Should You Buy or Sell First When Moving to Prince Edward County?

Making the move from the bustling city life of Toronto to the peaceful, scenic landscapes of Prince Edward County (PEC) is an exciting and rewarding journey. With its slower pace, natural beauty, and strong sense of community, PEC offers a lifestyle that many are eager to embrace.

But before you start packing your bags and planning your new life in the County, there’s one crucial question: Should you buy or sell first?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—this decision depends on your personal circumstances, financial situation, and how much risk you’re willing to take.

Why This Decision Matters

The real estate markets in Toronto and Prince Edward County behave quite differently. In the city, homes often sell within days of listing. In PEC, particularly for unique properties like waterfront lots, heritage homes, or hobby farms, the process can take significantly longer. That means timing is everything—and being strategic about when you buy or sell could make all the difference.

Buying First: When It Makes Sense

If you’ve been searching for a very specific property—a century farmhouse, acreage with scenic views, or a waterfront estate—it might make sense to buy first.

These rare finds don’t come up every day, and if the right property appears, you don’t want to miss out. However, buying first comes with a significant risk: You’ll need to sell your Toronto home quickly—ideally within weeks—to avoid carrying two mortgages.

To make this work, you must have your current home staged, photographed, and ready to go on the market immediately after accepting an offer in PEC. It’s a high-pressure situation that requires careful planning and flexibility.

Selling First: The Safer Path

Alternatively, selling your Toronto home first offers more peace of mind and clarity. By selling before you buy, you’ll know exactly how much equity you have to work with and avoid the stress of managing two properties at once.

This approach gives you more flexibility in your search—especially important in PEC’s slower-moving market. If you’re open to exploring a variety of options and willing to wait for the perfect property, selling first can give you the breathing room needed to make a confident purchase.

That said, it’s essential to negotiate a longer closing period in the city to allow time for house hunting in PEC. This ensures you won’t feel rushed or overwhelmed during your transition.

Ask Yourself These Key Questions

Before making a move, consider these important factors:

• What’s your risk tolerance? Owning two homes—even for just a few weeks—can be financially and emotionally taxing.
• How flexible are you? Are you open to a range of options, or are you waiting for a rare find?
• How market-ready is your Toronto home? Its location, layout, and condition all play a role in how fast it sells.
• What’s the season? Both Toronto and PEC markets shift with the calendar. Spring and fall tend to be busier, while summer may slow things down. Timing your move around these cycles can impact both buying and selling success.

The Bottom Line

Moving from Toronto to Prince Edward County is more than just changing addresses—it’s a lifestyle shift. To make that transition smooth, it’s crucial to treat buying and selling as part of a single, well-coordinated plan rather than two separate, disconnected events.

Whether you choose to buy first or sell first, the goal is the same: align your moves so they happen under similar market conditions. That way, you protect your budget, reduce stress, and set yourself up for a seamless transition into the County lifestyle.

Ready to make your move? Let us help you navigate the process—whether that means buying first, selling first, or planning both together. Your dream County life is just one smart decision away.

Need help crafting a strategy tailored to your goals? Contact me today for expert guidance on navigating the Prince Edward County real estate market.