Where to Live Between Selling and Buying

The most common places to live between selling and buying a home are short-term rentals, extended stay hotels, or with family. According to Zillow data, selling and buying at the same time is rare: Only 14% of dual buyer-sellers said they did both at or around the same time. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the options available to bridge the gap between selling and buying.

Is renting a good option between selling and buying?

Renting short-term is one of the most common solutions for sellers in need of temporary housing. Short-term rentals provide you with both privacy and stability between selling one home and closing on the next.

Month-to-month rentals are flexible options for sellers who don’t know how fast their home will sell, and furnished apartments eliminate the need to move belongings into a temporary home. However, if you choose a furnished apartment, factor in the cost of a storage unit.

One potential benefit of renting between selling and buying is trying out a new neighborhood. For example, if you plan to buy a house in another state, living in a short-term rental first allows you to explore schools, commutes, and amenities before purchasing.

Are extended stay hotels a good short-term option?

Extended stay hotels are a convenient short-term housing option between selling and buying. They’re fully furnished, include utilities, and require no long-term lease. Designed for stays of a week to several months, extended stay hotels are perfect for bridging shorter timing gaps.

Why extended stay hotels work well

• No need to set up utilities or buy furniture
• Amenities like kitchens, laundry, Wi-Fi, and housekeeping are included
• Flexible weekly or monthly rates

What to keep in mind

• Daily costs add up quickly for longer stays
• Units are typically smaller than an apartment rental
• Less personalization and privacy than a rental 

Extended stay hotels may be the right option if your next home is already under contract and you need housing for a short period before closing or move-in.

Should you stay with family or friends between selling and buying?

Staying with family or friends is one of the most affordable ways to cover housing gaps that result from buying and selling at the same time. This option can be free or very low cost, and it comes with built-in flexibility if your pending home sale falls through. Having emotional support nearby can also make the transition feel less overwhelming.

Potential drawbacks of this approach include a lack of privacy and control. Sharing a space can be difficult, especially if the stay lasts longer than expected, and you’ll have less say over schedules, routines, and personal space.

Are creative options like vacation rentals, house-sitting, or sublets worth it?

Creative options are worth it for sellers who are flexible on timing and open to unconventional housing. Here are some alternative ideas for where to live between selling and buying a home.

• RVs or vacation rentals: If you own or rent an RV, or can book a rental on Airbnb or VRBO, your gap period could turn into a mini adventure. 
• House-sitting: By looking after pets or maintaining the property while the owners are away, you may be able to stay in the home at little to no cost.
• Sublets: A sublet is when you rent a home or apartment from the current tenant for a set period, often because they’re away or moving before their lease ends. It can be an affordable short-term option, and many sublets come furnished.

If you don’t have the flexibility for a vacation rental, house-sitting arrangement, or sublet, another option is negotiating a short rent-back with your buyer.

Can you stay in your home after selling it?

A rent-back agreement lets you stay in your home briefly after closing by paying rent to the buyer. You might cover the buyer’s new mortgage payment and insurance during the extra weeks you remain in the home. This can prevent the hassle of moving twice, but it only works if your buyer agrees. 

An experienced Zillow partner agent can help you negotiate a rent-back arrangement and make sure the terms work for both you and the buyer.

How do you choose the right option for your situation?

The best choice depends on your budget, family needs, and how long you expect the gap between homes to last. Short gaps may be easiest to cover with an extended stay hotel or family stay, while longer gaps often call for a short-term rental. Creative options like sublets or house-sitting can also work if you’re flexible. The table below provides a quick comparison to help you weigh the options.

Where to live between selling and buying 

From rentals to extended stays, family help, or even a vacation rental in an exciting destination, there are many options for finding a place to live between selling and buying. 

This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not real estate, legal, tax, or financial advice. Speak to a licensed professional for personalized advice specific to your needs.