diff --git a/lib/transaction_prepare.c b/lib/transaction_prepare.c
index 35430b7c..5b7b411e 100644
--- a/lib/transaction_prepare.c
+++ b/lib/transaction_prepare.c
@@ -327,6 +327,13 @@ xbps_transaction_prepare(struct xbps_handle *xhp)
 	}
 	xbps_object_release(edges);
 
+	/*
+	 * Do not perform any checks if XBPS_FLAG_DOWNLOAD_ONLY
+	 * is set. We just need to download the archives (dependencies).
+	 */
+	if (xhp->flags & XBPS_FLAG_DOWNLOAD_ONLY)
+		goto out;
+
 	/*
 	 * If all pkgs in transaction are on hold, no need to check
 	 * for anything else.
@@ -345,13 +352,6 @@ xbps_transaction_prepare(struct xbps_handle *xhp)
 	if (all_on_hold)
 		goto out;
 
-	/*
-	 * Do not perform any checks if XBPS_FLAG_DOWNLOAD_ONLY
-	 * is set. We just need to download the archives (dependencies).
-	 */
-	if (xhp->flags & XBPS_FLAG_DOWNLOAD_ONLY)
-		goto out;
-
 	/*
 	 * Check for packages to be replaced.
 	 */