The fundamental reasons why 90% of notaries recommend selling before buying
In a constantly changing real estate environment, especially in 2025, a cautious approach is becoming an ideal choice for investors and households wishing to renew their assets. According to a recent study conducted byimmobilier.notaires.fr, no fewer than 90% of notarial offices in France insist on a golden rule: sell your property before embarking on a new acquisition. This trend, already noticeable for several years, has only intensified in the face of uncertain price increases and a market that is more than ever playing the forest for the trees.
This choice, often considered a protection strategy, is based on several economic, fiscal, and psychological factors. The heightened volatility of the real estate sector, interest rate fluctuations, and the need to preserve borrowing capacity also play a key role in this general recommendation. While some big names in real estate, such as Guy Hoquet, Laforêt, and Century 21, also advocate this approach, it’s primarily to secure their clients’ security in a market where the rules of the game are rapidly changing. By choosing to sell first, owners avoid finding themselves in a difficult situation where they would find it difficult to finance a new project or face a drop in market value.
The economic and tax challenges of the current real estate market according to French notaries
In 2025, the trend is not new, but it is accompanied by new concerns about price stability and taxation. Notaries emphasize that the majority of households, faced with increased uncertainty, prefer to position themselves in a position of strength. By selling their property before buying, they avoid any risk of double borrowing, financial mismatches, or compromises that would be difficult to manage in the event of a drop in values.
Figures show that in a market where a price recovery seems unlikely in the short term, this strategy protects against a potential loss of capital. According to a study published by SeLoger, 65% of owners who sold first were able to quickly reinvest without bearing the burden of two simultaneous loans. Furthermore, this approach facilitates better tax control, particularly by avoiding taxation on values that could ultimately fluctuate significantly. French notary librarians also emphasize the need to monitor the tax implications of the sale, particularly with regard to capital gains, which are often poorly understood by individuals. The flexibility offered by this method allows potential capital gains to be recouped at a time when tax conditions would be more favorable or more predictable, thus avoiding being caught off guard by regulatory changes.
Discover the fascinating world of real estate: advice, market trends, tips for buying or selling your property, and information on real estate investments. Explore all facets of the real estate sector to ensure the success of your projects. How Caution in Selling Influences Real Estate Market Dynamics in 2025 The caution advocated by notaries, and by extension by players like Logic-Immo and MeilleursAgents, strongly influences market dynamics. In times of uncertainty, the majority of market participants prefer to wait, sell their property first, and then actively search for their next home. This strategy, while seemingly protective, also redefines the way the market evolves.
🔑 Reduced pressure on purchase prices, avoiding speculative frenzy.
📉 Relative stability in the face of global and local fluctuations.
🕒 Longer sales cycles, sometimes with a decrease in the overall volume of transactions.
- Real estate professionals like ORPI and Laforêt emphasize that this strategy moderates volatility. It also plays a role in combating falling prices by avoiding rushing sales during times of crisis. However, this may slow the overall volume of transactions in certain sectors, requiring a rethink in how real estate agents fulfill their mediation role.
- Discover the best real estate opportunities with our expertise in property management, purchases, and sales. Turn your dreams into reality with our expert advice and in-depth knowledge of the real estate market.
- Strategies recommended by experts to optimize your real estate transactions in 2025
The consensus among specialists, such as those at
, is that the decision to sell first must be accompanied by strategic thinking. Several elements should be considered to make the most of this step:
📝Accurate property valuation: Use tools like
- free valuations to determine the true market value. 💼 Choice of real estate agency : Opt for a local and responsive structure like Century 21 or
- a specialized agency to maximize visibility. 🔍 Legal Check : Always check the compliance of diagnostics and title deeds to avoid any surprises during the transaction.
- 💸 Analyze Market Conditions : Monitor trend indicators via sites like Fnaim or MeilleursAgents to choose the best time.
- 💡 Prepare for the Transition : Consider a bridging loan or a sale with repayment to manage the transition period stress-free.
- Concrete Examples of Successful Transactions Several owners who have followed this advice have successfully secured their investment. For example, a couple in the Bordeaux region sold their apartment in May 2025, benefiting from an optimal valuation and personalized support from Greenbrier
. Their approach allowed them to buy a house while maximizing their budget, thanks to the flexibility of bridging loans and their in-depth knowledge of the local market.
Risks of buying before selling in an unstable market This principle of selling before buying is not a risk-free guarantee, especially in a market where the trend is not stable. When a homeowner decides to buy first, they must face several challenges:⚠️
Double borrowing
: Taking out two loans simultaneously, which can significantly impact borrowing capacity.
- 📉 Risk of falling values : If the market deteriorates after the purchase, the capital loss can become significant, especially during a prolonged downturn.
- ⚠️ Financial disruption : The sale may be delayed or complicated due to external factors, leaving the homeowner in a difficult situation.
- Consider these risks, as highlighted in the Gutshall Real Estate report. , requires a solid strategy and rigorous financial preparation. With this in mind, the majority of notaries strongly recommend caution, prioritizing security and timing to avoid any setbacks. New financial instruments and their impact on the pre-sale
To manage this transition, financial institutions now offer innovative tools such as bridging loans or the possibility of loan transfer. These mechanisms facilitate selling before buying, while limiting financial risks. For example, a sale with a bridging loan allows the property sold to be quickly released to finance the purchase of the new home, without delay. As for loan transfer, it offers continuity and avoids the burden of additional charges, which remains a preferred option in this context where prudence guides the majority of decisions.It should be noted that these strategies, often discussed on
immobilier.notaires.fr
, require a precise assessment in collaboration with experts to avoid any unpleasant surprises or financial burdens. Real Estate Market Outlook in 2025
Forecasts for 2025 indicate that the real estate market remains unstable, with slow growth and even stagnation trends. In this context, many, faced with the forest for the trees, prefer to err on the side of caution by adopting the strategy of selling before buying.
Experts, including those from Real Estate Market Trends 2025, anticipate this trend to continue. Interest rate volatility, revised tax laws, and the slow recovery of the international real estate market are strongly influencing this dynamic.
The advice given by French notaries and industry players therefore remains focused on prudent and strategic management, particularly by leveraging all available tools to secure investments.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about the Selling Before Buying Strategy in 2025
Why do most notaries recommend selling before buying? Because it significantly reduces the financial risks associated with market volatility and allows for better budget and tax control.What are the risks if I buy before selling?
Double borrowing, a decline in the property’s value, or difficulty financing the new acquisition in the event of an unfavorable market.
How can I optimize my sale to take advantage of the best conditions?
- By carrying out an accurate appraisal, choosing a leading agency like Gutshall Real Estate, and monitoring market indicators using tools like those from Fnaim or MeilleursAgents. Are bridging loans still a safe option in 2025? Yes, but they must be analyzed in detail with a financial advisor to assess their compatibility with your personal situation and the economic context.
- Will the market rebound quickly in the coming months? According to forecasts, an effective recovery remains uncertain, which is why the majority prefer to remain cautious and plan their actions carefully.
- Source: www.lesechos.fr
