Home exchange requires good timing and a clear plan

Family growth, lifestyle changes, or the desire for a better location may sooner or later spark the urge to browse the real estate market. But where should you start if buying a new home involves a bank loan?

Elari Tamm, Sales Director at Arco Vara, says that changing homes is often linked to life changes. “It’s like changing a suit – it becomes relevant when significant events happen in life,” he notes.

Although searching for a new home seems like the most exciting part for many, the practical work often begins with pricing the current home. According to Tamm, this is where most mistakes are made. “People tend to overestimate or underestimate their property,” he explains. If the price is too high, the apartment may sit on the market for months. If it’s too low, money is lost. Therefore, Tamm recommends consulting a specialist who understands the market.

Two transactions, one timing

In most cases, exchanging a home means selling the old one and buying a new one, and the timing of these two steps is crucial. “Many clients need to sell their current home before they can buy a new one,” says Tamm. This makes the process clearer but may also mean needing temporary accommodation.

Sometimes, however, a new home is found before the old one is sold. Then very practical questions arise. “Will the new home be ready on time? Will the kitchen and furniture be installed? These are completely human concerns,” Tamm describes.

In such situations, the question of financing also arises: will the bank help finance the purchase of a new home if there is already an existing home loan? According to Anne Pärgma, Head of Housing Loans at Swedbank, this is possible. A second loan can be taken to purchase a new home, while the sale of the previous one can be handled later.

“However, in this case, the family’s repayment capacity must be assessed, as for a period of time two home loans will need to be paid simultaneously. In addition, the utility costs of two homes must also be considered,” she explains. To make monthly payments more manageable during the transition period, clients may discuss with the bank whether it is necessary to take a principal payment holiday on one or both loans. A principal payment holiday means that during this period only interest is paid, and the loan balance does not decrease.

Pärgma emphasizes that terms should be discussed with the bank early on. “Generally, the bank expects the old home to be sold within one year. The sooner you can get rid of one loan, the better.”

Decisions are more deliberate today

According to Tamm, the decision-making process for homebuyers has become significantly longer in recent years. A more uncertain economic environment leads people to carefully consider both financing options and different offers. “People visit several banks, compare conditions, and look for reassurance. The same applies to developers – there is a wide range of choices, and people explore different options to find a solution that suits their needs,” he says.

Ultimately, changing homes comes down to a simple principle: you need a clear plan of what kind of home you are looking for, a realistic understanding of your financial capabilities, and the right timing. Waiting too long can unfortunately come at a cost in real estate – you may miss out on a good home.