Sounds like your friend isn't sure perhaps if he/she wants to sell, or are they? I would have thought that they would get a short term loan from a bank to buy, CONDITIONAL on them selling the existing house within a certain time period. Would need to persuade the bank to do this but couldn't see one of the main banks refusing, assuming there is a relationship with the bank, clean history, a legal commitment to sell is entered into, etc. Would need to have a very clear proposition, eg have identified house to buy, will sell within x months. Also obvious question bank will ask is the one you had - why not sell first? Also will come at a cost though, rate, legal fees.