment before you sell the old one, you may need additional financial assistance, such as a bridging loan. It is good to talk to the bank in advance and see what options are available to you so that nothing surprises you.

However, getting a housing loan can be complicated. You will need to collect a lot of papers and documents, and if something is missing or not on time, the process may take longer than you expect. Banks also thoroughly check your income and financial stability, so they may ask for additional guarantors or insurance. Sometimes it happens that the loan approval is delayed, which can make it difficult to coordinate the sale and purchase. That's why it's important to start these conversations on time and be prepared for all the steps.

3. Hire a real estate agent

A real estate agent can be your best ally. He knows the local market, understands trends and can help you not only with the sale of the old apartment, but also with finding a new one, and most importantly, he coordinates both processes so that they do not intertwine and create unnecessary problems.

Also, the agent will take care of property inspections, negotiations and paperwork, which means you will save a lot of time and avoid additional stress. All this is the reason why hiring an agent is becoming more and more common and smart practice. If you want to have a reliable partner who will guide you through the whole process, our experienced agents are at your disposal and will be happy to help you make everything go smoothly.

4. Pay attention to deadlines - coordinate moving out and moving in

The most important thing is to coordinate the sales and purchase deadlines well, because this is not just about papers but about your home and everyday life. Ideally, you should move into a new apartment immediately after moving out of the old one, so you don't end up homeless, or with two empty apartments.

In reality, this can be a big challenge and that is why there is a possibility to include clauses on delayed moving in in the contracts. They can give you a little extra time between moving out and moving in, which can be very helpful when you need to organize the move and adapt to the new space. In such situations, legal support is invaluable, because it will help you arrange everything in a safe and flexible way, without unnecessary stress.

5. Check all the papers - the key to a safe purchase and sale

Before you sign a purchase or sale agreement, it is extremely important to thoroughly check all the necessary documentation. This means that you need to have a complete insight into the title deed, cadastral data, energy certificate, as well as any encumbrances or mortgages that may exist on the property. This check prevents unpleasant surprises and legal problems in the future.

It is especially important to make sure that the property is registered correctly and that there are no outstanding debts or lawsuits. In addition, check all urban planning conditions and any building permits if you are buying a new building or an adapted property. If you are unsure of some of these elements, be sure to consult a lawyer or real estate expert.

For additional information and more detailed information about real estate, land and ownership rights, it is useful to check the public registers on the portal Uređena zemlja, where you can find accurate and up-to-date information that can help you make safe decisions.

6. Be prepared to compromise

Buying and selling real estate at the same time rarely goes completely smoothly. Sometimes you will have to adjust your expectations a little, whether it is about the price, deadlines or the choice of apartment itself. This is quite normal and part of the process that is worth preparing for. If you remain open and flexible, everything will eventually fall into place, and you will be able to focus on what is most important - your new home.