Buying your next home
Moving house, upsizing for a growing family or downsizing? Buying and selling at the same time takes some planning. We help you line up the finance so the move goes smoothly.
When you’re selling one home and buying another, the key questions are how much you can borrow, the order you buy and sell in, and whether you can keep your current loan. If you buy before your current home sells, bridging finance can cover the gap. Moving is also a good time to compare lenders and restructure your loan.
Reviewed by the Moneyplant mortgage advice team, Papakura · Updated September 2026
How we help
- Plan the sequence: buy first, sell first, or settle both on the same day.
- Work out your budget: using the equity in your current home.
- Compare lenders: including whether you can move your existing loan to the new property.
- Arrange bridging finance: if you need to buy before you’ve sold.
Buy first or sell first?
Selling first means you know exactly how much you have to spend, but you might need somewhere to live in between. Buying first means you secure the home you want, but you may need bridging finance and you’ll be relying on your current home selling for a good price. Many people aim to settle both on the same day, which takes careful timing.
How bridging finance works
A bridging loan is short-term lending that covers the period between buying your new home and receiving the money from selling your current one. It usually costs more than a standard mortgage, and lenders will want a realistic plan and timeframe for the sale. We’ll help you weigh up the risks before you commit.
Taking your loan with you
Some lenders let you move your existing loan to your new property, which can avoid break fees if you’re partway through a fixed term. Moving is also a natural time to review your lender and structure, especially if you’re borrowing more.
This is general information only and isn’t personalised financial advice. Everyone’s situation is different, so please talk to one of our advisers before making decisions about your lending.
Questions about moving home
Can’t see your question? Give us a call or send us a message. See our public disclosure for details of our fees and commissions.
Do I have to stay with my current bank when I move?
No. Moving is often a good time to compare lenders. Check first whether you’d face break fees or have to repay a cash contribution, and we’ll factor those in.
What is bridging finance?
A short-term loan that covers the gap when you buy a new home before your current one has sold. It’s usually more expensive than a standard mortgage, so it’s best kept as short as possible.
Can I keep my fixed rate when I move?
Some lenders let you transfer (port) your existing loan and fixed rate to your new home, which can avoid break fees. It depends on the lender and your new borrowing.
How much can I borrow for my next home?
It depends on your income, living costs, other debts and the equity you have in your current home. We can work out a realistic figure before you start looking.
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